Colossians...Enticing words vs. the Word of Truth

Pin It

Colossians 2:1-5  For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3  In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4  And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5  For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

 When I read these verses immediately a picture from my son's story Bible popped into my head.  You've seen this picture before as well.  It's a picture of a beautiful garden, a beautiful woman, and a beautiful serpent.  The first two represent the true beauty of God's creation. 

The third one does also, but the beguiling enemy of God slipped inside the serpent and spoke to the woman with enticing words.  Have no doubt, the Great Deceiver knows just what to say to tempt you to stumble, to stray just a little, to doubt God's goodness, His wisdom and His knowledge. 

Oh, a serpent might not speak to you today, but those enticing words will come.  They come through advertisements, they come through programs, they come through peer pressure, and they even come through those who appear to be following God.

In Colossians 2:1-5 Paul writes about how he was concerned for their spiritual growth because he hadn't been able to visit them personally.  Back then there was no internet, no telephone, not even a telegram service to allow him to check on believers in other places.  His news came to him by word of mouth, and being in prison, he could not go to them.  He could only respond by a letter, infused with prayer and inspired by God Almighty.

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse...

Paul wanted them to be assured in their knowledge of the gospel.  He wanted their hearts to be comforted and knit together in love.  He wanted them to realized that the mystery of God which he proclaimed involved both the Father and the Son.  In Christ all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid.  He is the Word of Truth!  There were those who with their enticing words tried to move them from their belief in the preeminence of Christ.  He is above all things, before all things, created all things, all things by Him exist, and He is over all!

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Paul clearly explained who Christ truly is in chapter one and here he explains his concern for them.  He wanted to warn them not to be led astray.  The purpose of those around them was to skillfully lead them away from the Truth.  Paul was impressed by their discipline and the firm resolve of their faith in Christ, yet he did not let their current state dissuade him from crying out, "BEWARE!"

As Christians we are never to let our guard down.  We must KNOW the truth.  We must OBEY the truth.  We must LIVE the truth.  And we must be constantly searching the Scriptures to ensure that what we are hearing and learning and living line up with the Word of God.

Just because something sounds Biblical that does not automatically make it so.  Many have the gift of smooth talking and the ability to draw large crowds to hear their enticing words, but if their foundation is not Christ, our firm foundation, BEWARE!

2 John 1:7  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

May God help us today to discern between good - His Truth, and evil.