Colossians 2:1–5 Reach All the Riches of Full Assurance of Understanding and the Knowledge of God’s Mystery

Colossians 2:1–5 Reach All the Riches of Full Assurance of Understanding and the Knowledge of God’s Mystery

Main Idea: The church must be rooted in the person of Christ, who is the mystery of God and the source of all wisdom and knowledge. We grow in maturity by understanding him, not by chasing worldly arguments or partial truths.

Introduction

Businesses and companies are successful when they identify a need and produce a service or product that solves a problem or improves the lives of their customers.

The church is not a business. But this business principle is not lost on the church. What does the church produce? What is the product that solves the problems that face humanity?

The gospel of Christ. It is the hearing of the gospel and trusting in the person of Christ that ensures the salvation of the souls that believe.

The church is not responsible for ensuring that people have “good lives.” The church is not responsible for giving people “purpose.” For someone can have a good life with meaning and purpose and still lose their soul, the most precious commodity they currently have.

1. Paul’s Struggle Was Over the Church Having the Knowledge of Christ (Colossians 2:1–2)

Paul writes, “I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you…” His struggle is not one of physical hardship alone but a spiritual burden and investment in the maturity of believers. He labored, traveled, and wrote so others could know Christ and grow into his likeness.

This struggle was personal and persistent. Paul worked with his own hands (2 Thessalonians 3:17–18; Galatians 6:11), relied on co-laborers (Romans 1:1; 16:21–23), and made difficult decisions about where to go and when to stay (1 Corinthians 16:5–9; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). All of this effort was rooted in his calling: to make the mystery of Christ known.

Evangelism and discipleship are inseparable. He didn’t just want people to know about Jesus. He wanted them to know Jesus, trust him, obey him, and grow into maturity through the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20).

2. Jesus is the Person of Christ That God Promised (Colossians 2:3–4)

Paul says of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus is not a symbol. He is the very center of God’s revelation to mankind. He is the fullness of deity in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). He is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14).

Solomon’s wisdom was known throughout the earth (1 Kings 4:29–34; 10:1–5, 23–25). But Jesus is greater (Luke 11:29–32). He not only speaks truth—he is truth. He not only offers wisdom—he is wisdom. Creation itself reflects the brilliance of his mind: the ecosystem, gravity, DNA, jellyfish, wind patterns, and genetic inheritance are all works of Christ.

This is why Paul warns, “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” False teaching sounds close to the truth, but it has no power to save or sanctify. Only Christ does.

3. Paul Rejoiced Over Good Order and Faith in Christ in a Local Church (Colossians 2:5)

Though Paul was not physically with them, he says, “I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”

Right belief must produce right practice. What we truly believe is revealed in how we live. James 3:13–18 reminds us that heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. A harvest of righteousness grows out of this kind of wisdom.

Paul rejoices when he sees a local church functioning with order, love, and faithfulness. Our church must not only preach Christ, but live out our faith in him by committing to the disciplines of evangelism, discipleship, prayer, service, and love. It is not enough to profess—we must press forward in obedience and faith.

Reflection

Paul’s desire was not for believers to be spiritually entertained, emotionally stirred, or socially satisfied. His desire was that the church would know Christ and grow up into him through faithful teaching and obedience.

Have you been tempted to substitute good feelings, nice ideas, or cultural wisdom for the deep knowledge of Christ? Are you involved in both learning and teaching the faith? Are you investing your time in things that produce lasting spiritual fruit?

Paul’s “struggle” was not in vain. It was aimed at helping believers “reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.” That is the goal of the church. That is the heart of ministry. That is the only hope for the soul.

Scripture References

  • Colossians 2:1–5 – Paul’s spiritual struggle to mature the church in Christ
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:17–18 – Paul signs his letters personally
  • Galatians 6:11 – Paul writes with large letters
  • Romans 1:1; 16:21–23 – Paul’s ministry and co-laborers
  • 1 Corinthians 16:5–9 – Paul’s travel and planning for ministry
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Paul’s labor for the gospel
  • Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission to make disciples
  • Colossians 2:9 – Fullness of deity in Christ
  • John 1:1, 14 – The Word is God and became flesh
  • 1 Kings 4:29–34; 10:1–5, 23–25 – Solomon’s wisdom
  • Luke 11:29–32 – Jesus is greater than Solomon and Jonah
  • James 3:13–18 – Wisdom from above produces righteousness

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