Understanding the Fullness of Christ Against False Teachings

 

Summary

In the opening verses of Colossians 2, Paul expresses his deep concern for the believers in Colossae and Laodicea, emphasizing the importance of their hearts being comforted and united in love. His desire is for them to be strengthened and to have a full assurance of understanding, acknowledging the mystery of God, which is Christ, in whom all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. Paul warns against the false teachings that were threatening the early church, teachings that claimed a superior knowledge and a more complex path to God, often involving intermediaries like angels. These teachings, later known as Gnosticism, were a mixture of human philosophy, asceticism, and Jewish legalism, which denied the simplicity and sufficiency of the gospel of Christ.

The root of the problem, Paul suggests, is a failure to fully grasp the richness and completeness of what is offered in Christ. Many Christians, then and now, are tempted by new teachings and philosophies because they do not fully understand or appreciate the depth of their salvation in Christ. The solution, Paul argues, is not comfort or superficial encouragement, but a deeper knowledge and understanding of Christ. This full assurance of understanding is the key to overcoming spiritual immaturity and the allure of false teachings.

Christ is the mystery of God revealed, the one in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. He is the only mediator between God and man, the only one who can bring us to a true knowledge of God and His purposes. In Christ, we find the answers to the mysteries of life, the understanding of God's plan for the world, and the assurance of our salvation. The fullness of God dwells in Christ, and in Him, we are complete. Therefore, we must seek to know Him more deeply, to understand the riches of His grace, and to live in the fullness of what He has accomplished for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Unity and Strength in Christ: Paul emphasizes the need for believers to be comforted and united in love, which leads to strength and stability in faith. This unity is crucial in resisting false teachings and remaining steadfast in the truth of the gospel. [01:48]

2. The Danger of False Teachings: The early church faced threats from teachings that mixed human philosophy with the gospel, claiming a superior knowledge. These teachings distracted from the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, holding fast to the truth of Christ alone. [04:18]

3. The Fullness of Christ: The root of spiritual immaturity and susceptibility to false teachings is a failure to grasp the fullness of what is offered in Christ. In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and understanding this is key to spiritual growth and assurance. [12:51]

4. Christ as the Key to Understanding God's Plan: Christ is the only key to understanding God's purposes for the world and our lives. He is the mediator who reveals God to us and brings us into His presence. In Christ, we find the answers to life's mysteries and the assurance of our salvation. [19:02]

5. The Need for Deeper Knowledge of Christ: The solution to spiritual dissatisfaction and the allure of false teachings is not comfort, but a deeper knowledge of Christ. This full assurance of understanding leads to spiritual maturity and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. [41:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Colossians 2
- [00:46] - Paul's Concern for the Colossians
- [01:48] - Unity and Strength in Love
- [02:29] - Warning Against False Teachings
- [04:18] - The Rise of Gnosticism
- [05:09] - Human Philosophy vs. Divine Revelation
- [06:19] - The Mystery Religions
- [07:51] - The Appeal of False Teachings
- [09:48] - The Fullness of Christ
- [12:51] - Assurance of Understanding
- [19:02] - Christ as the Key to God's Plan
- [26:08] - Understanding Life Through Christ
- [31:26] - God's Plan of Redemption
- [41:51] - The Need for Deeper Knowledge

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 2:1-3

---

#### Observation Questions

1. What specific concerns does Paul express for the believers in Colossae and Laodicea in Colossians 2:1-3? How does he describe his emotional state regarding these concerns? [01:07]

2. According to the sermon, what were the false teachings threatening the early church, and how did they differ from the gospel preached by Paul? [04:00]

3. How does Paul describe the role of Christ in relation to wisdom and knowledge in Colossians 2:3? [12:51]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the root cause of spiritual immaturity among believers? [09:48]

---

#### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for believers to be "knit together in love" and how does this unity contribute to their spiritual strength? [01:48]

2. How does the sermon explain the appeal of false teachings to believers, both in the early church and today? [08:12]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a deeper knowledge of Christ can protect believers from false teachings? [12:51]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of Christ as the mediator between God and man, and why is this significant for understanding God's plan? [19:02]

---

#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel spiritually immature or susceptible to new teachings? How can you seek a deeper understanding of Christ to address this? [09:48]

2. Consider the unity within your own church or small group. What practical steps can you take to foster a stronger bond of love and unity among fellow believers? [01:48]

3. Have you encountered teachings or philosophies that claim to offer a superior knowledge of God? How did you discern their validity, and what role did your understanding of Christ play in that process? [04:18]

4. In what ways can you actively seek to deepen your knowledge of Christ this week? Identify specific resources or practices that can aid in this pursuit. [41:51]

5. Think about a time when you felt spiritually dissatisfied. How did you address this feeling, and what role did your relationship with Christ play in finding resolution? [41:51]

6. How can you apply the understanding that Christ is the key to God's plan in your daily life, especially when facing life's mysteries and challenges? [19:02]

7. Identify one area of your life where you need to rely more on Christ's wisdom and knowledge. What steps can you take to seek His guidance in that area? [12:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Love as a Fortress Against Deception
In Colossians 2, Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being comforted and united in love, which leads to strength and stability in faith. This unity is crucial in resisting false teachings and remaining steadfast in the truth of the gospel. When believers are united in love, they create a strong community that can withstand external pressures and internal doubts. This unity is not just about agreement in doctrine but also about a shared commitment to love and support one another in the journey of faith. [01:48]

Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to strengthen the bond of love and unity? How can you actively contribute to the unity of your church?


Day 2: Vigilance Against the Allure of False Teachings
The early church faced threats from teachings that mixed human philosophy with the gospel, claiming a superior knowledge. These teachings distracted from the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, holding fast to the truth of Christ alone. False teachings often appeal to our desire for something new or more profound, but they can lead us away from the core message of the gospel. It is essential to remain grounded in the truth of Christ and to test all teachings against the Word of God. [04:18]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Reflection: What teachings or philosophies have you encountered that challenge your understanding of the gospel? How can you ensure that you remain rooted in the truth of Christ?


Day 3: Embracing the Fullness of Christ
The root of spiritual immaturity and susceptibility to false teachings is a failure to grasp the fullness of what is offered in Christ. In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and understanding this is key to spiritual growth and assurance. Recognizing the completeness of Christ's work and His sufficiency for all our needs is crucial for a mature faith. This understanding helps believers to stand firm against any teaching that suggests they need something more than Christ. [12:51]

Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to see Christ as sufficient? How can you deepen your understanding of His fullness today?


Day 4: Christ as the Revealer of God's Plan
Christ is the only key to understanding God's purposes for the world and our lives. He is the mediator who reveals God to us and brings us into His presence. In Christ, we find the answers to life's mysteries and the assurance of our salvation. Understanding that Christ is central to God's plan helps believers to align their lives with His purposes and to find meaning and direction in their faith journey. [19:02]

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (ESV): "But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

Reflection: How does knowing that Christ is the key to understanding God's plan change your perspective on your current circumstances? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with His purposes?


Day 5: Pursuing a Deeper Knowledge of Christ
The solution to spiritual dissatisfaction and the allure of false teachings is not comfort, but a deeper knowledge of Christ. This full assurance of understanding leads to spiritual maturity and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. A deeper knowledge of Christ involves both intellectual understanding and experiential relationship, where believers grow in their love and commitment to Him. This pursuit of knowing Christ more fully is a lifelong journey that transforms every aspect of a believer's life. [41:51]

Philippians 3:10-11 (ESV): "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your knowledge of Christ? How can this pursuit impact your daily life and decisions?

Quotes



For I would that he 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 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 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [00:18:56]

Now the Apostle was writing here to these people at Colossae and as you notice he expresses a great and a grave concern for them he says that he has great conflict for which means that he was troubled and almost in a kind of agony in his concern for what is his concern for them well he tells them it is that their hearts might be comforted and that word their translated comforted means more than that they should have conservation and comfort it carries with it the idea of being encouraged and still more the idea of being strengthened. [00:54:75]

But great pastor and teacher that he was he knew about these false teachings that were current at that time and which were trying to insinuate themselves into the life of the Christian Church and indeed these teachings did insinuated themselves there were men passing as Christians claiming to be Christians claiming to be teachers and they went around the judges and they propagated and taught these new ideas of those this superior kind of Christianity as they claimed it to be. [03:43:31]

The Apostle says the key to the solution of this problem is full assurance of understanding entering into a fuller and a deeper knowledge of all the mystery of God's grace in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now this is the most important matter they were saying last Sunday morning that the New Testament tells us that there are three things which are needed by us all and they're all three forms of assurance we need the full assurance of faith because without it we can't pray we consider that now Sunday morning now here's an advanced full assurance of understanding. [13:07:80]

The answer is this there's only one key to the understanding of the mystery of God it is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and so he goes on to expand that great and glorious doctrine he says why you're listening to these false teachers why are you listening to all these intermediaries about this talk about the angels and the necessity of them to lead you and others would that today praying to the Saints and praying to Mary why are you interested in intermediary there's no need of an intermediary he says there's one and the one is enough. [18:32:51]

The Apostle Peter stated it very clearly remember before that caught at the very beginning there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved there's no other name there's no second there's no assistant there's no help why does one who's done everything need any help mine supplement the gospel that is infinitely more than you can ever receive you see it is our ignorance concerning him that accounts for all our troubles and again you remember the Apostle reminds Timothy of it there is one God and one and only mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus. [20:08:93]

The Lord Jesus Christ is also the only key to the understanding of God's purpose and plan with respect to this world that's a great problem it was the problem then it is still the great problem today how can we understand life how can we understand this and all that's happening to it people tell us you see that they don't believe in God because of what they see the safes there's a god why does yellow war why does he allow cripples why did you love this little deal they said they don't believe in God because of that the mystery of God. [26:08:59]

God's wrath is upon men God's wrath is upon the world well says someone is that all you've got to tell us about and the answer of course is now you must not with the explanation and there is your explanation but the whole message of the New Testament and of the whole Bible is this that though man in his folly rebelled against God and send in that way and brought himself into trouble God has planned a way to redeem the universe now that's the basic thing that's mentioned in him Errol hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [29:49:27]

God is gathering these people for whom Christ died and who believed in him into this new body called the church and the church is the body of Christ let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility etc and not holding the head from which the body by joints and benzevich nourishment ministered and it together increases with the increase of God Christian people have you understood the mystery of the church here is the mystery of the ages the body of Christ which is the church he is the head and we are the members in other words we are not merely forgiven and saved individually we have made parts of the body of Christ. [34:53:09]

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only key to the understanding of it all and the certainty of it all is the only key to the enjoyment of it all while we are left in this world of sin and shame and of time it's all in him that their hearts might be comforted being knit together in love and listen 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 you know married all the treasures of wisdom riches treasure you are doubtful are you as the weather you gone with Christianity you think your friends in the world having a very good time and you've been rather proud of yourself that you forego these pleasures in order to come to worship God. [41:51:73]

The trouble with you and with me as we are so aware of our failings and our failures and our weaknesses and the strength of the enemy and the power of temptation that's the cause of our trouble and to be a correspondingly ignorant of all the riches and the treasures that are in the Son of God you say can I possibly hold that can I last here's the answer it's all in him oh the treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge are hidden hidden and all the riches of His grace do you want understanding I say well I've already shown you where to get it do you need the sympathy well here's one who can sympathize he's been in this world tempted in all points like as we are resisted even unto blood striving against sin he's been through it all Savior turn to Him and say Savior breathe forgiveness or us all our weakness now does no now disturb this earth before us now it's proved its deepest work in every pang that runs the heart the man of sorrows there's a part there is sympathy in him that you've got nowhere else he's been in it all and through it all he understands our frame he remembers that we are of the dust he is a sympathetic high priest touched with the feeling of our infirmities he knows our frailty and our ignorance do you need comfort go to him he alone can give it you he's the resurrection and the life he's everything. [43:23:60]

The Apostle putting it in verse 10 he says you are complete in him who is the head of all principality and power do you know that you are complete you feel complete do you feel that everything you need and infinitely more is in Christ you are complete in him he is made of God into us wisdom righteousness sanctification what more do you need well let's sum of the night of summer hymns put it to us as we close o Lord I would delight in thee and on thy care depend to the in every trouble free my best my only friend when all created streams are dried thy fulness is the same may I with this be satisfied and I would this be satisfied and glory in thy name no good in creatures can be found but may be found in thee I must have all things and abound while God is God to me he that has made my hidden secure will hear all that provide while Christ is rich can I be poor what can I want peace I oh Lord I cast my care on the I triumphant at all and Sethe my great concern shall be to love thee to love and please the moth so john violin puts it but listen to newton how sweet the name of jesus sounds in a believers here it soothes his sorrows heals his wounds and drives away his fear does it to you if it doesn't it's because you're ignorant of you you do it all all the riches and the treasures are in him dear name the rock on which I build my shield and hiding-place my never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace is this patrut Erick is dispense the hyperbole of a part it's not it's true it isn't enough he's only had a glimpse of it it makes the wounded spirit home and calms the troubled breast his manner to the hungry soul and to the weary rest Jesus my shepherd guardian friend my prophet priest and King my lord my life my weary my end is everything except the praise I bring and you feel you need some other teaching to you you feel you need a little comfort and help the man can give you shame on us get the full assurance of understanding. [46:02:35]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?