DIGGING DEEP NO. 1068 January 28, 2025 A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS (PART 5) ALIVE AND ALERT Col.2: 1 – 10.

In the Christian life, we never stand still: we either go forward or gradually slip backward. “Let us go on to perfection!” is the call we must obey Heb.6: 1. The Christian who is not making spiritual progress is an open target for the enemy to attack and destroy. Satan is deceptive; He wants to lead believers into the wrong path. We have to keep growing in our knowledge of spiritual truth in order to defeat Satan.

The nature of progress – Vs.5- 7 Paul used several vivid pictures to illustrate spiritual progress. The words order and steadfastness are military terms. They described an army that is solidly united against the enemy. Order describes the arrangement of the army in ranks, with each soldier in his proper place. Not everybody can be a five-star general, but the general could never fight the battle alone. Steadfastness pictures the soldiers in battle formation, presenting a solid front to the enemy. Christians ought to make progress in discipline and obedience, just as soldiers on the battlefield.

The pilgrim – Vs.6 – The Christian life is compared to a pilgrimage, and believers must learn to walk. Paul had already encouraged his readers to “walk worthy of the Lord” Col.1: 10, and later he used this image again Col.3: 7; 4: 5. We are to walk in Christ the same way we originally received Christ; by faith.

The tree – Vs.7 – Rooted is an agricultural word. Christians are not to be tumbleweeds that have no roots and are blown about by every wind of doctrine Ephe.4: 14. Nor are they to be transplants that are repeatedly moved from soil to soil. Once we are rooted by faith in Christ, there is no need to change the soil. The roots draw up the nourishment so that the tree can grow. The roots also give strength and stability.

The building – Vs.7 – Built up is an architectural term. It is the present tense: “being built up.”

When we trust Christ to save us, we laid a foundation; from then on, we grow in grace. The word edify that is often found in Paul’s letters simply means to build up. To make spiritual means to keep adding to the temple of God.

The school – Vs.7 – It is the Word of God that builds and strengthens the Christian. Epaphras had faithfully taught the Colossian believers the truth of the Word of God Col.1: 7. But the false teachers were undermining that doctrine. Today, Christians who study the Word become established in the faith. Satan has a difficult time deceiving the Bible taught believers.

The river – Vs.7 – The word abounding is often used by Paul. It suggests the picture of a river overflowing its banks. Our first experience in the Lord is that of drinking the water of life by faith; and He puts within us an artesian well of living water Jh.4: 10- 14. But that artesian well should become a river of living water that grows deeper and deeper Jh.7: 37- 39. Unfortunately, many of us are making no progress; our lives are shallow trickles instead of mighty rivers.

By reviewing these pictures of spiritual progress, we see how the growing Christian can easily defeat the enemy and not be led astray. If his spiritual roots are deep in Christ, he will not want any other soil. If Christ is his sure foundation, he has no need to move. If he is studying and growing in the Word, he will not be easily enticed by false doctrine. And if his heart is overflowing with thanksgiving, he will not even consider turning from the fullness he has in Christ. A grounded, growing, grateful believer will not be led astray.

Watch out for spiritual perils – Vs.8- 10 How is it possible for false teachers to deceive people? The answer is simple: The deceived are ignorant of the truths of the Word of God. They become fascinated by the philosophy and empty delusion of the false teachers. To begin with, it is the tradition of men and not the truth of God’s Word. Why follow empty philosophy when we have all fullness in Christ? This is like turning away from the satisfying river to drink at the dirty cisterns of the world Jer.2: 13. Paul gave the true and lasting antidote to all the false teaching: All fullness is in Christ, and you have been made full in Him. Why then would you need anything else?

In Conclusion – Nothing needs to be added to Christ because He already is the very fullness of God. As the believer draws on Christ fullness, he is filled unto all fullness of God. Ephe.3: 19. What more does he need?