Overview
How do we discover the treasures that are hidden in Christ?
We must dig into the word of God day by day, and His glories will be revealed to us.
Remember, we have the Holy Spirit to help us. The Lord Jesus said in John 16.14 of the Divine Spirit, “He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of mine and shall show it unto you.”
Just as Abraham’s servant gave to Rebecca jewels of silver and jewels of gold as the tokens of his master’s wealth, so the Spirit unfolds the unsearchable riches of Christ to us today. (Genesis 24.22)
How much we need to apprehend something of the Divine wisdom and knowledge available in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Colossians chapter 2.1-7
Treasures in Him
In chapter 2, Paul expands upon the dangers facing the Colossians, because he wants them to know and be fully aware about the intentions of the false teachers.
In verses 1 – 3 he writes about his conflict, their comfort, their comprehension and, most importantly, about Christ!
His conflict
Paul continues with the theme introduced at the end of chapter 1, as the word “striving” is from the same root as “conflict” in chapter 2. A similar but more intense word is used of the Lord Jesus in Luke 22.44: “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” W.E. Vine says “it speaks of the inward conflict of the soul” and has its imagery taken from the athletes contending against each other in the games. This concern was for all at Colosse and Laodicea and even those Paul had never met personally.
Their comfort
The objective of Paul’s intense prayers was that he might encourage their hearts, as a result of his drawing alongside them. He wanted them to be glued together in the unity that mutual love produces, and not to allow the false teachers to divide them.
Their comprehension
“Unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding” shows that there is something blessed about having the certainty and assurance that what we understand as the truth of God is indeed the truth. If we begin to waver and have doubts about what we believe it leaves us open to all kinds of error that will potentially undermine our faith. Paul is assuring them of the richness of truth they have received, of the greatness of the gospel and of the glories of the Person and work of Christ.
Christ is the mystery
The next phrase in verse 2 is changed by the Revised Version to read “the mystery of God, even Christ,” and the Newberry notes tell us that “and of the Father and of Christ” is omitted by certain manuscripts. A.T. Robertson says of this that it follows that “Christ is the mystery of God, no longer hidden, but manifested and meant for us to know to the fullness of our capacity.” Paul goes on to explain that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are to be found in Him. Treasure is literally “a place of safe keeping” for the fullness of Divine wisdom and knowledge. Solomon was renowned for his wisdom but “a greater than Solomon is here.” Twice over in John’s gospel (chapter 16.30 and chapter 21.17.) it was said to the Lord “Thou knowest all things,” and here we have, underlined, the limitless expanse of infinite knowledge found in Christ!
In verses 4 – 7 Paul warns of the onslaught of words against them, but is encouraged by the order which was evident among them and the objective of their walk in Him.
Onslaught of words
These were words with the intention to delude and lead astray. To do this the false teachers would present plausible arguments that may sound acceptable but are entirely spurious and cannot stand the scrutiny of scripture.
Order he witnessed
Although Paul had never been there in person, he assures the saints he is with them in spirit, and this must have strengthened their resolve against their enemies. He rejoiced in the godly order among them and the firmness of their unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus.
Objective of their walk
Paul exhorts them to walk in keeping with the fact that they had received Christ Jesus the Lord, submitting to His authority over them. Christ was their foundation and the sphere of their edification as long as they remained true and assured in the faith they had been taught. Their position in Christ and the progress being made because of their persistence in adhering to the faith, were all a means of overflowing praise and thanksgiving being offered to God.
Next time:
We are filled full in Him, but we must beware.