Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (CSB)
This is what St. Paul is doing in our Scripture today.
Sometimes when loved ones are being led astray, they need to be reminded of the Truth and of who they really are. But it needs to be done in love and with gentleness.
He let’s them know that he thanks God for their faith, for their love for other believers, and that heaven is theirs.
That’s a great start!
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.
Colossians 1:3-4
He also reminds them of the love and faithfulness of their teachers, like Epaphras and himself.
He is setting the groundwork for them for what is coming and reminding them that, unlike others who are teaching them falsehoods and heresies, they already know and have the Truth about Jesus and the Faith. The false teachers are not like the faithful ones. The false teachings are not like the faithful ones.
St. Paul want them to know – in a very loving, pastoral way – that they already have what they need, like the forgiveness of sins in Jesus. While false teachers try to say more is needed, St. Paul is reminding them of the Truth: false teachings re a part of the “domain of darkness” and they already know and have “the kingdom of [God’s] beloved Son, in whom [they] have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
That is the Truth! That is all-sufficient! That is the reminder needed for their true identity; found in Jesus alone!
That’s something for us to remember, too!
“Thank You, Lord, for faithful servants who taught us the faith in Jesus and remind us of our salvation in Him alone; especially when we are tempted to listen to and follow the voices and teachings of false teachers. Keep us steadfast and grateful – always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Scriptures
- Colossians 1:3-14
