Col. 1:24-2:5

As one reads this passage it helps to keep in mind the theme of completion in Colossians.  It is hard to miss.  For example:

·        In v24 Paul wants to complete the sufferings of Christ.  He doesn’t mean that Christ’s work on the cross was incomplete, but that after Christ suffered for sinners to provide salvation, Paul now endures suffering to bring the gospel to those who need to believe.

·        In v25-26 Paul wants to fulfill the word of God.  Again, the word of God is complete but, as we saw in Ephesians 3, Paul was chosen of God to explain the mystery, that which had been hidden from ages past.

·        In v28-29 Paul’s desire is to complete or present perfect every man.  The complete word of God must be presented to men that they might receive Christ and then grow into His likeness.  For this Paul labors and strives.

·        In 2:1-2 the theme is seen twice.  First, Paul wants all the believers in Colossae and in nearby Laodicea to be complete.  This illustrates what he means by all men.  The churches were to trade letters (4:16) and be encouraged together (2:2).  Second, he wants believers to know the entirety of God’s truth concerning this mystery.  The phrase full assurance of understanding speaks of a deep conviction that is seen in living out the mystery in practical terms.  As Christians we cannot live like Christ while living in doubt about His provision.  Thus these words guard against deception (2:4-5).

          Also in the passage are two truths about the Lord Jesus Christ which remind us why He is called Wonderful (Isa. 9:6).

·        The mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (v27).  Men are created to bear the glory of the Creator.  Sin has made a mess of God’s intention.  But Christ, on the basis of the atonement, has promised glory for the believer and this glory is based in the mystical union we have with our Lord.  See this in John 17:22-23; Rom. 5:1-5; 8:18-21.  This glorification is the hope of the believer and it depends on the presence of the glorious One in the believer.

·        The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (2:3).  Those seeking to deceive the believers at Colossae claimed to have wisdom which was needed for a truly fulfilling life.  Paul makes it clear: if one has the Lord Jesus Christ he has the One who has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  The fact that they are hidden in Christ simply means that the believer discovers them as he walks faithfully in Christ.  

          Being born in sin, people are always searching for something, seeking one adventure after another in the hope of satisfying their souls.  When a person receives Christ, the search is over.  One evidence of true faith is the peace in the soul owing to the fact that it has found the One who satisfies.  Are you satisfied?