"Colossians: The Glory & Mystery" at Harderwyk - Colossians 1:24-2:7 - May 8, 2022

Resources For "Enough" From Each Harderwyk Preacher

I. New For This Week

Look For Yourself - Two key words were pointed out in the passage for this week: "Contend" (1:28 & 2:1) and "Maturity" (1:28).  We have gathered every use of the Greek word group for each of these words in the English translation of the verse they are used in.  You can download each and look over them to get a better sense of how they are used in this passage.  If you have time, work through them using Lectio Divina - #3 below in Ongoing Resources below.  CLICK HERE for "Contend" (13 references) and CLICK HERE for "Maturity" (42 references) to view, download or print a copy.

For Those Who Work AND Pray in Prayers In The Night by Tish Harrison Warren - CLICK HERE for the quotation from pp72-73.  This is a great book that will be featured soon in Harderwyk's Fear & Trembling Podcast.  CLICK HERE for the Amazon link.

Why Compassion Is Divisive by David French was a background story in the Celebration Sermon today.  CLICK HERE for the full article.

Celebration Sermon Outline - CLICK HERE for this Sunday's Sermon Outline.

II. From The Commentaries On This Passage

From David Garland in his commentary Colossians and Philemon (The NIV Application Commentary):

"Paul’s purpose is to bring others to maturity in Christ so that they can fend off false teaching (2:2). (1) In this task, he struggles for them so that they may be encouraged and comforted in heart. Discouragement may cause the Colossians to look for answers elsewhere, and Paul wants to assuage troubled minds and pump up deflated spirits.

(2) Paul wants to strengthen the bonds of love that hold them together. Conviction and understanding that is not leavened by love is barren and empty (see 1 Cor. 13:2). Love binds everything together in a perfect unity (Col. 3:14). Wright aptly comments: “Living in a loving and forgiving community will assist growth in understanding, and vice versa, as truth is confirmed in practice and practice enables truth to be seen in action and so to be fully grasped (cf. 1:9–11).”

(3) Paul wants to lead the Colossians to “the full riches of complete understanding” of God’s mystery. Such understanding is not simply an intellectual exercise, like comprehending a mathematical theorem. It involves the heart as well as the head. Paul has in mind the full assurance that understanding brings. A greater grasp of God’s saving purposes in and through Christ will enable his readers better to fend off false teaching. If they are firmly rooted in understanding the rich mystery of their faith, the Colossians cannot be deceived or deluded by arguments no matter how persuasive or plausible."

III. Ongoing Resources

1) Spiritual Formation Resources Page - CLICK HERE - This is still a work in progress, but be a part as we look to build

2) Scotty Smith’s Heavenward Daily Prayers - CLICK HERE - to see the daily prayer blog of Scotty Smith.  You will see an option to have them delivered to your email inbox each day as well.  

3) Simple Lectio Divina Overview - CLICK HERE - for a simple introduction of the spiritual practice of a more personal way of experience the Word through contemplation and reflection.