Safety in Christ

Colossians 2:1–10 (NKJV)

1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 2:1-10

Paul addresses the deep desire and even inner conflict of which he suffers on behalf of the Colossian Christians and those other Christians whom he has not had a chance to meet. Epaphrus was their pastor and leader, and had spoken to Paul about the church in loving terms. At the time of the writing of this letter, however, there were those who would teach a false doctrine and way of worship to the Colossians, to the point of potential conflict and division amongst the members of the church. Paul writes of the need for them to be knit together in love, indelibly bound together in the love of God and the knowledge of God and His deep mysteries. He offers this advice in order to preclude their deception by those who would offer persuasive words. Paul helps them know his deep concern for them, explaining his desire to be with them and guard them in their journey to steadfast faith.

He then goes further to remind them of the faith that brought them salvation, and encouraged them to walk in Christ, rooted in Him and built up in Him. They are to be established in the faith, even abounding in it. They are to beware of those who would cheat them out of that faith. Empty words, philosophy, deceit, and traditions of men would rob men and women of their faith. Christ, however, contains the fullness of the Godhead bodily and He completes the believer. All power and authority is in Him, and He is the Lord of all believers. Make him the center of your world. Make Him the focus of your sight and the voice in your ear. Walk in His steps and glory in Him. That level of commitment will keep you safe in His will, and will keep you from falling. Dwell in it and live!