Colossians 1:24-2:5 Devotional/Study
“But, why?” A question that has been thought of or asked by everyone at some point in their life. Those who have spent any amount of time in the presence of a young child know that this is the question asked repeatedly throughout the course of a day. And yet, it’s a fair question. One that continues to be asked well into adulthood. It’s a question that often is revisited in trying or confusing seasons.
This is the question that Paul answers in this particular set of verses in Colossians. In answering this question and making sense of the text, it’s helpful to break it down into three different sections.
Making Sense of the Pain
“Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” – Colossians 1:24-25
A quick examination of Paul’s life and one quickly concludes that it was filled with many trials and tribulations: shipwrecks, death threats, imprisonment. It’s a long list that would undoubtedly leave many questioning and bitter. Not Paul. His attitude and posture were one of rejoicing. Paul understood that his suffering wasn’t a consequence of his wrongdoing, rather it served as an opportunity to advance the gospel.
We understand pain and suffering. It’s not something that needs to be spelled out. What can often be forgotten in moments of pain or suffering is the posture we assume. Is it one of anger and blame? Or one that praises and rejoices in the Lord, despite the uncertainty of the future? This isn’t to make light of the pain and suffering that people endure. It’s terrible and it hurts. But those who point to the hope that is only found in Jesus, despite the pain and suffering, are able to make sense of the pain.
Mystery Made Known
“The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” – Colossians 1:26-29
The majority of the church in Colossae was Gentile not Jewish. Paul was encouraging them with the truth that the gospel isn’t exclusive. It’s not simply reserved for a select group of people. The mystery is made known, and all people have access to the hope of Jesus Christ. Today more than ever we have access to the knowledge of who Jesus is and can experience His presence in a way that ancient generations could only long for.
Think back to the people of God living in Old Testament times. It was only the high priest who could enter the presence of the Lord once a year. Today we have free access to experience the presence of God. We can rest in the assurance of our salvation through Jesus Christ. And we have been given the Holy Spirit to empower us to live according to scripture.
Do Not Be Deceived
“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.” – Colossians 2:1-5
Paul’s purpose in writing the church of Colossae was to encourage but also to caution. He wanted them to be alerted to false teachings that permeated Greek society. Fast-forward to the present day. False teachings and ideologies are rampant throughout society. How do we distinguish what is true from what is false?
When federal agents are trained to spot the difference between real and counterfeit bills, they are never given fake money. In fact, just the opposite. They spend a great amount of time studying, examining, and handling real bills. Agents will get to the point where they can spot the counterfeit because they’ve spent so much time with the genuine thing. This is true in navigating through present-day culture. The only way to not be deceived with false teachings and fine-sounding arguments is to spend time studying scripture, seeking God, and in prayer.
