Paul explains why he has made this great claim for Christ at this point in his discussion. The treasures of genuine spiritual wisdom are in Christ and, therefore, to allow oneself to be deceived about this can produce profound disorder in the Christian’s life. We leave ourselves open for conquest by the persuasive speech of heretics. On the other hand, the conviction that all spiritual wisdom is found in Him dispels the false teaching. Paul’s burden is that the Colossians must not surrender to the glib and sometimes convincing arguments of false teachers, but remember that in Christ they have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The heresies of the present century seem to be no less convincing to the ignorant and unwary!

S. Lewis Johnson comments on

"I say this" -- "The apostle has just expressed his anxious concern for the Colossians (Colossians 2:1, 2, 3), and he now enlarges upon the reason for it. The touto lego (AV, “this I say”) makes the connection, the “this” referring to that which has preceded. The treasures of genuine spiritual wisdom are in Christ and, therefore, to allow oneself to be deceived about this can produce profound disorder in the Christian’s life. We leave ourselves open for conquest by the persuasive speech of the heretics. On the other hand, the conviction that all spiritual wisdom is found in Him dispels the false teaching." (Bibliotheca Sacra:  Dallas Theological Seminary. page 309, 1962)

What is the great danger?

John MacArthur illustrates the danger of delusion and persuasive words writing

''There once was an old church in England. A sign on the front of the building read ''We preach Christ crucified.'' After a time, ivy grew up and obscured the last word...''We preach Christ.'' The ivy grew some more, and motto read, 'We preach.'' Finally, ivy covered the entire sign, and the church died. Such is the fate of any church that fails to carry out its mission in the world.''

And such is the fate of any church that is deluded by persuasive arguments or taken captive by philosophy. And such a fate happened to the church at Colossae who began with

"faith in Christ Jesus and...love for all the saints...in the Spirit". (Col 1:3, 8-See note Col 1:3; 1:8)

The Colossian church clearly manifested Christian love, but Paul is concerned about their ability to discern, something that seems to be a frequent thought in his mind for all the churches, writing for example to the  church at Philippi "

this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ." (Php 1:9, 10-See notes Ph 1:9; 10) 

John Gill wrote that

Some Christians are more affectionate, and less knowing; others are more knowing, and less affectionate; it is well when love and knowledge go and keep pace together"

While it is true that we must manifest love and approach the Word of God with a non-critical spirit and an open mind, we also must recognize that God’s truth provides absolute boundaries.

As G. K. Chesterton once said,

“Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.”

Paul would agree.

Calvin adds that

"the knowledge of Christ is of itself amply sufficient. And, unquestionably, this is the key that can close the door against all base errors...those are out of danger who remain in Christ, but that those who are not satisfied with Christ are exposed to all fallacies and deceptions...it is a passage, certainly, that ought to be singularly esteemed. For as he who has taught men to know nothing except Christ, has provided against all wicked doctrines"

MAY DELUDE: humas paralogizetai (3SPMS):  (Mt 24:4, Ac 20:30, Ro 16:18, 2Cor 11:2, 11, 12, 13, Gal 1:8, 2:4, Ep 4:14, 5:6, 2Th 2:9, 10, 11, 1Ti 4:1, 2Ti 3:13, Titus 1:10, 11, 2Pe 2:1, 2, 3, 1Jn 2:18, 26, 4:1, 2Jn 1:7, Rev 12:9, 20:3,8, Torrey's Topic "False Doctrine")

Delude (3884) (paralogizomai from para = beside, alongside + logizomai = to reason, to count) is literally to reason beside or alongside (think about it as reasoning with words "alongside" or "beside" Truth), to beguile by mere probability that something is true and so to mislead. It primarily means to reckon wrong, then to reason falsely, and so to deceive by false reasoning. Note the present tense which Wuest renders "may be leading you astray".

Paralogizomai is translated deceive, lead from truth to error, beguile, elude by craftiness. The preposition para conveys the idea of counting "beside" or counting "aside" with the idea of "miscalculating".  If the target is the truth, there is something alongside it that looks very much like the truth, and these men focus upon that, rather than the truth. We've all met some artful person who initially deluded us with their false appearance and words, only later to be exposed.

Vincent notes...

From para, beside, contrary to, and logizomai, to reckon, and hence to conclude by reasoning. The deception referred to is, therefore, that into which one betrays himself by false reasoning — reasoning beside the truth.

James has the only other NT use of this word...

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.  (James 1:22-note)

Comment:  The idea of paralogizomai is that of incorrect reckoning or reasoning, often including the idea of deliberate false reasoning for the purpose of deceiving. In mathematics, the meaning is that of miscalculation. Professing Christians who hear the Word without obeying it make a serious "spiritual miscalculation", which causes them to delude themselves. Such a man does not delude anyone but himself! They are self-deceived. An old Scottish expression speaks of such false Christians as “sermon tasters who never tasted the grace of God.” Any response to the gospel that does not include obedience is self-deception.  See discussion of the relationship of faith and obedience. If a profession of faith in Christ does not result in a changed life that hungers and thirsts for God’s Word and desires to obey that Word, the profession is only that—a mere profession. Satan, of course, loves such professions, because they give church members the damning notion that they are saved when they are not! He is still their spiritual father and not God. See discussion of Jesus' stern warning that "not everyone who says to Me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven" Mt 4:21, 22, 23-see notes Mt 7:21; 22; 23)

Delusion is one of the favorite weapons of the old serpent, the devil, who

"was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" (Gen 3:1)

To be deceived like Eve was is to think you know or are doing something right, but it is really wrong. A perfect illustration is seen in the 300+ year of the judges in Israel --

"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Jdg 21:25) 

Truth and error may be made to look almost the same, but one is a counterfeit. In these days when we have so many counterfeit and imitation things around we are used to be being deceived and not even be alarmed at how easy we are "suckered". Plastic looks like metal. Flowers are made of silk. We are daily touching things that are imitations of the real thing. But imitations have limitations and if you start regarding them as real you are in trouble. That is why Paul is "struggling" for believers he has never seen. The specific delusions Paul has in mind are alluded to in the specific warnings that follow.

Jacob used paralogizomai  when he reproached Laban for refusing to live up to his bargain with him concerning Rachel, saying,

“What is this thou hast done unto me? did I not serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled (Greek translates the Hebrew with paralogizomai) me?” (Ge 29:25).

Paralogizomai was used in secular Greek writings of a keeper of a state library who had shown a willingness to "make a wrong use of" certain documents. Paul uses it to point to drawing an erroneous conclusion from the reasoning submitted. That which is logical after having reasoned about something. So they come alongside you with their very logical sounding reasoning and they cheat their hearers by the use of this false reasoning. These false teachers were seeking to mislead the mind or judgment of the Colossians in regard to Who Christ was and who they were in Christ. Nothing much new here! These heretics sought to deceive the Colossians so thoroughly with their false logic that the truth about Christ was obscured.

Clarke adds that paralogizomai means to

"deceive by sophistry or subtle reasoning, in which all the conclusions appear to be fairly drawn from the premises, but the premises are either assumed without evidence, or false in themselves; but this not being easily discovered, the unthinking or unwary are carried away by the conclusions which are drawn from these premises."

Guzik comments that

"Those who taught these dangerous things among the Colossian Christians were very persuasive. The lure of "hidden" and "deep" wisdom and knowledge can be strong, but still deceptive. Many today deceive with persuasive words by quoting a whole bunch of Bible verses. But the Devil himself quotes Scripture. We must compare everyone's teaching against all of God's Word. We should all have the spirit of the Bereans (Acts 17:11-note;), who compared even the teaching of Paul with Scripture...It might sound simple, but deceivers are deceivers. They won't announce their false doctrine as false doctrine, and it will often be similar enough to the truth to be dangerous."

Paul gives a parallel warning in his letter to the Corinthians warning about

"such men (who) are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds." (2Cor 11:13, 14, 15)

WITH PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTS: en pithanologia:

Persuasive (4086) (pithanologia from peitho = to convince by argument, true or false [the stem "peith-" or "pith-" has the basic meaning of trust] + logia = logic, related to the logos, the "word", which is not just the word but the "reason", the "intelligence") refers to enticing words and is practically equivalent to the expression ''To talk someone into something.'' It refers to the art of persuasion which is the height of oratory, but it easily degenerates into trickery and deceit (which is how Paul uses it). The one speaking uses plausible but false arguments (another good reason to know the Truth!)

Paul claimed on the other hand that  

"my message and my preaching were not in persuasive (pithos = persuasive also from peitho) words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1Cor 2:4). 

Paul warned his young protégée Timothy that

"the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths." (see notes 2 Timothy 4:3; 4:4)

Pithanologia was used in secular Greek of the law court and refers to the lawyer’s persuasive speech and its power to influence an audience towards an unjust verdict. In Classical Greek the word referred to the use of probable arguments as opposed to demonstrable arguments. Paul’s point is that even though the arguments seem to make sense (sound reasonable), they are in the end false and the Colossians must not surrender to the glib, sometimes convincing arguments of the false teachers, but remember that, in having Christ, they have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The heresies of the present century seem to be no less convincing to the ignorant and unwary. Paul is not arguing against the study of philosophy or serious thinking, but is arguing against the uncritical adoption of a philosophy that is at odds with a proper view of Christ and the ethics of the Christian life.

Barclay adds that pithanologia

"was a word of the law-courts; it was the word used for the persuasive power of a lawyer’s arguments, which could enable the criminal to escape his just punishment. The true Church should have such a grip of the truth that it is unmoved by seductive arguments."

J. I. Packer warns that the

"Sad experience shows that bad theology infects the heart with misbelief and unbelief, the spiritual equivalents of multiple sclerosis! Many who ran well have been progressively paralyzed through ingesting bad theology, and the danger remains. Theological expertise can feed intellectual pride, turning one into a person who cares more for knowing true notions than for knowing the true God, and that is disastrous, too."

So these false teachers will use "persuasive logic" as they come alongside. Wayne Barber tells about how he formerly got into the trap of "confessing his righteousness". He realizes now that you don't need to confess your righteousness because you are by His doing in Christ. The challenge for every blood bought, heaven bound believer is to discover and re-discover WHO YOU ARE in Christ and then in His power to conduct yourself thereafter on the basis of "WHOSE" you are! The reason Wayne got trapped in this subtle false teaching was that their was a lot about it which was RIGHT. (cp 2 Peter 2:1 "secretly introduce destructive heresies" - see note) Wayne was thinking that he could confess himself into the reality of being what he was confessing. It sounded so good and so much better than having to "go to the cross." Don't you hate to think about sin in your life? The false teaching was that he didn't have to deal with sin anymore. That was before the Cross. Now I can confess my righteousness. It's a trap. Look out when they tell you about a "new TEACHING" that they have. If you ever get away from your total sufficiency in Christ and His Word, then you're going to have your mind kidnapped by these people who so cleverly know how to come alongside you and bring the false doctrine and ease it in. So Paul prayed that they would be strengthened for the battle, the BATTLE OF THE MIND.

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Great illustration of the delusion by "persuasive argument"

They constructed pasteboard look-alikes of tanks and airplanes to deceive the Germans. From the air this fake equipment looked real enough to fool reconnaissance personnel, and it could be easily moved.  Satan, whom Jesus referred to as "the ruler of this world" (Jn 16:11), is a master deceiver. He was the driving force behind the teachers who were trying to persuade the Colossians to accept heresy as truth (Colossians 2:4, 2:8). Followers of Christ today are in a similar battle. How do we defend ourselves against deceivers? Paul used military terms in his comments to the Colossians that can help us to know what to do. First, he commended them for their "good order," which refers to being battle-ready, disciplined soldiers. Second, he spoke of the "steadfastness" of their faith in Christ, which refers to having a solid front. They had an unshaken commitment to their Lord and the advance of His kingdom. Don't be fooled by Satan's lies. Know the truth of God's Word, and be battle-ready through a disciplined life and an unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ. --DCE

The shield of faith protects us
From Satan's fiery darts;
And he cannot deceive us
With God's Word in our hearts. --Sper

God's truth is the best protection against Satan's lies.

FOR EVEN THOUGH I AM ABSENT IN BODY NEVERTHELESS I AM WITH YOU IN SPIRIT: ei gar kai te sarki apeimi (1SPAI) alla to pneumati sun humin eimi (1SPAI):  (1Co 5:3, 4, 1Th 2:17)

For (gar) gives the reason for something. In context Paul is explaining how even though he was unknown (by face) to the Colossians he was still able to give such a warning.

I am absent in body - How? Where? Obviously in prison in Rome. As Beet says...

While the weak and mortal flesh of Paul lingered in prison at Rome, the eye of his spirit was fixed on the Christians at Colossae. (Beet, J. A. Beet's Commentaries: Colossians. Ages Software)

I am with you in spirit - Paul's attitude of concern and in this case rejoicing is interesting considering that he may never have even seen the Colossian assembly face to face. This statement also underscores the living, dynamic aspect of the church, the body of Christ with one Head and many supernaturally inter-connected members.

John Calvin comments...

Lest any one should object that the admonition was unseasonable, as coming from a place so remote, he says, that his affection towards them made him be present with them in spirit, and judge of what is expedient for them, as though he were present. By praising, also, their present condition, he admonishes them not to fall back from it, or turn aside.

Paul has a virtually identical description in his first epistle to the Corinthians writing...

For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this (see 1Co 5:1,2), as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1Cor 5:3, 4, 5)

And again in a similar phrase in his letter to the Thessalonians Paul wrote that

we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.  (1Th 2:17-note)

REJOICING TO SEE YOUR GOOD DISCIPLINE: chairon (PAPMSN) kai blepon (PAPMSN) humon ten taxin:  

Literally the Greek reads "rejoicing and seeing"

Rejoicing (5463) (chairo) means to be glad or delighted in something. It was also used as a greeting (and so is rendered greet, greeting or hail in some passages, Mt 26:49, 27:29 contrasted with Mt 28:9). The present tense indicates that this Paul is continually rejoicing in their spiritual discipline and stability ("walking in the truth" - see below). Anyone who has discipled young men as I do understands the joy that Paul is describing (cp 2Ti 1:3, 4-note). It's a joy that literally brings tears to your eyes because you know it is another testimony of the faithfulness and supernatural power of a great God who desires to see His children continually growing in grace and the knowledge (and likeness) of His Son (cp 2Pe 3:18-note). And so we see John's similar exclamation writing...

I have no greater joy (chara) than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3Jn 4)

Remember that in his second letter John warned...

Watch (present imperative = commanding a continual awareness to take heed to avoid spiritual potholes, snares, etc) yourselves, that (purpose clause - John explains why he command continual spiritual perception) you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.

Comment: There is a future day of recompense (cp Re 22:12-note), the of Christ, when all believers will be assessed individually as to their works whether good (endure the fire) or bad (thrown out), this assessment even including a "motive check" (Woe! 1Cor 4:5) in addition to the "fiery judgment" described in 1Co 3:11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

Paul in his letter to the Romans expressed a similar sentiment for a similar reason...

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing (chairo - again in the  present tense) over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. (Ro 16:17, 18-note,  Ro 16:19-note)

Chairo - 74x in 68v (An interesting mini-study - observe [and/or make a list of] what is associated with rejoicing or causes one to rejoice - note some verses as stated use chairo as a greeting) - Matt. 2:10; 5:12; 18:13; 26:49; 27:29; 28:9; Mk. 14:11; 15:18; Lk. 1:14, 28; 6:23; 10:20; 13:17; 15:5, 32; 19:6, 37; 22:5; 23:8; Jn. 3:29; 4:36; 8:56; 11:15; 14:28; 16:20, 22; 19:3; 20:20; Acts 5:41; 8:39; 11:23; 13:48; 15:23, 31; 23:26; Rom. 12:12, 15; 16:19; 1 Co. 7:30; 13:6; 16:17; 2 Co. 2:3; 6:10; 7:7, 9, 13, 16; 13:9, 11; Phil. 1:18; 2:17f, 28; 3:1; 4:4, 10; Col. 1:24; 2:5; 1 Thess. 3:9; 5:16; Jas. 1:1; 1 Pet. 4:13; 2 Jn. 1:4, 10f; 3 Jn. 1:3; Rev. 11:10; 19:7

The NAS renders chairo as am glad(1), glad(7), gladly(1), greeted(1), greeting(2), greetings(3), hail(5),joyfully(1), rejoice(33), rejoiced(8), rejoices(2), rejoicing(10).

Good discipline (5010) (taxis) describing the orderly array of soldiers with the line being unbroken and intact. A few stragglers may have been swayed by the persuasive arguments, but there was no panic, no breach in the line.

Paul uses taxis in same sense in first Corinthians writing...

But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. (1Co 14:40)

Taxis - 9x in 8v- Lk. 1:8; 1Co. 14:40; Col. 2:5; Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11, 17 and is rendered by the NAS as good discipline(1), order(7), orderly manner(1).

“When these attractive but false arguments intrude into the Christian life, they destroy its orderliness and stability.”

The Christian life is orderly, for God is a God of order (as is everywhere evident in His physical creation). So the Church should be orderly as this reflects His nature. God is not out of control, so a church in harmony with Him is not out of control. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church to "let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner (taxis)." (1Co 14:40) again alluding to the the order and regularity with which an army is drawn up. Surely most of his readers had seen the discipline and order of the Roman troops and fully understood Paul's metaphor of the church as an array of soldiers.

AND THE STABILITY: kai to stereoma:

Stability in the Christian life was important to Paul as seen in his great charge to the saints at Corinth (in the midst of gross paganism, idolatry and immorality! This may account for the similarity of the following two exhortations)...

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be (present imperative) steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1Cor 15:58)

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1Co 16:13) (All four verbs = present imperative - calling for and showing the need for these spiritual attitudes and actions to be a believer's lifestyle something only possible for one who is continually empowered by the Spirit).

And to the saints at Thessalonica Paul again emphasized spiritual stability...

for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. (1Th 3:8)

Stability (4733) (stereoma) from stereoo = to strengthen, confirm, in turn from stereos = solid, stable - used only in this verse in the NT) refers to a solid body that has been made firm, strong and unchanging, and in the context describes the Colossian church's steadfastness despite the blustery winds of false doctrine (cp Ep 4:14-note, cp 1Cor 14:20, God speaking to Judah = Je 4:22)

Why were they orderly & stable? For one thing their hearts had been "knit together in love" (Col 2:2-note) and they had full assurance that came from a understanding of the full knowledge of what they possessed in Christ Who was in them. And of course they were stable because their faith was laid on a firm foundation of "in Christ", the unchanging Rock of our salvation (cp Ps 19:14-note)

Barclay comments that taxis and stereoma

present a vivid picture, for they are both military words. The word translated order is taxis, which means a rank or an ordered arrangement. The Church should be like an ordered army, with every man in his appointed place, ready and willing to obey the word of command. The word translated firmness is stereoma, which means a solid bulwark, an immovable phalanx. It describes an army set out in an unbreakable square, solidly immovable against the shock of the enemy’s charge. Within the Church there should be disciplined order and strong steadiness, like the order and steadiness of a trained and disciplined body of troops.

OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST: tes eis Christon pisteos humon:  (Ps 78:8,37 Ac16:5 1Co 15:58, 16:13 1Th 3:8 Heb 3:14 1Pe 5:9  2Pe 3:17, 18)

The psalmist description of the OT Jews, the majority of which were not truly saved warns...

Psalm 78:8 And not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God... 37 For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant.

Comment: Note the adjectives that characterize unbelief - stubborn, rebellious, unprepared heart, unfaithful spirit, heart not steadfast, unfaithful to covenant. These are still some of the characteristics of unbelievers, whether they are Jew or Gentile.

Spurgeon: A generation that set not their heart aright. They had no decision for righteousness and truth. In them there was no preparedness, or willingness of heart, to entertain the Saviour; neither judgments, nor mercies could bind their affections to their God; they were fickle as the winds, and changeful as the waves.

And whose spirit was not steadfast with God. The tribes in the wilderness were constant only in their inconstancy; there was no depending upon them. It was, indeed, needful that their descendants should be warned, so that they might not blindly imitate them. How blessed it would be if each age improved upon its predecessor; but, alas! it is to be feared that decline is more general than progress, and too often the heirs of true saints are far more rebellious than even their fathers were in their unregeneracy. May the reading of this patriotic and divine song move many to labour after the elevation of themselves and their posterity.

For their heart was not right with him. There was no depth in their repentance, it was not heart work. They were fickle as a weathercock, every wind turned them, their mind was not settled upon God.

Neither were they stedfast in his covenant. Their promises were no sooner made than broken, as if only made in mockery. Good resolutions called at their hearts as men do at inns; they tarried awhile, and then took their leave. They were hot today for holiness, but cold towards it tomorrow. Variable as the hues of the dolphin, they changed from reverence to rebellion, from thankfulness to murmuring. One day they gave their gold to build a tabernacle for Jehovah, and the next they plucked off their earrings to make a golden calf. Surely the heart is a chameleon. Proteus had not so many changes. As in the ague we both burn and freeze, so do inconstant natures in their religion.

Faith (4102) (pistis [word study]) is synonymous with trust or belief and is the conviction of the truth of anything, but in Scripture usually speaks of belief  respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it.

Beet writes that...

The Christians at Colossae held their position as good soldiers: and their faith in Christ enabled them to present to every enemy an immoveable line of battle. The military tone of this verse suggests that looseness in faith exposes Christians to disastrous overthrow. The phrase rendered faith in Christ is not found elsewhere in the N.T.: but we have faith towards God in 1Th 1:8-note; Philemon 1:5; and a similar phrase believe in God or in Christ in Ro 10:14-note; Php 1:29-note; 1Pe 1:8-note, 1Pe 1:21-note, and frequently in the Fourth Gospel.

The truthfulness of Paul compels us to accept these words as complete proof that the Christians at Colossae had not yet been actually led away by the delusion against which he now warns them. If so, this verse is not only a courteous, but a necessary, recognition, in view of the warnings which follow, of their loyal adherence to the truth. (Ibid)

True faith that saves one's soul includes at least three elements (1) firm persuasion or firm conviction, (2) a surrender to that truth and (3) a conduct emanating from that surrender. In sum, faith shows itself genuine by a changed life. (Click here for W E Vine's definition)

In Christ (See discussion of what it means to be In Christ and in Christ Jesus)

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HOW TO ESCAPE DECEPTION- I am...rejoicing the see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Deception has always been part of military strategy. The British put it to good use during World War II in North Africa against German forces led by General Erwin Rommel. They constructed pasteboard look-alikes of tanks and airplanes to deceive the Germans. From the air this fake equipment looked real enough to fool reconnaissance personnel, and it could be easily moved.

Satan, whom Jesus referred to as "the ruler of this world" (John 16:11), is a master deceiver. He was the driving force behind the teachers who were trying to persuade the Colossians to accept heresy as truth (Col 2:4,8).

Followers of Christ today are in a similar battle. How do we defend ourselves against deceivers? Paul used military terms in his comments to the Colossians that can help us to know what to do. First, he commended them for their "good order," which refers to being battle-ready, disciplined soldiers. Second, he spoke of the "steadfastness" of their faith in Christ, which refers to having a solid front. They had an unshaken commitment to their Lord and the advance of His kingdom.

Don't be fooled by Satan's lies. Know the truth of God's Word, and be battle-ready through a disciplined life and an unswerving commitment to Jesus Christ. -- David C. Egner  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

THEREFORE AS YOU HAVE RECEIVED: hôs oun parelabete (2PAAI): (Mt 10:40, 18:5, Lk 9:48, John 1:12, 13, 13:20 Jude 1:3)

The warning against defection through delusion is followed by exhortation to advance in the life of faith and the "therefore"  marks the transition. 

Have received (3880) (paralambano from para = beside + lambano = receive) means to receive to oneself what is imparted or delivered over. Paul is saying that at some point the Colossians by faith laid hold of and took possession of the Truth presented. 

Here paralambano means to receive something transmitted, as spiritual instruction or truth (1Cor 11:23, Gal 1:9) or a ministry (Col 4:17- note)

The saints at Colossae had received the living Christ, just as the saints at Thessalonica had received God's living Word (He 4:12-note, 1Pe 1:23-note)...

And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received (paralambano) from us the word of God's message, you accepted (dechomai) it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. (1Th 2:13-note)

Paralambano - 49x in NT - Matt. 1:20, 24; 2:13f, 20f; 4:5, 8; 12:45; 17:1; 18:16; 20:17; 24:40f; 26:37; 27:27; Mk. 4:36; 5:40; 7:4; 9:2; 10:32; 14:33; Lk. 9:10, 28; 11:26; 17:34f; 18:31; Jn. 1:11; 14:3; 19:16; Acts 15:39; 16:33; 21:24, 26, 32; 23:18; 1 Co. 11:23; 15:1, 3; Gal. 1:9, 12; Phil. 4:9; Col. 2:6; 4:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 4:1; 2 Thess. 3:6; Heb. 12:28

CHRIST JESUS THE LORD: ton Christon Iesoun ton kurion:

This is the only occurrence of the specific name "Christ Jesus the Lord" in Scripture, which is no "accident".

Vine notes that

"Jesus, the historic person, who, as His name signifies, is Jehovah the Savior by reason of what He accomplished by His expiatory death, and as Lord, the One whose authority and control of the life are joyously recognized."

Paul use therefore appears to address two forms of heresy about the Person of Christ. First, "Jesus" in His humanity stands opposed to Docetism (dokeo = to appear) the heresy that Christ’s human body was an illusion and His death was a dramatic “appearance”. They said that 

“If He suffered He was not God; if He was God He did not suffer.”

Docetism was popular among Greeks since its dismissal of Christ’s body helped remove the scandal Hellenistic thinkers found in the Incarnation.  Second, the identification of Christ or Messiah with the historical Jesus countered the heresy Cerinthianism (ca. A.D. 100) separated Jesus from Christ. He taught that the Christ spirit came on the man Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary, at His baptism and empowered His ministry, but left Him before His crucifixion. Thus Cerinthus taught the heresy that only the man Jesus died and rose again, rejecting the doctrine of the Incarnation and negating the Christian teaching of the atonement.

Paul’s point is that the Colossians had “received Christ Jesus as Lord” and that they would remain safe from spiritual seduction (apostasy) if they continued to walk in submission to him. We too will be resistant to the gnosticizing influences around us if we walk in the reality of “Christ Jesus as Lord.” The reason the major cults are cults is because they have defective doctrines of Christ. The Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, etc., say, like the Gnostics, that they believe in Christ—but what kind of Christ? Certainly not the Christ of the Scriptures. This is also true of virulent forms of legalism and some of the extreme forms of the “prosperity gospel” which eat away at the fringes of evangelicalism. The safeguard against this is a perpetual bowing before Christ Jesus, the Lord, in line with our initial awareness that we are Christ’s and our sins are forgiven.

IN HIM WALK: en auto peripateite (2PPAM):  (Mic 4:2 Ro 6:4; 8:4; 13:13; 1Co 7:17; 2Co 5:7, 10:3; Gal 5:16, 25; Eph 2:10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15; Php1:27, 3:16, 17, 18; 1Th 2:12; 4:1, 12; 1Jn 1:6; 2:6; 2Jn 6; 3Jn 1:3, 4, Torrey's Topic Christian Conduct)

In Him (see discussion of what it means to be  In Christ and in Christ Jesus). A supernatural "walk" is only possible "in Him"! If you don't believe this, then try to do it on your own and in your own power. Then watch God send you a "pop test" and listen to the words that fly out of your mouth before you can even "catch them"! We cannot walk as Christ walked (1Pe 2:21-note) in our own strength, but must continually (even moment by moment) maintain an attitude of humility manifest by a continual dependence upon the Spirit of Christ Who alone can enable us to walk (Php 2:12-note; Php 2:13-note, Ezek 26:27) as more than conquerors (Ro 8:37-note) in the face of the struggles, temptations or tests God allows in our lives.

Walk (4043) (peripateo from peri = around + pateo = walk) (Click word study of peripateo) literally means to walk around and figuratively to live or pass one’s life, "walking" in either the sphere of truth ("in Him") or darkness. Present tense calls for a habitual walk or way of life and imperative mood signifies a command (present imperative). The metaphor of a walk merely consists of two simple steps, repeated over and over again and thus Paul is commanding not a complicated thing but a necessary thing in order to be able to resist delusion. 

As A T Robertson  puts it

"Stick to your first lessons in Christ."

Barnes adds that

"The object here is to induce them not to swerve from the views which they had of Christ when He was made known to them...Continue in those views of Christ; live in the maintenance of them; let them regulate your whole conduct...they should live and act wholly under the influence of the conceptions which they had of the Savior when they first embraced him.... and do not permit yourselves to be turned aside by any Jewish teachers, or teachers of philosophy"

Other expositors explain the passages as if Paul were saying

"You received Christ by the initial exercise of faith; now continue your Christian life by a trusting in Him."

Paul had prayed that spiritual knowledge would lead the Colossian saints to walk (peripateo) in a

"manner worthy of the Lord to please Him in all respects bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10-note)

In exhorting the Colossians to live out Who was in them, Paul reminded them they "also once walked (peripateo)" in the things that are bringing the wrath of God (Col 3:7-note)

Paul uses peripateo the fourth time in Colossians exhorting the saints --

Conduct (peripateo) yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." (Col 4:5-note)

To keep from being deluded keep walking the way you began. You are on a pilgrimage called "sanctification" heading for the land of glory. We need to continually walk in the sphere of the truth that is found only in Christ Jesus the Way. God did not just give us the map. He also gave us the Spirit of Christ, the Guide for our journey called life (Jn 16:13).

The Guide knows where you are headed, Paul recording that

"all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Ro 8:14-note)

Wayne Barber reminds us that disciplining our walk means that first we need to "stay in bounds" and "walk in Him". Think of a sporting event without rules and the chaos that would result.  Similarly is a saint is not walking in His will (according to the rules) then his mind is wide open for deception.

Secondly, Barber says we need to be trusting totally in Christ.  "As you therefore have received Him" Do you remember when you were saved and how you felt knowing you could not do anything to save yourself except to trust Christ. Now, how do you "walk in Him"? You stay in bounds. You love His Word ("the Shepherd's voice") You need the attitude of total trust in one Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul reminded the saints at Philippi that he

"put no confidence in the flesh" (Php 3:3-note).

What if we would all have Paul's attitude in our daily walk, simply allowing the Spirit of Christ to do in and through us what we know we cannot do in our own strength. When you see someone who has stopped thinking about what God can do and started thinking about what he can do for God, he has entered out of the sphere of "in Him" and in essence into the sphere of "in Himself", walking in legalism. Be very careful in this area. It can be very subtle and sound very spiritual to say "I'm going to DO something for Jesus." 

Dr Barber's point is that if it's not Jesus in you initiating the deed, empowering it and anointing it, you can "hang it up!" It may look like a "good" work in your eyes and the eyes of others, but will not bear fruit for eternity (Jn 15:16). We call many things "good" that God calls "evil". Through Isaiah God warned faithless Israel

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa 5:20).

What God initiates is righteous and it all flows out of a continually dependent attitude which says...

 "Lord, I can't. You never said I could. You can and You always said You would." 

That's when you are walking daily in the same faith that saved you.

Paul commanded the saints at Ephesus to

"be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." (Eph 5:1, 1-notes, cp Ep 4:1- note)

Writing to the church at Philippi Paul exhorted them to

"conduct  yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." (Php 1:27-note)

John says our lips should match our life declaring that

the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk (peripateo) in the same manner as He walked. (peripateo) (1Jn 1:6)

Guzik comments:

This is a wonderful rule for Christian living. We cannot perfect in the flesh what was begun in the Spirit, so just as you received Jesus, walk in Him in the same way. The simple things of the Christian life provide continually the reliable spiritual fuel for growth. We always have to be reminded of the things we have been taught. The Colossians were in danger of having started in the simplicity of Jesus, but thought they could be perfected by the search for hidden wisdom offered by the dangerous teachers among them...Paul uses a curious combination of metaphors. As Christians, we walk, but we are also rooted, and we are also built up. The metaphors are somewhat mixed, but the message is clear: be established and keep growing.

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Spurgeon writes...

The life of faith is represented as receiving-an act which implies the very opposite of anything like merit. It is simply the acceptance of a gift. As the earth drinks in the rain, as the sea receives the streams, as night accepts light from the stars, so we, giving nothing, partake freely of the grace of God. The saints are not, by nature, wells, or streams, they are but cisterns into which the living water flows; they are empty vessels into which God pours his salvation. The idea of receiving implies a sense of realization, making the matter a reality. One cannot very well receive a shadow; we receive that which is substantial: so is it in the life of faith, Christ becomes real to us. While we are without faith, Jesus is a mere name to us-a person who lived a long while ago, so long ago that his life is only a history to us now! By an act of faith Jesus becomes a real person in the consciousness of our heart. But receiving also means grasping or getting possession of. The thing which I receive becomes my own: I appropriate to myself that which is given. When I receive Jesus, he becomes my Saviour, so mine that neither life nor death shall be able to rob me of him. All this is to receive Christ-to take him as God's free gift; to realize him in my heart, and to appropriate him as mine.

Salvation may be described as the blind receiving sight, the deaf receiving hearing, the dead receiving life; but we have not only received these blessings, we have received CHRIST JESUS himself. It is true that he gave us life from the dead. He gave us pardon of sin; he gave us imputed righteousness. These are all precious things, but we are not content with them; we have received Christ himself. The Son of God has been poured into us, and we have received him, and appropriated him. What a heartful Jesus must be, for heaven itself cannot contain him! (Spurgeon: Morning and Evening)

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Spurgeon writes...

If we have received Christ himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will manifest its intimate acquaintance with him by a walk of faith in him. Walking implies action. Our religion is not to be confined to our closet; we must carry out into practical effect that which we believe. If a man walks in Christ, then he so acts as Christ would act; for Christ being in him, his hope, his love, his joy, his life, he is the reflex of the image of Jesus; and men say of that man, "He is like his Master; he lives like Jesus Christ." Walking signifies progress. "So walk ye in him"; proceed from grace to grace, run forward until you reach the uttermost degree of knowledge that a man can attain concerning our Beloved. Walking implies continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think that in the morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Jesus, and may then give their hearts to the world all the day: but this is poor living; we should always be with him, treading in his steps and doing his will. Walking also implies habit. When we speak of a man's walk and conversation, we mean his habits, the constant tenor of his life. Now, if we sometimes enjoy Christ, and then forget him; sometimes call him ours, and anon lose our hold, that is not a habit; we do not walk in him. We must keep to him, cling to him, never let him go, but live and have our being in him. "As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him"; persevere in the same way in which ye have begun, and, as at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit, so let him be the same till life's end; the same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God. O Holy Spirit, enable us to obey this heavenly precept. (Spurgeon: Morning and Evening)

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CHRIST-CENTERED FAITH - Some Christians try to live from one dramatic mountaintop experience to another. Their relationship with the Lord is based on their feelings at the moment. They go from Bible conferences to seminars to Bible studies, trying to maintain an emotional high.

Author Creath Davis, referring to his early Christian life, wrote, "I felt that if something spectacular was not transpiring, my faith was weakening. As a result, I missed most of what was going on in the valleys, waiting to get back to the mountain."

What's an effective antidote for a feelings-centered faith? According to the apostle Paul in Colossians 2, being Christ-centered is the answer. Having received Christ Jesus by faith, we are instructed to continue to "walk in Him" by faith (Col 2:6) through both the highs and lows of life. By walking in close fellowship with Him each day, we become "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith" (Col 2:7). We grow steadily into maturity as we focus on Christ and what He has done for us, and not on our feelings.

Mountaintop experiences can be beneficial, but nothing is more profitable than an ongoing, Christ-centered life of faith. —Joanie Yoder (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

With faith in Christ we walk each day,
Accepting all that comes our way;
So let us view each task at hand
As being His divine command. —D. De Haan

True faith needs no feelings to rest upon

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LEARNING TO WALK - Walking is just one step away from falling. That's why venturing out on two unsteady legs can be frightening to a very young child. Yet children keep at it until walking becomes second nature.

This is similar to learning to "walk" as a Christian. We put our faith into practice one step at a time. Pastor and author F. B. Meyer explains,

"We received Jesus into our hearts by faith. . . . In the same manner we must live always and everywhere, receiving from Him, by faith, grace upon grace, and allowing what He works in to work out in all manner of godliness, tenderness, and Christlikeness. This practice of looking to Jesus for grace in every circumstance of life tends to become more and more habitual."

Paul urged believers to live by faith so they would become firmly established in their walk with Christ (Col. 2:6, 7). We do that by focusing our thoughts on Him: what He has done, what He is doing now, and what He will do for us. We take a risk by depending completely on Him, obeying His commands, and putting His teaching into practice.

Walking with Christ may sometimes be frightening, but it is the only way to make progress in our spiritual development. Are you walking with Him today? --D J De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

It is our Father's will,
And precious in His sight,
That Christians learn to walk
In wisdom, love, and light. --Hess

You cannot run the race until you learn to walk.

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MY sixteen-month-old granddaughter and I were walking along the wide concrete channel in Muskegon, Michigan. I was trying to hurry, but Kelsey was not. She had seen a six­ inch-high ledge that ran the length of the walkway. Slowly and carefully she climbed on top of the ledge.

After standing there triumphantly for a moment, she cau­tiously stepped back down. It was quite an accomplishment for a little tyke. Then, perhaps to convince herself that she had mas­tered the skill, she tried it again. A few feet farther down the walk, she climbed back onto the ledge. I waited for her each time because I knew this was an important phase of her learning.

I also realized that I had something to learn from her.

Scripture portrays the Christian life as a process of growth in which we advance from one stage to the next: from spiritual infancy to maturity; from milk to strong meat; from being rooted in Christ to being firmly established. We may want to be grown up all at once, but we must learn to take one step at a time. That's how spiritual growth occurs.

Like Kelsey, I need to be sure I've mastered one discipline before proceeding to one that is more advanced. Allowing spir­itual growth to occur one step at a time will keep me from becom­ing discouraged in my climb to maturity.—D C Egner (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

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F B Meyer - Our Daily Homily - When we were first brought to Jesus, we received Him into our hearts by faith. Throwing open the door, we bade Him be welcome; and He came in never to depart again. Though he was viewless as the wind, and silent as light, He came. And there was a perfume as of myrrh, aloes, and cassia; like that which fills the ivory palaces of eternity.

Now the apostle says that all our after Christian life is to be lived on the same principle. The holy life is not an attainment, but an attitude. Holiness is not an acquirement of which we may make a boast, but an openness of soul towards the Lord Jesus, as of a window unshuttered and uncurtained to the light. The believer is never independent of Jesus; but at every moment he is receiving out of his fulness, and grace upon grace. He does not receive his qualities and attributes as things apart from the Lord Jesus; but receiving Him, he obtains them. The holy man is he who has learned the art of receiving Jesus; the holier, who has a greater capacity, through humility and faith; the holiest, he who can receive most of the life of the Son of God.

Our daily life is here compared to a walk. We cannot choose it. There is no alternative but to take what God has marked out for you; though you may choose your atmosphere, or, to use a modern word, your environment. Every step may be taken in Christ; rooted in Him as a tree in rich soil; builded up as a house on a rock; inhaling his very breath as the life of life. And whatever the need may be which the exigencies of the path suggest, there is always an abundant supply in the Lord Jesus, in whom all treasures are hid. He teaches us that we may know; He indwells that we may be.

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HAVING BEEN FIRMLY ROOTED: errizomenoi (RPPMPN): (Col 1:23; Eze 17:23,24; Ro 11:17 18; Eph 2:21, 22; 3:17; Jude 1:12)

Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him] (Amp)

having been rooted with the present result that you are firmly established (Wuest)

Firmly rooted (4492) (rhizoo from rhiza = root) means to become stable, be rooted, strengthened with roots and figuratively to be firmly fixed, thoroughly grounded. The verb is in the passive voice indicating that this rooting has been done to you by God's act of sovereign grace. The perfect tense indicates past completed action with continuing effect and thus pictures the initial "rooting" the moment we trusted Christ  with the result that we continue to be rooted because nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ro 8:39-note).

The only other NT uses of rhizoo is in Ephesians in the context of Paul's great prayer...

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (Ep 3:17, context = Ep 3:14, 15-note, Ep 3:16, 17-note, Ep 3:18, 19-note, Ep 3:20, 21-note)

The Lord did the rooting when they were saved, Paul recording a similar truth in Romans declaring that

we have become (perfect tense = past completed action with ongoing result) planted together in the likeness of His death (Ro 6;5-note).

The verb rhizoo suggests stability, nourishment and life derived from contact with Christ ("in Him"). As a trees roots sink deep into the earth for stability and nourishment, so too our faith should strike deep into the sound doctrine and solid food respecting the Messiah -- these strong roots will hold you forever and forever. Amen.

Scripture frequently alludes to saints as "plants", the psalmist recording that he whose

delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night...will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. (Ps 1:2-note, Ps 1:3-note)

Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God." (Ps 92:13 -note)

In Jeremiah God promises

Blessed () is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD for he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit. (Jer 17:7, 8)

Comment: Don't read over this passage too quickly - especially if you wrestle with fear or anxiety. Take some time [see Biblical Meditation] to see God's "antidote" for these spiritual maladies.

Isaiah describes the purpose of those who are

called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (Isa 61:3)

We should grow in order to glorify the Name of God...

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth. (Ps 115:1-note)

BEING BUILT UP IN HIM: kai epoikodomoumenoi (PPPMPN): (Lk 6:48; Jn 15:4, 15:5; Jude 1:20)

"being in process of being built up" (Literal) "constantly being built up in Him" (Wuest)

Built up (epoikodomeo is from epí = upon, Vincent says it indicates the placing of one layer upon another + oikodomeo = build) literally means to build upon, erect a superstructure and hence figuratively to edify. Paul makes a quick switch from an agricultural or horticultural metaphor to a building or architectural metaphor.

Epoikodomeo - 7x in 6v - 1 Co. 3:10, 12, 14; Eph. 2:20; Col. 2:7; Jude 1:20 and is rendered by the NAS as building(2), builds(2), built(4).

See 1Cor 3:10,12,14 (also quoted below) for the eternal importance of the correct building "code" and the consequences of utilizing "cheap" building materials. See [Acts 20:32] for how we are built up! [cf 2Pe 3:18-note, 1 Peter 2:1; 2:2; 2:3] IN HIM = Christ is the solid rock, the firm foundation.

Being built up is present tense which pictures a continuous process (which would equate with "sanctification" or "present tense salvation" ~ being saved every day). The passive voice pictures the effective force that brings about this "building up" as coming from without, specifically implying as from God's Spirit Who transforms us from glory to glory. Don't misunderstand - this truth of God growing us does not justify the phrase "Let go and Let God." It by no means liberates the saint from daily making "holy" decisions. This basic principle regarding spiritual growth in grace and Christ likeness is summed up in the letter to the Philippians where Paul encourages them

"So then (based upon  the truths in (Phil 2:1-11) , my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling (man's responsibility) for it is God who is at work in you, (God's role) both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Php 2:12, 13-see note Php 2:12;  13)

Jesus used a similar metaphor at the conclusion of His "sermon on the mount" declaring that

"everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock." (Mt 7:24, 25-notes)

Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of a truth foundational to building up, declaring

"And now I commend you I (the leaders of the local body) to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)

Paul again utilized the metaphor of believers as a building, "works in process",  declaring that

"no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire." (1Cor 3:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

Writing to the Ephesians Paul reminded them that the church was not a physical building but a body of individuals

"built upon (epoikodomeo) the foundation  of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." (Ep 2:20, 21, 22-See notes Ep 2:20; 21; 22)

Peter reminded the saints undergoing various trials that they had come

"to Him (Jesus) as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up (oikodomeo = present tense - continuously, passive voice - being, action or power for building up coming from outside source, God) as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: "BEHOLD I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER stone, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." (1Pe 2:4, 5, 6- notes 1Pe 2:4; 2:5; 2:6)

In Him not "upon Him" as might have been expected. In this and in the Ephesian epistle, Christ is represented as the sphere within which the building goes on.  Thus Paul writes to the saints at Ephesus (See comments on In Christ and in Christ Jesus)

Eadie comments

"the main ideas are stability and growth—the root, “in Him,” beyond the possibility of eradication; and the growth that of a symmetrical structure, which, “in Him,” has its unshaken foundation." (Commentary on Gk Text of the Epistle of Paul to Colossians)

Vine comments

the distinct metaphors are those of planting and building ( cp. 1Cor 3:9; Eph 3:17-note). They suggest, (a) firmness, and fixity, (b) established development and coherence. There is a noticeable change of tenses in the two verbs in the original. That rendered “rooted” is in the perfect tense, lit. , “having been rooted,” an act accomplished once for all with permanent results; that rendered “builded up” is in the present tense, indicating a constant process from day to day. The “in Him” is repeated at the end of the whole clause as at the beginning, lit. , “in Him walk ye, rooted and builded up in Him,” thus laying stress upon what Christ is to be in our life.  (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson )

Barclay adds that

there are two pictures here. The word used for rooted is the word which would be used of a tree with its roots deep in the soil. The word used for built is the word which would be used of a house erected on a firm foundation. Just as the great tree is deep-rooted in the soil and draws its nourishment from it, so the Christian is rooted in Christ, the source of his life and strength. Just as the house stands fast because it is built on strong foundations, so the Christian life is resistant to any storm because it is founded on the strength of Christ. Christ is alike the source of the Christian’s life and the foundation of his stability. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press)

AND ESTABLISHED IN YOUR FAITH: kai bebaioumenoi (PPPMPN) en te pistei: (Col 1:23; 1Cor 15:58; ; 2Thes 2:17; 1Pe 5:10; 2Pe 3:17, 18; Jude 1:24)

and constantly being established with reference to the Faith (Wuest)

becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith (Amp)

Established (950)(bebaioo from  bébaios = sure, fixed, standing firm on the feet, steadfast, maintaining firmness or solidity.

In classical Greek from the 5th cent. B.C. bebaios acquires the meaning of firm, durable, unshakeable, sure, reliable, certain; and in the legal sphere, valid, legal <> bebaios is derived from baino = fit to tread on = having a firm foundation) is a verb which means to make sure or certain, to prove valid or reliable or to verify and (in legal language) to guarantee. In short, bebaioo was used in secular Greek as a legal technical term meaning "to designate properly guaranteed security".

Bebaioo means to make firm or reliable so as to warrant security and inspire confidence. The passive voice indicates that the effect of establishing or confirming is the produced by an outside source. The present tense indicates that this is an ongoing process in every believer's. The more we walk in Him, totally trusting Him, nourished by His Word and our Teacher His Spirit, the more established in the faith we become.

Bebaioo - 8x in the NT - Mk. 16:20; Rom. 15:8; 1 Co. 1:6, 8; 2 Co. 1:21; Col. 2:7; Heb. 2:3; 13:9

The NAS renders bebaioo as confirm(2), confirmed(3), established(1), establishes(1), strengthened(1).
 

Paul explains that believers are established through the gospel of Jesus Christ writing to the Romans

"Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past" (Ro 16:25-note)

Paul writes to the Corinthians that

"He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God." (2Cor 1:21)

Wayne Barber relates his story about 10 individuals who were very instrumental in his early faith, 5 of whom have strayed from Christ being the central message of their preaching! We must all be alert to the danger that if we stop trusting Jesus and Him alone and stop obeying His Word, we too are at risk of straying into empty philosophies which is really just something added to Jesus and anything added to Jesus is heresy. He Alone is sufficient. We are complete in Christ and need to spend the remainder of our earthly existence seeking to know more and how that is worked out in practical Christian living. Why are we so easily swayed from this main goal...to know Him and the power of His resurrection (Php 3:10-note)?

Guzik comments:

Paul uses a curious combination of metaphors. As Christians, we walk, but we are also rooted, and we are also built up. The metaphors are somewhat mixed, but the message is clear: be established and keep growing.

JUST AS YOU WERE INSTRUCTED AND OVERFLOWING WITH GRATITUDE: kathos edidacthete (2PAPI) perisseuontes (PAPMN) en aute en eucharistia:

even as you were instructed, abounding in it in the sphere of thanksgiving (Wuest)

Instructed (1321) (didasko from dáo= know or teach; English = didactic; see study of related noun didaskalia and the adjective didaktikos) means to provide instruction or information in a formal or informal setting.

It means to teach a student in such a way that the will of the student becomes conformed to the teaching taught. So the teacher teaches in such a way that as the student is taught, he now changes his mind saying in essence ''I won't do it this way (empowered by God's Spirit and under grace not law), but I will do it this way because I've learned this teaching.''

The teaching which already has brought them out of darkness into light is to be the guide of their present faith. We find a parallel thought in Galatians where Paul writes

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Gal 3:3)

The great Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, once was robbed as he walked along a highway Afterwards he told his friends there were four things for which he gave thanks. First, he was grateful that he had never been robbed before. After many years of life this was the first time he had been robbed and for that he was grateful. Secondly, he said,

"Though they took all my money, I am glad they did not get very much."

That was something to be thankful for. Thirdly, he said,

"Though they took my money, they did not take my life, and I am grateful for that."

And finally, he suggested,

"I am thankful that it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed."

There was a man who had learned how to be "overflowing with thankfulness!"

Overflowing (4052) (perisseuo) (Click word study on perisseuo) (great quantities of, copiously supplied) (present tense = continually, as a habit of one's life) means super abounding, abounding richly in that which ought never to be absent from any of our devotions; namely, the grateful acknowledgment  to God that they had been made acquainted with truths so precious and glorious respecting . As result of the fact that we are rooted and are being continually built up and established, we are to add be abounding with thankfulness. Are you overflowing with gratitude for what God has done for you or are you overwhelmed by the worries of this world? Paul is describing the "victorious" Christian life, wherein you are expressing abundant thanks to God that you have been made acquainted with truths so precious and glorious. If there is any thing for which we ought to be thankful, it is for the knowledge of the great truths respecting our Lord and Saviour.

Perisseuo - 39x in 35v - Matt. 5:20; 13:12; 14:20; 15:37; 25:29; Mk. 12:44; Lk. 9:17; 12:15; 15:17; 21:4; Jn. 6:12f; Acts 16:5; Rom. 3:7; 5:15; 15:13; 1 Co. 8:8; 14:12; 15:58; 2 Co. 1:5; 3:9; 4:15; 8:2, 7; 9:8, 12; Eph. 1:8; Phil. 1:9, 26; 4:12, 18; Col. 2:7; 1 Thess. 3:12; 4:1, 10

The NAS renders perisseuo as abound(8), abounded(1), abounding(1), abundance(3), abundant(1), better(1), cause to abound(1), cause to abound*(1), excel(2), have an abundance(3), have more than enough(1), having abundance(1), increasing(1),lavished(m)(1), left over(4), leftover(1), live in prosperity(1), make abound(1), overflowed(1), overflowing(2),surpasses(1), surplus(2).

Paul reminds us that there are no exceptions to a thankful spirit but that we are to

"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1The 5:18)

The call for a thankful spirit permeates the Colossian epistle, Paul opening with a prayer that the saints might be strengthened and enabled to

"joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (Col 1:11, 12-See note Col 1:11; 1:12)

In chapter 3 Paul sums it up them that in

"whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Col 3:17-see note Col 3:17)

The writer of Hebrews adds that

"Through Him (Jesus our mediatorial Great High Priest) then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name." (Heb 13:15-note)

Paul explains how this attitude of gratitude is possible writing that we are to understand that this is

"will of the Lord" and "be (continually) filled  with the Spirit...always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." (Ep 5:17, 18, 19, 20 -See notes Ep 5:17; 18; 19; 20)

Have you learned to be thankful in everything? You can see from the above Scriptures that this is not just "grin and bear it" but involves prayer, Spirit empowerment and finally a volitional choice in each situation or circumstance. That means you do not grumble, complain and criticize. You cannot have it both ways. To be thankful means to find something in every situation for which you can genuinely be grateful. Paul reminds the Christians at Colossae that they have already accepted Christ as their Lord, and bids them now walk in Him they have received. In other words, he urges that their outward life correspond with the beginning of their Christian profession.

Lightfoot put it:

“Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works.”

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GRATITUDE OR GRUMBLING - Imagine being given a bowl of sand containing tiny particles of iron, and you are told to remove the iron from the sand. You have two choices. You can pull your fingers through the sand, searching for specks of iron but finding very few. Or you can pull a magnet through the sand and watch it attract countless bits of iron.

Like the fingers in the sand, the grumbling heart finds very few mercies. But as the grateful heart moves through life, it finds countless blessings, just as the magnet finds iron.

Of all the choices we make in life, few affect us more powerfully than our choice between gratitude and grumbling. An honest look at our lives will reveal which choice we have made. If it's grumbling, we probably see few blessings. If it's gratitude, we not only find innumerable blessings—they seem to find us!

Paul taught that a heart overflowing with thankfulness comes from being grounded in faith (Colossians 2:7). In Philippians, he pled with the believers, even repeating himself: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Php 4:4-note).

Which choice have you made? Grumbling or gratitude? Grumbling overlooks blessings, but gratitude finds blessings everywhere—even in dry, sandy places! —J E Yoder (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

A grumbling mood of discontent
Gives way to thankfulness
When we consider all God's gifts
And all that we possess. —Sper

With a little practice, anyone can master the art of thankfulness.

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FINDING THE TRUTH- How would you answer the following questions:

1. Did Jesus ever sin?
2. Was Jesus resurrected?
3. Do all religions teach the same basic ideas?

According to George Barna and Mark Hatch in their book Boiling Point, many people who call themselves Christians have a hard time with questions like these. When Barna and Hatch surveyed professing believers, one-fourth said Jesus committed sins, one-third said He did not rise from the dead, and one-third said all religions are basically the same.

These are troubling statistics, for they reveal a serious lack of biblical understanding. The answers to the questions above are concepts that are clearly defined in Scripture and are foundational to the truth of the gospel.

So, what can we do to make sure that we are "established in the faith"? (Colossians 2:7). First, we must dedicate ourselves to read and study the Bible. Second, we should seek the help of godly teachers and dependable resources. Third, we must ask God to lead us to truth and to keep us from error.

As God's people, we must love the truth, look for the truth, and live by the truth. —Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Jesus didn't sin: 2Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1Pet. 1:19; 2:22.
Jesus was resurrected: John 20-21; 1Cor. 15:1-20.
Jesus is the only way to God: John 14:6; Acts 4:12.