In Danger. Colossians 2:1. Paul had not been to Colosse and Laodicea but knew that when believers are close together, the teaching in one assembly is likely to be heard and perhaps accepted in the other. Even though assemblies have unique characteristics like living organisms, certain similarities are created in them through itinerant preachers and teachers who come among them. The believers in Laodicea were lukewarm in their commitment to the Lord. The Colossians were attracted to spiritism and asceticism, unseen things that appealed to their feelings and emotions.
When new to the faith, believers often depend on their feelings to confirm its reality. They are curious and seek what is right, but spiritism appeals to many because it is mysterious and open to individual interpretations of unseen phenomena. Sadly, many false teachers exploit their uncertainty, instructing them on how to interpret feelings to convince them they are more spiritual than before or than other Christians. Such ongoing “blessings” are another form of deception that relies on sinful flesh for satisfaction. Unfortunately, any deception ultimately fails to bring peace and assurance.
Paul had never been to Colosse, but he understood the danger the assembly faced. When false teaching spreads from one church to another with subtle sin, it can have far-reaching effects and seriously undermine God's work, turning an assembly into a hindrance rather than a blessing to the community. If false teaching is left unchecked and the danger it poses is not contained, it fosters dissension and division. Any teaching that doesn't give the Lord Jesus His proper place is a threat that must be addressed. It has to be confronted directly so that those influenced by personal opinions will learn not to follow false teachings again.
Make no mistake: Satan will not allow the truth of God's Word to be proclaimed without opposition. The invasion of God's truth into what he considers his territory stirs the deep-seated evil in enemies of God to oppose the truth in every possible way. But take courage in this: "He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world." God will not permit Satan's evil to win the victory, even though there may be a struggle. We must accept this; a struggle will come because believers who live godly lives expose ungodliness in those around us. When we pray for sinners to be saved and preach the Gospel with that in mind, opposition will arise before we finish. It is expected that when we are in enemy territory, holiness and evil cannot coexist. That is one reason for joy when God reaches out His saving hand and turns people from the power of Satan to Himself.
Whether in places like Colosse, where false teachings may have begun, or in the church at Laodicea, where people had lukewarm hearts, God can bring restoration when the Person of Christ is exalted among His people. It is possible for God's work to bear Gospel fruit again from ground salted by sin. Be faithful to God and His Word, and be willing to struggle against the powers of darkness that seek to turn off the light of salvation's Gospel by God's grace alone. Trust confidently that God will do what needs to be done through you, and the danger of deceptive teaching will not divert you from the word of God.