Colossians 2:1-7Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. ² I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ.^[a] 3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him.

Christ versus the Colossian Heresy

⁴ I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. ⁵ For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

⁶ Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him,⁷ rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.

Questions:

1.       Paul says he is struggling with not being there for the people of Colossi and Laodicea, what does it mean, Paul struggling?

A.     Paul is probably mad, or upset because he wants to be there for the Church.  He understands that they are being influenced by outside people.  Paul wants to encourage them, he wants to almost protect them.  He wants them to succeed and spread the word with confidence.

2.      What does Paul mean by saying, “I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined in love?”

A.     Paul wants them to have all the riches of assured understanding, that means knowing Christ, and having Knowledge of Christ, and what He did on the cross of them. 

3.      Has there ever been a time when someone tried to get you to do something you didn’t want to do?

4.      Did you do it? Or, did you say no and walk away?

5.      People will try and persuade you to do anything, Paul is letting the church know that this is a big deal. We must be well ordered and have great faith in Christ to avoid being confused by fails teachers. 

6.      What does it mean to walk in Christ?

A.     To walk with Christ is to follow His way.  To follow His ways we needs to follow His word.  We need to read the Bible and understand what He is telling us.  So no one can lead us away from Him.