Colossians 2:1–5 (ESV) - For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5For 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.

Colossians 1:28–29 (ESV) - Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Paul’s struggling is motivated by a desire for others to grow in Christ.

Paul’s struggling is motivated by desire for others to grow in Christ together.

An agape love shared together as they grow in Christ together.

Romans 10:12 (ESV) - For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV) - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV) - having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

2 Peter 1:3 (ESV) - His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

Colossians 2:4 (ESV) - I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Colossians 2:5 (ESV) - 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.

1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 (ESV) - 33For God is not a God of confusion but of peace...40But all things should be done decently and in order.

Order and firmness of faith do not mean cold and rigid or heartless and loveless.

Order and firmness of faith are not for leadership to control and manipulate people.

Order and firmness of faith are to represent the heart of God, guard truth and carry out the mission Jesus gave – go into all the world and make disciple.

2 Timothy 1:14 (ESV) - By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Discussion Questions (Read Colossians 2:1-5 and pray)

1. What things identify general maturity in life?

2. What does Paul mean when he says he has a “great struggle” for believers he has never even met?

3. In what way is this struggle present in your life? If it’s not, why not?

4. Why do you think gospel truth is often referred to as “riches” in the Bible? How does this influence our understanding of the value of biblical truth?

5. What was Paul’s ultimate goal in pursuing the Colossians’ maturity (v4) and how might the things mentioned in vs.2-3 help someone accomplish the goal?

6. What does biblical good order and firmness of faith look like in the local church? How are you contributing to this at Crossroads?