Colossians — Chapter 2

In this sermon on Colossians 2:1–3 titled “A Full Assurance of Understanding,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focused on Paul encouraging and advising the church in Colossae. He explains that the church in Colossae was early in its development, and many of the members had not even met the apostle. And like many new believers, they were susceptible to corruption. Paul writes to the church that they may have the full riches of understanding Christ. Part of the reason new believers are so corruptible is because they don’t understand the full power of Christ. A common cult at the time was Gnosticism. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the cult’s teaching required multiple intermediaries between individuals and God. A fully-grown Christian knows this to be false, for Christ is the sole high priest who speaks on their behalf. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out that understanding Christ means to also understand His purpose for the world. Christ came to redeem the world and to bring His church to Himself. Without Christ at the center of one’s worldview, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes, the world is hopelessly unredeemable. However, in Christ, there is hope for the coming everlasting rule and love of the Lord.

What robs a Christian of joy? In this sermon on Colossians 2:8 titled “The Danger of Error,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones highlights error and heresy as contributors to a joyless life. These thieves demand knowledge beyond what God has revealed, and leave the Christian feeling empty and hollow. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores the ancient heresy known as Gnosticism, relating it and applying it today. This counterfeit religion must be fought against, and error must be avoided. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides practical advice on how to avoid such heresy and, in doing so, highlights heresies of his own day. Certain characteristics are woven throughout religious falsehoods which, when understood, alert Christians of their error. Countering these hollow philosophies, the believer must beware of the lust of the mind and be content with what God has revealed in His word. Anything that goes beyond the Scriptures simply puffs up one’s mind instead of exalting Christ. While there is certainly an initial thrill, heresy and error leave the person joyless and empty. Joy comes not from philosophy, but from Christ. The fight for joy is therefore a fight to exalt Christ. Christ is supreme and true.