Strength for the Struggle: A Strong Church Built on Christ
Colossians 2:1-5
Introduction: A Life Anchored in Christ
William Wilberforce, a devoted Christian and British politician, spent his life fighting against the injustice of slavery in Great Britain. His unwavering faith carried him through immense struggles—sickness, political opposition, personal loss, and public hatred. Yet, he remained anchored in God’s truth, surrounded by a community of believers who encouraged and prayed for him. Just days before his death in 1833, his relentless efforts bore fruit—Britain abolished slavery, and every slave in the country was set free. His life reminds us that true strength comes not from human effort alone, but from a deep assurance in Christ.
The church today faces struggles of its own—temptations, false teachings, and pressures from the world. How do we remain strong? The apostle Paul, writing from prison, encouraged the believers in Colossae to be affirmed, anchored, and assured in their faith. A strong church is not built on opinions or emotions, but on love, truth, and the unshakable foundation of Christ.
1. Affirmed: Encouraging One Another in Truth (Colossians 2:1-2a)
In today’s culture, the word “affirmation” is often misused. Biblical affirmation is not about accepting sin or compromising truth but about standing with one another in the trenches of faith, pointing each other toward Christ.
Paul modeled this as he labored for the Colossians, even though he had never met them personally. He struggled in prayer and encouraged them to stand firm, connecting them with other believers in Laodicea even as he was chained in a prison (Colossians 4:18). The church is not built on individuals but on the truth of God’s Word. We are called to affirm one another—not in personal feelings, but in the reality of God’s truth. As 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, we do not struggle alone.
When we love like Christ, we strengthen the struggling heart.
2. Anchored: Rooted in the Wisdom of Christ (Colossians 2:2b-3)
Truth is found in God alone (Proverbs 2:3-6), but even believers can waver. Paul reminds us that Christ Himself is the mystery revealed, the source of all wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Without Him as our anchor, we will drift toward the shifting sands of culture, human philosophy, and false teaching.
The Colossians faced heresies that sought to pull them away from Christ. Today, we face similar dangers—voices that encourage us to seek wisdom outside of Scripture, to trust in our own understanding instead of God’s revelation. But Jesus made it clear: “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Without truth as our anchor, we have no freedom—only deception. But when we remain anchored in Christ, we stand secure.
3. Assured: Growing in the Confidence of Our Faith (Colossians 2:4-5)
Paul warns the Colossians not to be “deluded” by persuasive arguments (Colossians 2:4). The Greek word paralogizomai appears only twice in the New Testament—here and in James 1:22, where it refers to being deceived by arguments that sound promising and attractive but only will destroy. False teachings often sound attractive, but they lead to spiritual instability.
To have full assurance in our faith, we must grow deeper in our knowledge of Christ. This requires personal responsibility. Isaiah 26:3-4 declares, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.” When we pursue Christ above all else, we silence the confusion of the world and find peace in Him.
If we are not anchored and assured in Christ, how can we proclaim Him? How can we protect and grow our own faith? Paul had full confidence that spiritual strength was possible—and so should we.
Conclusion: Standing Firm in Christ
Paul labored and struggled to strengthen the church because he knew that a body of believers rooted in love, truth, and assurance in Christ would remain unshaken. William Wilberforce endured immense trials, but because he was anchored in Christ, his faith bore fruit that outlived him.
But far greater than Paul or Wilberforce, Christ Himself endured the ultimate struggle—the cross—so that we could stand firm in Him.
So the question is, will we? Will we affirm one another in truth, be anchored in Christ, and grow in the full assurance of who He is? The world will try to shake us, but a church strengthened in Christ will not be moved.
Let us love well, stand firm, and pursue Christ with all that we are. For in Him, we have strength for the struggle.