NOV 18

Colossians 2:19
Memorise Colossians 2:19
“…increaseth with the increase of God…”

Paul continues to expose the Gnostics in Colossians 2:19 “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” “Not holding the Head” means not acknowledging the only mediator between God and man is Christ, the Head of the church. In Him all knowledge resides and it is He who decides what is revealed. If one does not hold the Head, the body as a whole, as well as every part of the body loses nourishment, and the previously spiritually united body very quickly falls apart. Paul warns the church that if they do not acknowledge Christ as the only mediator and head of the church, but instead allow false teachers to introduce the false doctrine of the angels as mediators, then the church will decrease and fall apart. Indeed if false teachings remain unchecked, they will divide churches because they will polarise the church between those who hold to the truth, and those who fall prey to falsehood.

In the area of church growth, it is God who gives the increase (“increaseth with the increase of God”) and He does so only to churches who abide in Christ, and not to those who have a low view of Christ. If such churches seem to prosper, this increase is not from God. The faithful church must place its faith in Christ, and never place faith on man instead. It is so tempting for parts of the body to not acknowledge the Head but rather usurp a superior status! Many mega-churches for example show admiration for their charismatic pastors but show little reverence for Christ in contrast. It is the charisma of man that has increased numbers, but this increase is not of God. Thus, never admire such churches for having such large congregations in such huge halls, and never think that so many people can’t be wrong in choosing such a church to worship in. No doubt there are many sincere people in such churches, but they are sincerely wrong.

Thought: It is always God who giveth the increase (1 Corinthians 3:17)
Prayer: May my church always have a high view of Christ.