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Understanding in Christ

As we go through the letter to the Colossians, I’ve been talking about the prize Paul is striving for. In my last post we saw that he wants to see all believers’ hearts united in love.

Now the apostle shares the reason for this desire.

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3 NIV

The reason he wants us united, is because together, as the body of Christ, we can access the wealth of understanding in Christ. The concept of understanding in Scripture is very important, but most don’t realize it. The word, in Scripture, means to put together.

Understanding involves direction. It looks for the eventual outcome of a line of thinking. It tries to put together all the facts, and asks, “Where does the path I’m on take me?” This process exercises the mind to its greatest potential. It’s hard work, and sometimes brings unexpected results.

Because of this, most people will not seek understanding. Yet seeking is the only way to obtain it. And it’s only in Christ that we receive the full riches of understanding. That’s because this understanding opens up a whole new world to us.

Without this God-given understanding, we have no capability of knowing the mystery God. The fact is that Christ, Himself, is that mystery. I’m not talking about reading and studying the Bible to learn about Christ.

I’m speaking of truly knowing Christ in all of His fullness. That’s a mystery beyond our human comprehension. However, in Christ we have that ability. That’s where the riches are hidden.

This verse tells us that as we unite our hearts in love, we start to recognize and discern the wealth of the mystery of who Christ is. We start to see the glory of the Messiah working in us.

That’s where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts. We get that from the Bible. Wisdom is the application of those facts. It makes right choices based on those facts.

But, as great as wisdom and knowledge are, they’re not enough. It’s the understanding of God that brings you to the next level.

King Solomon, the wisest man knew this.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.

Proverbs 4:7a-9 NIV

Paul wants to see this church, and us, operating at the highest level possible. That will only come through God-given understanding. He emphasizes this because the Colossians were on the verge of leaving it for human wisdom.

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Colossians 2:4 NIV

Don’t chase after the world’s way of thinking. Allow the Holy Spirit to impart to you the mind of Christ. It will open up a higher way of living in Christ.

Question: How have you experienced the understanding of God?

Wisdom is not Enough

10 Dec

In my last post, we saw that in the message of the cross of Christ we find the power to live for God. When we try to do things in our own power, we end up short-circuiting God’s plan for us. Look at how Paul describes it.

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1 Corinthians 1:19-20

Scripture makes it clear that we have to leave man’s wisdom out of the equation. I hate to say it, but many of our church methods in this generation are man-made. I think that’s why we see a church with a split personality.

On one hand, many churches are growing and have deep, meaningful worship times. Preaching is as powerful as it’s ever been. Yet in spite of all this, God’s people seem to be having almost no impact on the society around us.

That’s because the power that results in change is resident in the message of the cross. Without that Word, everything remains at the comfort level of the world.

The above passage mentions three kinds of people. There’s the wise man. That’s the person who is well versed in human wisdom.

Then there’s the scholar. The literal word that Paul used for this is a scribe. They were the professional writers of that day.

Finally, he talks about the philosopher. The Greek word for this means a debater. These were people who merely discussed things for a living.

Together, this is a lethal combination for the church. When those who follow the current thinking and trends of society, professional writers, and debaters come together to give direction to the church, then we’re headed for trouble.

Please understand – none of these things are evil in and of themselves. But when we ignore the leading of the Holy Spirit and totally rely on our wisdom, the kingdom of God will not advance.

In the above passage, Paul quoted a verse from Isaiah the prophet. I think it’s important to note the verse just before the one he gave us.

The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
Isaiah 29:13

I can look at society and see the trends and wisdom of corporate America. Then, I can logically come up with a plan to reach the lost, based upon this information. But without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I simply have “rules taught by men.”

It’s time that the church moves away from the world’s methods. Yes, we need to know what’s happening in society. We need to understand the trends and changes around us. (After all, I am working at an online ministry!)

However, without quality time spent in the presence of God – it will have no impact. We need a Word from God – that’s where change takes place. Allow the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide you in your ministry.

Question: What are some differences between God’s wisdom and the world’s?

The Spirit and the Word

Tag Archives: human wisdom

Understanding in Christ

Wisdom is not Enough

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