“1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” —Colossians 2:1–5 (ESV)
Do you see the disjunction between Colossians 2:2–3 and 2:4? If the mystery entrusted to the apostles for the church is Christ, and all is in Him, then anything else, no matter how plausible, is unnecessary. If all wisdom and understanding are found in Christ, then not only is it unnecessary to seek wisdom elsewhere, it is futile. If it is necessary to seek wisdom elsewhere, then all isn’t in Christ.
The false teacher’s arguments are only plausible, when one is not settled in Christ, which is what I believe is the essence of v. 2. John Newton said, “My principle method of defeating heresy, is, by establishing truth. One proposes to fill a bushel with tares: now, if I can fill it first with wheat, I shall defy his attempts.”
False teachers make false maps to false treasures. Christ’s cross is the “X” that marks the spot. Those who have found Christ, have found all. Search no more. Believe no false treasure tales. He is the Pearl of great price. Sell all for Him and hunt no more. There is none greater. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
No Other Boast 