Hey guys!
So I’ll picking up the rest of Colossians from Allycia who did a fantastic job on the first chapter. Round of applause? Okay. But let’s dive into chapter 2 shall we?
Here Paul is once again reminding believers to walk in Him, to live in Him. To follow what they have been taught and root them in the faith that is Jesus. This chapter contains one of my favorite verses in the entire bible. It is one that I have read time and time again through my walk, especially when I have come into conflict with different people or different ideas that challenge me. Paul says in Colossians 2:8 (ESV) “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Paul points to false teachers and those who would try to sway believers with their philosophy that is contrary to the gospel. This is something important to remember, as we walk through life, encountering all sorts of individuals who will try persuade us, convince us and manipulate us to believing falsehoods and living our lives opposite of the way God intended. This can include those who would twist and interpret scripture to comply with their own agenda, or those who would ignore scripture completely in hopes of convincing us of their worldview. But Paul reminds us to be weary—for God has made us alive and cancelled our debt. We can discern what is true and right by reading His Word, listening to the Holy Spirit and trusting in His plan!
In the next chapter, Paul speaks about embracing the new life in Christ and living and pursuing the things that exemplify a Christian life. After all, when we were apart from God we displayed all sorts of behaviors that were fruits of sin. Things like anger, wrath, malice, impurity, evil desire and idolatry Paul speaks to. These things we must put away in our new life. Paul says in Colossians 2:12 (ESV) “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” and he continues with “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, you must also forgive.” These words are powerful, humbling and convicting. Look at the qualities that God has commanded us to live out. If we are true Christians, true followers of Jesus and we do not bear out these qualities, then who are we really? WE MUST EXAMINE OURSELVES. No one is perfect, only Christ. Are you kind to your brother or sister? Do you practice compassion to those around you? If you have a conflict with a friend, a loved one, a parent—forgive them. Do not discount them, shun them or judge them. Instead, put on your new self and reach out and show them the grace that God has shown you! If we can’t do this, then of what worth is our faith?
In the final chapter of Colossians, Paul gives his final words to his audience. He speaks to the notion that we should be vigil and steadfast in our prayer. That we should pray not only for our own troubles, but that God would move in the hearts of others. This follows nicely with the topics he has been speaking about in this chapter. Conduct yourselves with grace and in accordance with the gospel. Forgive your brother. Pray for him and that if you have a conflict—that it may be resolved.
These chapters contain some the most basic, but at the same time some of the complex ideas that make up the bulk of our faith. It sounds so easy, but as we should know it isn’t. I know each and every day I have to make an active effort to engage my mind. To not be swayed by the constant temptation of the world’s ideas. To put away anger, malice, gossip and doubt and embrace kindness, humility and compassion. No one is perfect, but Christ! But we must always strive to be better. To examine ourselves against the Word, and be sure the fruits of our life illustrate the faith we hold dear. Think about it!
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