Jesus Only: Part OneSample

Week 5, Day 4 - Wednesday

Fullness in Christ

First-century Colossae sat on a major trading route. As a result, it was a fertile place for the birth of all manner of spiritual beliefs, practices, and cults.  

One prevalent thought system was Gnosticism. Essentially, it sees God as so transcendent and unavailable to humans that a series of intermediaries are needed.  According to writer Philip Yancey, even Jews in this area worshiped angels and river spirits.  Jesus is viewed as just another one of many spiritual intermediaries.  

Fullness in spiritual practice was seen as acknowledging and worshiping as many of these intermediaries as possible. It must have been a daunting prospect for many persons. Early Christ-followers in Colossae were being seduced by this thinking.  

Paul cuts through the complexity and confusion caused by these spiritual practices with a profound and positive theological statement:

• For in Christ, all the fullness of the deity lives in bodily form.
• And, you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every authority.

Christ is enough! He is the physical evidence of the true God. There is no need to look elsewhere. Striving for a full and rich life is complete in Christ. No other spiritual intermediaries are needed. He is supreme over all others.  

The environment we live in today is like Colossae on steroids. Modern transportation and communication technologies make it possible for all manner of human experience and belief to be transmitted around the globe. Daily, we are exposed to a steady diet of news, information, and philosophies. No wonder we feel overstimulated, overwhelmed, and overanxious. 

Furthermore, the diversity of spiritual experiences in contemporary life seeps into and distorts our understanding of who God is and how to know Him. The latest trendy spiritual practice captures our attention. And we often wonder if we are "doing enough" to have a full faith experience.  

Take heart in Paul’s reminder.  Jesus is supreme and complete. His fullness is available to us.  

“Continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:7)

Reflection Questions:

How have I seen evidence that there are many options today, and that to experience and know God and Jesus is just one of them?

What are some steps I can take to resist the bombardment of contemporary thought upon my devotion to Christ?

Prayer:

Dear God, how majestic You are in all of the earth! Nothing compares to You. Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth, as it is in heaven. Give me daily what I need to sustain me. Thank You for the bodily life example and resurrection of Your son, Jesus. Forgive me when I turn away and lean upon my own understanding. Help me to resist the enticing arguments of worldly thinkers. In Your precious name, Amen.