Walking in Christ: Colossians 2 (2)
Pray Psalm 1.1, 2
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
Sing Psalm 1.1, 2
Regent Square: Angels from the Realms of Glory
Blessed the one who walks not in the counsel of ungodly men;
stands not in the path of sinners, joins not scorners in their sin.
But his joy is in the LORD’s law, and he meditates therein.
|Read Colossians 2.1-7; meditate on verse 5.
What does “steadfastness of faith” look like?
Preparation
1. What danger were the Colossians facing?
2. How did Paul encourage them to prepare for this?
Meditation
Verse 4 reads like an alarm: Watch out! En garde! That’s precisely what it is, but we won’t get to the substance of the warning until verse 8. Until then, a hint of the danger, and a few things to review.
The threat is in “persuasive words” (v. 4). To persuade someone is to bring them over to your view. All kinds of ill winds of doctrine blow against believers every day, and some of them can be very persuasive, causing us to drift off course from our great salvation (cf. Heb. 2.1-3). We need to recognize and be ready to struggle against them.
How do we guard against such threats? Begin with good order, steadfastness of faith (v. 5), growing in the Lord (v. 6), and walking obediently in Christ (vv. 6, 7). These things firmly in place, we’ll be able to withstand whatever the world or the enemy of our soul may throw against us. Since we have received Christ and are established in Him, we need to continue daily in those disciplines that allow us to abound in the life of Christ, being careful always to give thanks in all things (v. 7).
Good order, steadfastness of faith, rooted in Christ, walking in Him. Every day, all day long. Walk the path of Christ and not of sin, and you’ll be ready to do battle with whatever comes your way.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
“As we therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…” (vs. 6, 7)
I received a new book, but I’m not going to read it?
I received a new appliance, but I’m not going to use it?
I received some new walking shoes, but I’m not going to wear them?
We have received Christ, but we’re not going to learn from Him?
We have received Christ, but we’re not going to grow in Him?
We have received Christ, but we’re not going to walk with Him?
What are we thinking?
What were the Colossians thinking and doing?
Or not doing, as the case may be?
We are told in Psalm 1 exactly how to learn from and grow in Him:
- Don’t follow the counsel of the ungodly.
- Don’t hang around with people who don’t love God.
- Don’t fellowship with those who are scornful of the Word of God.
- Do find delight in the law of the LORD.
- Do read and think about that law day and night.
The key to being rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith is found in the consumption and extensive use of God’s Word: “Your words were found, and I did eat them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your Name, O LORD God of hosts” (Jer. 15.16).
When we know these things, blessed and happy are we if we do them (Jn. 13.17).
“Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD!” (Ps. 144.15)
Reflection
1. What are some examples of “persuasive words” that might distract us from the Gospel?
2. How would you advise a new believer to be “rooted and built up” in the Lord Jesus?
3. In what ways is the Christian life like a warfare? Like doing battle?
Having completed his definition, he turns now to give a warning. He tells them to beware of those who corrupt Christian doctrine. It is like a doctor who first gives the cure, and then deals with the cause of the disease. Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560), Notes on Paul’s Letter to the Colossians 2.4
Pray Psalm 1.3-6
Pray that the Lord will help you see every temptation that threatens to dislodge you from the path of Jesus. Call on Him to sustain and bless your every endeavor this day.
Sing Psalm 1.3-6
Regent Square: Angels from the Realms of Glory
He shall flourish like a tree transplanted by the streams of grace;
rooted near life-giving waters, growing strong in this blessed place—
ever fruitful, never with’ring, prospering before God’s face.
Not so rooted are the wicked, like chaff blowing in the wind.
They shall not stand with the righteous but shall be judged in their sin.
For the LORD knows all the righteous, but the wicked’s ways shall end.
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Men, check out the fall schedule of online reading and study groups. Lots of opportunities here to grow and make some new friends. And look over the free books in our clearance sale at The Ailbe Bookstore. Order several copies and share them around.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
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