I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Paul’s goals for the Colossians and the Laodocians is that: 1) They are encouraged in heart, and 2) They are united in love.

It can be discouraging to see divisions in a church over false teaching. It can also create rifts and cliques of people who cannot come together under a common goal.

So now Paul is advocating for them before God and praying for them. He even writes to them. All this is to encourage their hearts and unite them together under the truth.

The result of this unity is access to the full riches of understanding about who God is and what he had called them to. He has called them to be servants of Christ. And this mission is one of sacrifice and obedience. Out of this action, then, they will gain Godly wisdom and understanding.

Some come to deceive. They have fine-sounding arguments, purporting to be knowledgeable and wise. But they are not true to God’s Word and don't have a passion to be spiritual warriors. Instead, they referee from a distance on spiritual concepts they really know nothing about. Why? Because they do not act in accordance with the Spirit of God.

Paul warns against following such people. They lead others down sinful paths. They preach half-truths. They focus on selfish or worldly systems.

Instead, he calls them to continue in the spiritual disciplines they were taught and to remain firm in acting on their faith in Jesus.

Lord, I am living in a time when the truth is also compromised. You call me to stand firm. To pray often. And to act with courage to unify the church under your truth and to encourage each other, as the evil among us tries to take more ground. Fortify my heart and mind to focus on you. Sometimes it feels like the storm waters around me are going to swallow me up. But like Peter, I just need to fix my eyes on you and walk towards you and your ways!