Focus: Jesus Be the Center

Colossians 2:1-5

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. NIV

No matter where you look, advertising is always out there for "secret" ways to accomplish things. Whether it's get-rich-quick schemes or a plan for how to lose weight while sitting on your couch eating chips, someone is always telling the world they've found shortcuts to big results. And no matter how dumb these things sound, there's always a sucker out there that bites.

Paul was dealing with a similar situation as he wrote this letter. He wasn't dealing with weight loss plans or money-making schemes; he was dealing with people trying to decieve Christ-followers with ideas and philosophies that contradict their faith. It's easy to be taken captive by people who talk smoothly or sound intelligent. But we can't just take words at face value. Paul reminded his reader that while some arguments might sound good on the surface, true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone. Just as in Paul's day, a lot of things out there sound good initially, but when the layers are peeled back it's nothing more than empty talk. Anything that isn't rooted and grounded in Jesu isn't truth, and it isn't wise.

• What do you hear people saying about religion or about God that you know isn't true?

• Why do you think some people have such untrue thoughts about God?