Walk in Jesus

As you read through the letters of the Apostle Paul, he often makes very direct statements that almost seem harsh as to how disciples ought to live for Jesus. But the context of his comments are in the desire that the disciples not be drawn away by the distractions of life, that they would stay focused upon the LORD. His strongest desires for them was for their knowing the fullness of Christ.

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, that 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ¹

There was a common belief in the ancients that gods could not be known and groups arose claiming ‘secret knowledge’ that the common man could not know. Paul counteracts this by pointing to Jesus who came, lived and taught openly to those willing to hear, that the true mysteries of God were known in Christ.

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 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. ²

The secret knowledge cults led away from the true LORD with high sounding arguments and persuasive reasoning that had nothing to do with Truth. Paul was happy to recognize that the Colossians were not being deceived. Then he encourages their continuance in Jesus.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. ³

These disciples had received Jesus with the humility of ones who could not save themselves, who didn’t even know how without God revealing the Way. Now Paul urges these disciples to continue humbly, to walk in Jesus’s Way, staying grounded and growing in what the LORD has for them and not distracted by other interests. They are to continue humble and true to the path they committed to in repentance and forgiveness.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. ⁴

Paul does end with a reminder to be aware of the deceptions of this world, the traditions, philosophies and the spirits of the age that try to draw away from devotion to Christ. He closes with the fact that in Him—Jesus—they have all the fullness of the LORD and that their God is LORD over all.
There is none other worthy of leading their journey through Life.