Do you want to move into the deeper things of God?
Like me, I’m sure your heart leaps at the prospect. As believers, the quick and obvious answer is: Yes!
But pause for a moment. This is a question that Scripture says merits careful attention. In fact, the book of Colossians was written to first-generation Christians who, like you and me, were eager to deepen their relationship with God. And Paul wrote to them with a warning.
It’s a warning you and I need to heed today.
You see, false teachers began infiltrating the young church at Colossae. They claimed to have privileged access to the deeper things of God. They said they had the key to unlock a more profound spiritual experience.
And many believers, hungry for more of God, fell under their influence.
It was a very real threat—one we still face today. And according to Paul, there were two things that made the Colossian believers particularly susceptible to these heresies.
First, the teachings were delivered with smooth talk.
Paul writes:
This I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. (Colossians 2:4 NKJV)
It’s the same warning Paul gave to the church in Rome…
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech… (Romans 16:17–18 NKJV)
Friend, whenever you hear a new teacher, read a book, or visit an unfamiliar church, pay attention! The mark of authentic Christian teaching is not the slickness of the preacher—it’s whether their words align with the truth of God’s Word.
This brings us to the second reason the believers at Colossae were susceptible to being led away from Christ: It was because of their shallow roots.
Take note of Paul’s exhortation to the brothers and sisters:
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught… (Colossians 2:6–7 NKJV)
Putting down deep roots in Jesus doesn’t happen automatically. You and I need to keep pressing in and digging deeper. We need to get to know Him through spending time in His Word, spending time on our knees in prayer, and spending time with people who know Him better than we do.
In short, if you want to be able to steer clear of the smooth talk of false teachers, you need to put your roots down deep into Jesus and His Word!
You see, the resounding theme of the book of Colossians is that Jesus is supreme and all-sufficient! You don’t need secret visions, higher planes, or spiritual elites. If you want to go deeper with God, simply stick with Jesus. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him.
