“…in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” — Colossians 2:2–4 (NIV)
Once again, Paul used the word “mystery” to describe the wisdom and knowledge that is found in Jesus Christ. Paul tells us that the mystery of God is that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are hidden in Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of the wisdom that Solomon talked about in the book of Proverbs. In Jesus, we find what is meant when Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The closer we are to Jesus, the closer we are to the wisdom and knowledge of God.
Paul went on to say, “I tell you this so no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Paul was telling us clearly that not all thought is true. Truth is found in the wisdom and knowledge of God (Jesus), and falsehoods and deception are found outside of Jesus. Paul wanted us to be certain that there is a force out there (the Devil) who desires to deceive us and to pull us away from the truth. In John 8, Jesus said that the Devil is a liar and a murderer. We must stay close to Jesus so that we are not pulled away from the truth and drawn to the Devil’s deception.
Last, I would say that it is our purpose to keep true and right principles before our society. If our society is deceived into believing and following false arguments, then it would only follow that our society would be the worse for it. Remember, the Devil uses lies and deception to kill and steal (John 10:10). The closer we are to believing and living within a framework of God’s truth, the better life in general will be. This will also become our natural witness to the world around us. We can’t help but speak about Jesus if we are going to engage others in discussions about truth. He Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).
Today, stay close to true knowledge and wisdom by staying close to Jesus.
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church
