According to Gnosticism, the highest goal for a human is to escape the doom of the material world via “secret knowledge.” Outsiders can only learn these “secrets” by joining a gnostic group.

are written from Gnostic perspectives & beliefs: In 1945, an Egyptian farmer unearthed 13 papyrus volumes claiming to contain “Gospels” that are written from Gnostic perspectives & beliefs: Gospel of Thomas Gospel of the Egyptians Gospel of Truth Gospel of Philip

It features an appealing blend of “The Secret” book, by Rhonda Byrne, has sold over 25 million copies; leading to multiple spin-off books. It features an appealing blend of New Thought philosophy, psychology, and various religious influences.

“You are meant to have everything you love and desire… You are meant to be living your dreams, all of them! Whatever it is you would love to be, you are meant to be it!” - Rhonda Byrne (author of “The Secret”)

We don’t handle “mysteries” well, even from God. Aside from modern heresies; we live in a world that lusts for information and wants it as fast as possible. We don’t handle “mysteries” well, even from God.

Colossians 1:24 – 2:5

Throughout this week’s passage, Paul stresses that he is a servant of Jesus Christ and has also suffered greatly to bring the Gospel to Gentile communities (like Colossae and Laodicea). He does this in hopes of earning their trust.

to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul reveals the “mystery of God” partly has to do with God’s plan of salvation becoming fully open to all people, to both Jews and Gentiles. This had always been hinted at by God throughout the Old Testament, but it finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of Jesus. * Ephesians 3: 2-12

Though this would be “good news” to a Gentile seeker, the Gospel would confuse and anger many Jewish individuals that would not make room in their hearts for “outsiders” or leave their long-standing traditions of worshiping God.

The second part of the “mystery of God” comes from Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” -------------------------------------------------------- This revelation has huge implications for our present experience and our future, as well.

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. John 14:23 Jesus replied,  “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.  My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

Ephes. 1: 13-14 (2 Corinth. 1: 21-22) 13  “You also were included in Christ  when you heard the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption  of those who are God’s possession —to the praise of His glory.”

guide and empower our daily lives. We also have the “deposit” of the By the grace of God, we now have access to Jesus Christ within our hearts to guide and empower our daily lives. We also have the “deposit” of the Holy Spirit’s presence that will remain with us until the day that we are united with Jesus and all of the other “saints” in Heaven. 2 amazing treasures!!!

and how firm your faith in Christ is.” Colossians 2: 4-5 4  “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 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.”

Paul knew Colossae’s reputation of being a volatile area for earthquakes. It’s with that fact in mind that he urges the Colossians to “stand firm… let nothing move you” in terms of their belief in Jesus. Likewise, we need to stand firm in our faith, treasuring the mystery of the Gospel.