CONCERN: Warning and Walking. Colossians 2:1-7 We are deeply grateful for those who genuinely care about the spiritual well-being of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of God's chosen servants pray and imagine the needs of people in other parts of the world. They have never met these people but have heard about them, read about the work others are doing, and try to find the best way they can help. They pray and find other ways to serve new believers in places they will never see in their lifetime. Paul's work with the Colossians was powerful through the written word. He emphasized the importance of the church and clarified its makeup to everyone God had saved. This helped reveal the false teachings they were hearing for what they really were. He personally showed his dedication by suffering for the Gospel, which made his concern for the new believers at Colosse even more meaningful.
Paul’s ministry included teaching those he had not personally met, such as believers in Colossae and Laodicea. Concerned believers feel an urgent struggle when they hear about the trials, opposition, and deception faced by other believers they haven't met. However, we also rejoice when we hear of their faithfulness and how God is using their efforts to bless others and bring glory to Himself.
Concern for others builds a relationship that makes warnings and advice acceptable to people we may not know personally. It demonstrates genuine care and a desire for their spiritual well-being. Although our human understanding of situations and people is limited, love for them and Christ's love create a bond that unites us.
Through this letter, Paul expressed the toil, struggles, and strife he was experiencing to show his heartfelt concern for the saints at Colosse and those in the assembly eleven miles away at Laodicea. His goal was to educate them and share the treasure of his wisdom. Paul's concern stemmed from what others were doing to God's people through false teaching, and the Colossian believers didn't seem to resist the heresy. His concern for them reflected Paul's warning to them.
It is evidence of genuine concern when someone feels emotionally conflicted about others' well-being. It's significant when we realize God's people elsewhere are at risk because of false teachings that can destroy their lives and testimony. That doesn't excuse us from reaching out to them to provide understanding and comfort through honest communication. When the saints face attacks on God's truth, they don't just need comfort; they need encouragement to take action to oppose and stop what is wrong.