THE TRINITY of DIVINE EDIFICATION Colossians 2:1-5

THE TRINITY OF DIVINE EDIFICATION– Colossians 2:1-5

When we think about “conflict” it is always in a negative sense. The apostle Paul, however, speaks of another conflict; conflict which produces “life,” rather than discouragement, discord, and the depletion of faith. Paul refers to it a “great conflict,”the trinity of divine edification; born out of “genuine” concern for others.

(v.1, 2). Verse one clearly reveals Paul did not establish these churches, (Colosse and Laodicea). In fact, many believe Epaphras, (1:7 - Philemon 23), was the actual founder of the church inColosse. Paul wants them to knowthey are “loved.” Writing from a Roman prison he is not consumed by his own needs, but is “actively engaged” in the welfare of others! A full and fruitful life isnot a self-centered one, but an others-centered life! “God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves.” (D. L. Moody).

This “great conflict,” Paul mentions here, is born out of concern for the church. The Greek word for Conflict: agon – implies: a contest of athletes; to “fight.” (Vines Expository Dict. N.T.)Paul in the “good fight of faith,” for his fellow brothers and sisters, in Christ!Are we?There are some, unfortunately, who call themselves by the “name” of Christ, and yet, have acquired an unedifying “taste,” for the body of Christ! Their little “bites” of dissension and divisiveness add up; eventually “devouring” the faith of many! (Galatians 5:14-15) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

They “relish” disputes. (2 Timothy 2:23) But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.But Paul relishes, not the deformation, but the “edification” of the saints! Not because they “deserved” it, but because heis a “bondservant” of Christ. First - Paul’s“great conflict”directs him to;Encourage their hearts.(v.2a). Discouragement can be a “killer.”(Proverbs 18:14) The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? Paul hoped they would be “encouraged” by his “concern” for them. Its always encouraging when a brother/sister demonstrates their concern for us! But Paul isn’t seeking to “exalt” himself here, calling them “near” to himself; but rather, to direct them to the Holy Spirit.The Greek word (v.2a), forencouraged –parakaleo– to call near to ones side; to aid.Similar to the Greek word for “comforter,” parakletos; which Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit, in John 14:26. Paul’s “great conflict” was a reflection of God’s heart! God by nature is an “encourager!”(Joshua 1:9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."“Have I not commanded you?” His word, is our source of encouragement!

Secondly, Paul’s “great conflict” exhorts them to be – Knit together in Love. God’s “love,” and nothing else, is the “bound of perfection” for the church, (3:14). It holds that which is “imperfect” in a “perfect” union, in Christ! (v.2b) The phrase “knit together” – means: tounite in association or affection.(the phrase comes from two Greek words, sun (soon): denoting union;basis (bas-ece): to walk or a pace.

The church is meant to be a “union of affection!” Which can only be realized its members chose to “walk in the light,” of God’s love!(1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. A lack of “love,” opens the door to “discord.”(Galatians 5:6) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. By keeping “love” at the center of our fellowship, we are saying “Christ matters”; He is the glue, which holds our lives, marriages, homes, and churchestogether!(1 John 4:11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Lastly, Paul’s “great conflict” exhorts them to Attain all riches. (v.2c, 3). In an atmosphere of “encouragement” and “love,” assurance and divine treasures are “attainable”; apart from these the church is in danger of experiencing a depletion of “Godly wisdom” and “true treasure.” Getting what we wantdoes not mean we are getting what we need! (Psalm 106:15) And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.God wants us to possess,“true riches,” through the “full assurance” of understanding. The phrase “full assurance” – implies; entire confidence.Notice: (v.2b) “understanding” comes through the “knowledge of the “mystery,” which is the revelation of the “gospel,” through the manifestation of Christ!

Wisdom is the application of “divine” knowledge to our daily lives.James “Wisdom” is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit!(1 Corinthians 2:9) But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.This is the “wisdom” and “understanding” we are called to walk in, (ttt) James 3:13-18.

In (v.4) Paul feared that the church would be deceived by persuasive words; Colosse, like our culture today,was known for “religious spiritism, and mysticism.” The phrase: “persuasive words” –comes from a Greek word meaning to “pacify.” “Pacify” is just another word for “lukewarm.” Satan wants us to “settle” for far less than God has “promised!”Paul “fights” against this demonic “depletion” of God’s promises, that the church might attain to “all of the Father’ riches!”

(v.5) Paul’s rejoiced to see, although only in spirit, the fruit manifested as a result of his “great conflict.”Two-fold manifestation: 1)“good order” –official dignity, divine order.2) “steadfastness” – firm, secure.This is evidence of God’s presence dwelling among his people. There is an absence of “carnal conflict,” where the “trinity of divine edification”abounds; encouragement, love, and the riches of Christ!

CONCLUSION:Yesterday I received sad news regarding the sudden passing of one of our long-time members, Lynn Fitzgerald (Fitz); I ask that you remember his wife Cathy and their family in your prayers. The news was a stark reminder to me, once again, of what’s really “important” in life; it was also a testament to Paul’s message, in our text today. In the final analysis of one’s life;It’s not about what others have done, or failed to do for you; but rather, who was I willing to encouraged, loved, and enriched through the “knowledge” of Christ! Far too often I have wasted time “lamenting” over past offenses, or would of’s, should of’s, and could of’s! As the saying goes; If, if, ands, and buts, were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!”

This week, be a participant in the“great conflict,” by allowingSpirit of God to express His “trinity of divine edification,”through your life!(Proverbs 15:23) A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!