Colossians chapter 2. Our text today will be the first 10 verses. I'll have you turn there

if you're not there already and once you do if you're able, I'll ask you to stand. If not,

that's all right, but you can follow along as I read. The Apostle Paul is writing by the Holy Spirit and I'll add true to form very

passionately says verse one I want you to know how hard I am contending for you hang on to to that word contending. I want to talk more about that in a moment.

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, verse two, 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, verse 4, so that no one may deceive you by fine sounding arguments.

For though I am absent from you in body body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see

how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

This is the second time he's mentioned their faith the first time was at the

beginning in chapter 1 verse 6 so then just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord

continued to live your lives in Him, rooted, and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith

as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive

philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ, verse 9, all the fullness

of the deity lives in bodily form. And in Christ, you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power

and authority. Let's pray if you would join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, as we have just lifted up our voices in praise and worship to you, asking you to send your Holy Spirit, we're going to ask you now again to send your Holy Spirit.

We need your Holy Spirit, Lord.

We need the Holy Spirit to open up the eyes of our understanding so we can see what it

is that you want to show us here in your word. And we also need the Holy Spirit to enable us,

really empower us so that we can focus and concentrate without being distracted or having

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