Col. 1 -2

Colossians
Let’s review the first chapter: Apparently Gnosticism, a fusion of religion and philosophy which taught that matter is evil and spirit is good, was modifying the Gospel message to a point of danger. [(NAHStiks) taught that salvation came through secret knowledge they could impart that would elevate people above worldly, material matters. Paul stressed that God revealed His will in Christ.] Over against this Paul sets forth his Christology, emphasizing the preeminence of Christ. He also warns against the danger of legalism, reflecting the influence of Judaizers on the Colossians. The Judaizers held to strict rules about the kind of permissible food and drink, religious feast days and circumcision. Paul responds to these heresies by exalting Christ, demonstrating His complete adequacy as contrasted with the emptiness of mere human philosophy. Paul is concerned that ethical demands and intellectual standards should be properly integrated in the pattern of Christian living.
Not one today should think that this disease which was symptomatic long ago in Colosse has no meaning for our own days. In every generation one or another such teachings reappears in fresh garb and with new deceptiveness. We are in need of the correction of this Colossian epistle today as much as ever.
Today false cults abound seeking to add to the Bible their own. “book from God” or “special doctrine” that adds to the simple message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. The appeal of such groups is strong, especially if your daily walk with God has become rather humdrum.
So, there we are – reminded that Colossians is a letter of correction!
Paul counters the Gnostics and Judaizers with Truth! The Gnostics were saying that their own inner knowledge added completion to the Gospel. They believed and said that their superior ”wisdom” or “spiritual understanding” would complete the picture of Christ. Paul is using the favorite words when he prays that the Colossian believers “might be FILLED with the knowledge of His will in all “wisdom and spiritual understanding.
to be filled as an experience: First need is to see the fullness of Christ Himself. 1:19 “…in Him ALL the fullness should dwell” 2:3 “In Whom (Christ as the mystery of God] are ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge HIDDEN.” 2:9 “In Him dwelleth ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” - an abiding fact!
In other words, the very nature and attributes of God reside in Christ. All the fullness now and forever dwell in Him BODILY – A clear reference to Him as the incarnate One, our own dear Lord and Savior, Jesus!
In these statements: the fullness *dwells in Him…as the qualification for all-sufficient Saviorhood. *is hidden in Him and it abides in Him bodily that we may have the intellectual pleasure of ever-growing search and new discovery. *resides in Him bodily that it may come to us spiritually through the Divine-human love and lay hold of as JESUS.
Thus, we find our identity: READ 2:8-10 Verses 9 and 10 lie at the very heart of what Paul is teaching to counteract false teaching! That is the one, straight, final reply which was needed and is needed for you and me. If Christ is the very fullness of the Godhead bodily, then nothing can be added to Him; and a born again is IN HIM, what can be added which the believer does not already possess in Him? It is clear that Paul is countering the PHILOSOPHY glitter of the false teachers.
A group called The Oxford Group slogan is “Never mind what you believe; the only that that matters is how you live”…that sounds breezy and practical enough. But in reality it is utterly wrong…”How you live is always determined by what you believe.” Doctrine is the basis of practice.
We must become heaven minded! NOT in a dreamy, merely mystical sense, but in the sense of prayerful, practical Christlike Godliness. We must filter every thought “take each thought captive” that comes our way so that our permanent bank of thinking is based on TRUTH…is TRUTH!!! “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he!” As you believe, you will behave, as you think, you will do!!!