With the rapid proliferation of cell phones it seems we are often privy to one way conversations. People talk loudly as through no one else can hear. And though you might not want to listen, you often don’t have a choice.
The book of Colossians is like a one way conversation–but not an annoying one.
Paul writes the letter in response to a visit from an envoy from the church at Philippi who happened to be from Colossae.
We don’t know what Epaphras (Epaphroditus) said to Paul, what we have is his one way conversation–letter–to the church at Colossae.
In the letter we see Paul’s focus on who Jesus–He is the answer to the problem.
It’s very similar to the way people are trained to spot a counterfeit–they study the real thing. By studying what makes the real bill the real thing, when confronted with a counterfeit–it’s easy (easier) to spot.
While it is helpful to understand the elements of different cults or religions–the best way to deal with counterfeit doctrine is by studying the real thing.
In Colossians Paul’s answer to the “philosophy” was not the need for superior knowledge but superior knowledge of the will of God for the sake of right conduct. And his answer to those who denied the deity of Christ was to reveal the preeminence of Christ and how that should be reflected in the believer’s life and priorities.
A proper view of Christ is the best antidote for heresy.
The answer to dealing with false teaching, false philosophies, and false practices–is to focus on Christ our complete sufficiency.
Over the next few months I’ll be writing thoughts based on Colossians which we are studying in our men’s ministry as well as during our Sunday morning services.
