Colossians 2:1-3

Colossians 2:1-3

For I desire you all to have known how great a struggle I have for your sake and for the ones in Laodicea and for as many who have not seen my face in the flesh – in order that their hearts should be encouraged while being united in love, in all the richness of complete certainty in understanding, into the knowledge of the mystery of God – Christ – in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and hidden knowledge.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul declares why he wants to talk about his struggle.  It isn’t for his own fame or reputation or glory.  He wants to talk about his struggle so that other people may be encouraged.  Yes, it is true that misery loves company.  But there is more to it than this.  Paul knows that trouble comes in life.  But if trouble comes in life, we can get through trouble by hearing how others have overcome their trouble.  Paul wants other people to believe that they can persevere with God’s protection just as Paul has persevered with God’s protection.

How good are you at dealing with trouble?  How do the experiences of the people around you help you persevere?

Second Thought:

Paul also desires that the people be united in love.  Persecution often begs disunity.  Persecution often breeds competition.  Persecution often breeds backstabbing, gossip, and rumor-mongering.  Paul wants none of this.  Paul wants them to be unites in love, not torn apart by the life around them.

Is it easy for you to love in the midst of your strife?  What can make it easier for us to love and feel unity when our life may actually feel like it is crumbling?

Third Thought:

Finally, Paul talks about wisdom and hidden knowledge.  Again, remember that Paul isn’t talking about the hidden knowledge in the same way that the Gnostics would have spoken.  Paul isn’t talking about the fact that you have to be special or “clued-in” before you can actually understand.  What Paul is talking about is the fact that for so long the means of God’s salvation was anticipated by the Jews.  It was hidden until Christ came.  Now, through the ministry and death of Christ, we can understand God’s wisdom and His hidden plan to save those who receive His grace.  We can be complete indeed!

Do you understand God’s grace?  Do you feel complete knowing that God can redeem you through His grace?

Passage for Tomorrow: Colossians 2:4-5