Colossians 2:1 "For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you ..."

Paul's prison cell became a war room when he heard of the activities of the false teachers in Colosse and in Laodicea. Imprisoned he wages triumphant spiritual warfare, joined by Epaphras (Colossians 4:12 ). They literally wrestled in prayer against the powers of darkness, proving the promise of

Matthew 18:19 "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."

Leaders become most effective when on their knees. By prayer leaders can accomplish much even in places they have not been able to visit.

Colossians 2:1 "... for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,"

Paul's great conflict is for churches pioneered and established by his spiritual sons in the faith.

Colossians 2:2 "That their hearts might be comforted, ..."

The original word is 'parakaled' meaning 'para' by the side, and 'kaleo' to call. To call to one's side, hence aid - to comfort - to encourage. Faced with those who brought disturbing heresies, that sowed doubts, and spread fears - their need was to be helped by the Holy Spirit who could give the courage which would impart strength to resist and refute with steadfastness. How important to beseech the help and fortification of the Holy Spirit for those under attack.

Colossians 2:2 "... being knit together in love, ..."

It is necessary that they be driven together by the danger they faced, so that in association and affection they may be thrown off the threat of divisions. In unity of faith and love they could close their ranks and stand together. Unity in divine love would make them helpers of each other in the bearing of the stress, and by that love preserve their oneness. This is the positive kind of prayer for those under attack.

Colossians 2:2 "... and unto all riches of the full assurance ..."

This was not a time for compromise nor indifferent drifting. They needed the solid ground of entire confidence in the gospel, and a conviction that would bring real resistance. Their full assurance based on the Person of Jesus Christ would make these Colossians unshakeable. Abundance of assurance is to be found in Christ. Pray for the "all riches", that is the bestowment of stability and boldness into every believer's life.

Colossians 2:2 "... of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;"

Keys to increased understanding are given in this prayer:

	Loving Jesus Christ gives insight to understanding. By love abounding there is increased knowledge and discernment. (Philippians 1:9 ).
	Don't let that first love diminish (Revelation 2:4 ). The love that is greedy to know more and more of Jesus the Beloved, such knowledge gives insight to understanding.
	In Him, that which was hid, is now fully revealed. Knowing Jesus Christ brings understanding of the "mystery" of God. That is, He is the revelator and the revelation. He is all in all, unlocking and swinging wide the door to our clear understanding.

Part of the strength of the strong believer is clear understanding, and from Paul's example, prayer to that end is seen to be needed, because it works.

Colossians 2:3 "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. "

They need to know, to understand and acknowledge the supremacy of Christ. To acknowledge Christ as the sole repository of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, affirmed that there could be no truth whatever in the rival claims of the gnostics, that there were other mystic intermediaries. Here hidden does not mean concealed, but stored up, to be accessible to us.

"The treasures of wisdom are hid, not from us, but for, in Christ. They who would be wise and knowing, must apply themselves to Christ. We must spend upon the stock which is laid up for us in Him, and draw from the treasures which are his in Him. He is the wisdom of God, and is of God made unto us wisdom etc. (1 Corinthians 1:30 )". Matthew Henry

When prayer for acknowledgement is answered and all riches in Christ are openly confessed. It exposes all other so-called riches to be what they are, deceptive and unreal.

Colossians 2:4 "Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words."

All that Paul had prayed was for the purpose expressed here, that they should not be deceived. There are today, those who use their gift with words and ability to persuade, to subtly deceive and lead away from the truth. The Church is in more danger from deceiving, persuasive false teachers than from the persecutors. The warning is clear - no matter how well put together the phrases, or eloquent the delivery - or plausible the representations are made to be, or how large and attractive their premises, they are leading away from the reality of the Word of God, and away from Christ in whom alone is the total treasure of truth. False teachers are deceived and deceivers. The responsible leadership should expose them. Spiritual warfare may well lead to outspoken concern and protection of those under attack.

Colossians 2:5 "For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ."

Though absent from them bodily - owing to imprisonment - in concern he was involved with them through prayer, which resulted in him being with them in spirit. The influence of prayer knows no limitation by distance - and tunes the intercessor in sensitivity to the situation as though the intercessor were physically present.

Involvement by prayer and report received, Paul observed two commendable things about the Colossians:-

Their GOOD ORDER, Greek 'taxis' - a military term suggesting marching in rank and harmony - also inferring the maintaining of regular arrangement, of coming together and behaviour in the house of God. They were not disorderly (Galatians 6:16 ); their feet were guided in the way of peace (Luke 1:79 ). Each member known for conducting their affairs with discretion (Psalm 112:5 ). Their contributions in body ministry was done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40 ), having respect for God who does not author confusion but order and peace (1 Corinthians 14:33 ). This praise of their good order was to encourage its continuance in the battle against the disruptive false teaching.

Their STEADFASTNESS of faith in Christ. Such faith assures effective resistance to the devil (1 Peter 5:9 ); makes prayer successful (James 1:6 ); gives victory over the world (1 John 5:4 ), and protects against error (Jude 3 ). Such steadfastness gladdens the hearts of leaders (1 Thessalonians 2:8 ).

Colossians 2:6 "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,"

Sound direction is given to all Christians. We are to walk in just the same way as we received Jesus Christ. That is, depending on Him as the only Saviour. Now go on continually relying on Him in your daily walk of full obedience to His will and Word. Having accepted Him as Saviour, now accept Him as Lord. Let Him be the controlling Master of every step of your life.

Colossians 2:7 "Rooted and built up in him, ..."

True Christian experience means to have our roots deep in Jesus Christ. The Christian can only grow rooted in Christ and nowhere else. It is only by being rooted in Christ that we can be safe from the winds of false teaching. Not to be so we will be blown about by every contrary wind. Here is described true Christian life. We receive His life by having been "rooted" in Christ. We are continually growing by being "built up" in Christ . We are "established" and strengthened as a continual process of deepening faith in Christ (Colossians 2:7 ). We overflow with joyful "thanksgiving" by abounding in what we have learned in Christ (Colossians 2:7 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What kind of warfare did Paul conduct from his prison cell? (Colossians 2:1 ).
2. How can leaders accomplish much in places to which they have not been? (Colossians 2:1 ). Can you give examples of practical help through the involvement of others who were far from you geographically?
3. What would you pray for those who are faced with those who sow disturbing heresies? (Colossians 2:2 ). What solid ground of truth which is understood, brings full assurance? (Colossians 2:2 ).
4. What is the meaning of "hid" as used in Colossians 2:3? How can you be protected from deception and error? (Colossians 2:4 ).
5. What two commendable things were there about the Colossian believers? (Colossians 2:5 ). Could you be praised for the same things?
6. What sound direction is given to all the Lord's people? (Colossians 2:6-7 ). Can you give examples of following them, from your experience?