We are about to see why Paul has been struggling in prayer as he is suffering for the Church, preparing his messages to pass on for Tychicus and Onesimus to deliver. “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 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.” (Colossians 2: 4-5)
“Fine-sounding arguments” have the appeal to cause people to believe and follow them but for the Apostle they will lead to false teaching.
In contrast Paul encourages them because of their discipline and their firm faith.
Firmness of faith would perhaps suggest a lack of pizzazz and flavour. The x factor, the WOW moment and the exciting experience of Church stand in contrast to order, discipline, habit and obedience.
But maybe the Colossians had something that the Church needs today?
Lives based around Scripture.
Daily prayers.
Living out our lives which reveal Christ is dwelling in us.
Being obedient to the doctrines of the faith.
Reliable and resilient so that the Church may grow.
Not self-centred and not given to self-promotion.
Not swayed by persecution or pandemics.
Firmness of faith.
A disciple has a routine of the above. It is why discipleship is the number 1 need for the Church today. It is not to get the Church back into their buildings but it is to get the Church rooted and mature in Christ.
Missions Paul 