Be Knit Together
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ." Colossians 2:1-5
Our pastor shared a sermon on this passage last Sunday that was excellent. He shared how Paul had a deep struggle for the people of this church and knew they were facing a dangerous situation of being deceived. He described it like the way parents agonizing over our children and the decisions they are making.
He listed four things this passage suggests we pray for:
1) Pray that our hearts will be strengthened.
2) Pray that our minds will be full of the assurance we have in Jesus Christ
3) Pray for wisdom from Christ.
"The closer you are to God the more access you have to the wisdom of God." Stan Parris
4) Pray that we would not be led astray by false teachers. (In the CEV is says by "fancy talkers" who make things seem well founded.
"Paul wants them to stand firm in their faith against deceit and delusion because he takes such great delight in their good order and firmness of faith. His whole ministry is aimed at this. The faith of his churches is his joy and glory." John Piper
Do we love our churches that way? Are we plugged in and invested in the lives of the Body of Christ. How many hours a week are we "Being knitted together in love." v2 Even if your work schedule doesn't allow you to be with the members of your congregation, breaking bread, throughout the week, there is nothing keeping you from contact. It's a lot easier to correspond quickly for us than it was for Paul's letters to arrive.
I'm getting a double whammy this week on the importance of praying for wisdom.
