Colossians 2:5

Colossians 2:5 (ESV)

[5] 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.

 

As Paul writes to the Colossians he wants to encourage them. The false teachers have been pushing their lies and distortions but evidently the Colossians have not yet fallen for them. There is still order to their worship and a firmness of faith in Christ. False teachings will undermine both of those. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians, "all things should be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40) An emphasis on Greek mysticism and angel worship would result in disorder. An emphasis on Jewish legalism and asceticism would result in an undermining of their firmness of faith. False teaching and distortion of truth leads toward disorder, weak faith or both.

 

Paul is warning the Christians of Colossae about false teachers but he is also encouraging them that they are not alone in the battle. His struggle is on their behalf. Epaphras struggle is on their behalf. They are loved. They are cared for and they have not been abandoned. It is much easier to stand firm in the faith when you know that you are not alone. When you know that whatever struggle, attack or issue you are facing in life you are not facing alone it is easier to stand firm. Moses, when he held his staff high as a sign of Israel's dependence on God, had help. Aaron and Hur stood on each side of him holding his hands up while they watched Joshua lead the armies in victory over the Amalekites. (see Exodus 17) Whose hands are you holding up today? Who is holding up your hands?

 

Father, thank you for those you have placed in my life as an encouragement and help. May I be an encouragement and help to those around me. May I not neglect to pray for them and to let them know that I care.

 

By His grace,

Rick Weinert