To the end that their hearts may be encouraged, being united together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God; in which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge. And I say this to the end that no one may delude you by persuasive speech. Colossians 2:2–4 JND
Paul’s intense spiritual battle in prayer was for the believers to be encouraged and united. The enemy seeks to discourage and divide. He knows that when we are encouraged, we are ready to produce fruit for God; he also knows that when we focus on Christ, this will bring practical unity among believers. Paul’s combat in teaching and prayer was to help the believers stay focused on Christ, satisfied with their riches in Him.
Appreciating the wealth we have in Christ makes us immune to the enemy’s efforts to mislead. Also, the enemy tries to scatter in order to overcome and destroy, but when we are truly united in love it will be much harder for him to attack or lead us astray. Knowing our riches and resources in Christ, and enjoying them, will make us strong and help us to withstand the enemy’s attacks. True satisfaction with what we are and have in Christ closes the door on Satan’s efforts.
Do we know and appreciate the mystery of God? The text of verse 3 could be read as follows: “To the full knowledge of the mystery of God: Christ.” In other words, let us be occupied with the searchless and matchless riches God has revealed in Christ. In Him are all the treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge for us to discover and to enjoy in fellowship with Him and with one another. The enemy will try to create a desire to have something more than Christ, or besides Him, but Christ is sufficient. His work was sufficient: nothing can be added, and He is absolutely sufficient for all of us. Praise God!