We now approach the distinctive feature of the epistle to the Colossians. While it

shares with Ephesians the glory of making known "what is the dispensation of the

mystery" and traverses much of the same ground, we have observed that the apostle

condenses the truth into a smaller compass, as though anxious to get to his main point.

Already the warning note has been sounded in the first chapter:--

The twofold reference to "presentation" (Col. 1: 22 and 28) makes it clear that the

apostle entertains no doubts as to the believer's standing in Christ. His conflict and

prayer have to do with their "perfecting". Satan does not employ useless energy in

attacking the believer's life, for that life is hid with Christ in God. Only in the realm of

growth and reward is there any element of contingency, and it is along this line that the

Satanic attack must be expected. Hence, in Col. 2: 18 the apostle sums up his warning

in the words:--

The attack upon the believer comes along the line of  "humility",  "worship",

"abstinence", "observance" and "neglect".  Throughout the passage (Col. 2: 4-23)

there is not one allusion to vice or immorality. The Colossian saints would have been

proof against any attempt upon the part of the Evil One to have led them into gross sin.

The wiles of the Devil are skillfully adapted to their end. The apostle reveals that in the

latter times the apostacy that is introduced by demonic doctrines will come under this

same guise of sanctity. Instead of the gross immorality that soiled the fair name of the

Corinthians, we have the other extreme:--

From a religious point of view, respect for holy days and sabbaths makes a fair show.

The worshipping of angels, the observance of prohibitory commands and the neglect of

the body, make a "show of humility". Yet all is vain and false. Anything, however

sanctified it may seem outwardly, that leads away from Christ and His fullness is not of

God, but from beneath.

The apostle warned, but he also taught:--