We’re studying the first seven verses of Col 2 today. In the first verse, Paul wrote, “I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you.” The great conflict was Paul’s distress for the well being of the saints and faithful brethren in Colosse and Laodicea, Col 1:2, 2:1. Paul wanted them to be fully aware of and protected against influences that could cause them to be “moved away from the hope of the gospel,” Col 1:23. So, he taught them how to keep from being beguiled.
Men could beguile them with enticing words, Col 2:4. Men could spoil them with philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, and after the rudiments of the world, Col 2:8. Men could judge them in matters of the law, Col 2:16. Men could subject them to the commandments and doctrines of men, Col 2:22. All of these would destroy the work that Paul had begun among them. He was particularly concerned about those who had “not seen my face in the flesh,” Col 2:1. They hadn’t heard him preach and teach the truths by which the rest of them were living.
In Col 2:1-7, Paul gives us a few things that protect us against being beguiled with enticing words. If the Colossians and Laodiceans followed these things, they eased the great conflict that Paul had. We keep from being beguiled with enticing words:
By our hearts being knit together in love – Col 2:2 – hearts are comforted when they are knit together. When our hearts are knit together in one faith, one mind, one spirit, and one accord, it’s much harder for a person to get picked off by enticing words. Hyper-dispensationalists beguiled guys in our Bible college by getting them to separate from the group of students they were with. There are some preachers who have a huge following of young people on the internet. The trouble is that the hearts of their followers are not knit together with like believers, as in a church. So, they are more easily beguiled with enticing words.
By the full of assurance of understanding – Col 2:2 – when you understand the mystery of God, 1 Tim 3:16, the mystery of the Father, Jn 14:9, 17:22-23, and the mystery of Christ, Col 1:27, you are fully assured of your salvation in Christ. When you understand these things properly, then enticing words don’t allure you. You can hear the lies in the good words and fair speeches of the deceivers, Rom 16:17-18.
By the wisdom and knowledge of Christ – Col 2:2-3 – the wisdom and knowledge of Christ protects you against enticing words, 1 Cor 1:20-24, 27-2:5. When you have the wisdom and knowledge of Christ, it doesn’t make any difference how smooth and slick a fellow talks. The wisdom of God written in the Bible is plain and understandable, Prov 8:6-9. Slick words won’t impress you. If what the fellow is saying doesn’t line up with the clear teaching of scripture, he’s trying to beguile you with enticing words.
By stedfast faith in Christ – Col 2:5 – stedfast faith in Christ is unmoveable, 1 Cor 15:58. You obtain this faith in Christ by:
- Walking in faith – Col 2:6 – “as ye have received Christ.” You were saved by faith and you are to walk in faith, believing the words of God, not the words of men, Rom 10:17.
- Being stablished in faith – Col 2:7 – “rooted and built up in him.” Col 1:23, “continue in the faith grounded and settled.” We are built up into the temple of God, Eph 2:20-22.
- Abounding in faith – Col 2:7 – “abounding therein with thanksgiving.” The faith we have should grow continually, 2 Thes 1:3. With this kind of faith, you are not going to be beguiled with enticing words.
Conclusion: The closer we get to the return of the Lord, the more you must be protected against being beguiled with enticing words. Follow these four things Paul wrote. Get into a Bible believing local church and let your heart be knit together with other believers in love. Be fully assured of the security of your salvation in Christ. Receive the wisdom and knowledge of Christ so that when a preacher or teacher lies to you, you can discern the lie. And be stedfast in your faith in Christ, rooted and built up in him.