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.
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV
In Colossians 1:27-28, Paul expressed that the focus of his message to believers was Christ in us, the hope of glory. And he had a goal as he taught and admonished. It was to be able to present his hearers fully mature in Christ.
And here, in these two verses, Paul more clearly expressed this goal of developing Christian maturity. He wanted the believers who heard him to “be encouraged in heart and united in love.” This expresses a very practical outcome for his teaching. More than just passing on information, Paul was looking for changed lives. That his hearers would be encouraged to walk more faithfully with the Lord and develop a loving relationship with others within the body of Christ.
Which, in turn, would lead to having “the full riches of complete understanding.” Complete understanding only comes when we are putting into practice what we are learning. And that understanding is a treasure beyond price.
As a teacher, I find Paul’s words here to be especially appropriate. And challenging. The goal of what I teach, and write, should be more than just expressing what a passage means. My heart’s desire and prayer is that what I write will also encourage and challenge you to a more in-depth walk with our Lord. Because in him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.“
