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Not Always Possible To Be Present

Text: Colossians 2:5

Paul was an able defender of the church. He was unafraid of battling false teachers and their erroneous doctrines. However he was not always able to be there to confront false teachers. The apostle decided that he would teach the Colossians how they may defend their church!

“For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with
with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”
Colossians 2:5

1. A practical reality

a) Paul would not always be able to be there to defend the church personally.

b) Yet in spirit he was with them.

c) The reality of this truth should bring much encouragement to the heart!

2. “Rejoicing”

a) Rejoicing was a distinctively characteristic of Paul’s personality.

b) His faith in the Lord Jesus taught him how to have a strong spirit of joy.

c) This spirit of joy will stand us in good stead when we defend our faith.

d) Paul maintained this spirit of joy even when he had to battle false teachers.

e) He was certainly not stressed up by any false teacher.

f) Much strength and joy are God’s gifts to the true and steadfast believer.

3. Two special things to rejoice in

a) “Good order”

i) In the church.

ii) Among the brethren.

iii) False doctrines tend to destroy good order.

iv) Good order in itself can provide a stout defence for the church.

b) “Steadfastness”

i) Enemies always attempt to break down steadfastness.

ii) They must not be allowed to succeed.

iii) The church must ever seek to be steadfast and true to the Lord.

iv) When a church is truly steadfast, no enemy can prevail.