Colossians 2:1. "For I would that ye know what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;" IN DANGER. Paul had never been there but he knew the danger they were in, When false teaching spreads from one church to another with insidious sin. It can have far-reaching effects and God's work seriously restrain, If it is left unaddressed and the danger it brings is not contained.
Any teaching that doesn't give the Lord Jesus His prominent place, Is a danger that can't be ignored; it must be squarely faced; So that those who are influenced by the personal opinions of men, Will learn to not heed false teaching when it comes around again.
Make no mistake: Satan will not take lying down, The invasion of God's truth into what he thinks is his ground. But take courage in this, "He that is in you is greater than he..." God will not allow Satan's evil to win the victory.
We must face this fact, a struggle will ensue, When we pray for, and preach the Gospel, before we are through. Opposition is to be expected when we are in enemy land. That is one of the reasons for joy when God reaches out His saving hand.
Whether in places like Colossae where false teaching seemed to get a start; Or in the church at Laodicea where people had lukewarm hearts; God is able to bring recovery when the Person of Christ is exalted, And again, produces Gospel fruit from ground that by sin was salted.
Be faithful to God and His Word, and struggle with all of your might, Against the powers of darkness that seek to turn off the light Of the Gospel of salvation by God's grace alone;
And confidently trust God Himself to do what needs to be done.
"Lord God, as I teach here tonight, may the things that can be used to motivate the believers, be clearly spoken of by Thy servant. May I not leave unsaid what needs to be said, or say what is best left unsaid. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."