A REALLY GOOD holiday meal can leave us with a sense of perfect fullness. And this not in the sense of being stuffed, even if it is, for instance, the Thanksgiving holiday—one that has transcended its historical American roots and now encompasses many nations and cultures. We speak not of over-indulgence in this case, but instead, a sense of anticipation and preparation met with just the right amount of relational joy experienced in the much-appreciated traditions of the beloved family conversations and family recipes enjoyed from appetizers through desserts. At the end of the evening, perhaps with the pleasant aspect of slumber beckoning, there is a melding together of the gratefully satiated appetites of spirit, soul, and body. That kind of fullness.
Paul speaks of a different kind of fullness—a fullness made possible only by the melding of the Spirit of God with ours, one that satisfies far more than a good meal and good company satisfies the mind and the body. He speaks of the great gift of salvation in Christ Jesus and the need to protect the munificence of God inherent in that, and encourages us to “continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:6-7) With the encouragement comes a comprehensive but concise warning. “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Col. 2:8)
Warnings against false prophets abound in the N.T., most stringently from Jesus, who is the primary source. In all three of the synoptic gospels—in the Olivet discourses regarding last days—he says “Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Mark 13:5) And while his forewarning is made in the context of false prophets, we would do well to understand that this alarm is not limited to those who claim to be Christ, but to anyone who espouses a worldview that opposes his teachings.
At rebirth by the Spirit from above, we are given, in fledgling form, what Paul calls “the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:16b) This is the Spiritually-activated part of us that opens a gateway between the lower realms where we now dwell to the upper realm where God sits at the center of the cosmos he created. Theoretically, we have access to as much wisdom and knowledge as we ask for and can receive. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) But what we are given must not only be received, but acted upon for it to form foundationally in our new mind, of which Paul instructs us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:2)
There are many highly intelligent, well-educated, and personally charismatic people in and of the world who are very convincing in their propositions and arguments supporting their world-view. And many new Christians are naïve to the doctrines of their own faith, ill-or-unformed in the constructs of thought and habits of the mind that engage with the spiritual disciplines necessary to walk through the trials the darkened world (cf. 2 Cor. 4:4) presents to us. This is why Paul says, “See to it that no one takes you captive” (Col. 2:8a), and Peter speaks of “the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors.” (1 Pet. 1:18b) So Paul calls us to “Do our best to present ourselves to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) This is a summons to intentionally hold firm to the ever-growing mind of Christ within us.
Paul is emphatic in the complete sufficiency of Christ to form and guard the life he has given us. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Col. 2:9-10a) It is Christ who has power over this world, as well as in our lives. Paul tells us that “He is the head over every power and authority.” (Col. 2:10b) The finished work of Christ in our salvation is the firm foundation stone of our faith. Paul adds, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ.” (Col. 2:13)
Paul has a very tender heart towards those called out of the world and into Christ Jesus, and meant to be filled by him. So we end with Paul’s prayer that spans the ages. “May your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Phil. 1:9-11)
See that nothing and no one takes you captive but Christ.
Q. Am I so filled with Christ so that the world cannot empty me?
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