Jesus Christ, The Wisdom and Knowledge of God Colossians 2:2-3 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © March 19, 2017 www.pastorkennedy.com Successful People All of us have heard or read of people who have reached the pentacle of their profession, who have great wealth and who, it seems, have achieved all their heart’s desires. Is this success? · If these “successful” people were to give you the lessons they have learned through life’s experiences, what would those lessons be? · If you were to follow their lessons religiously, would you have the same hope of achieving success in this world, as they had experienced? The Apostle Paul shares a very interesting desire he has for those in the church, regarding Jesus Christ in Colossians 2:2b-3. “That they (we) may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2b-3 In no uncertain terms, Paul is stating that Jesus Christ is the One who holds all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. What exactly does it mean that Jesus Christ is the One who holds all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge and how does this Treasure apply to us, today? Many Have Claimed to hold Golden Truths about Life There have been many people over the millennia who have given their personal ideas for success, from the Greek sages to the Gurus of our age. I recently reviewed media which enumerated lessons (sometimes spoken in tears) learned in a full life, from a smart, successful, self-assured, powerful educator, past president of a national corporation, and high-ranking cabinet member of former presidents, during times of war. Eleven Lessons from Life in the Fog of War Lesson #1: Empathize with your enemy. (Wisely try to comprehend and understand their thinking.) Lesson #2: Rationality will not save us. (Each side will have “rationality” for their own cause.) Lesson #3: There’s something beyond one’s self. (Most notably: God) Lesson #4: Maximize efficiency. Lesson #5: Proportionality should be a guideline in war. (Choose not to “over-destroy” when pressing victory) Lesson #6: Get the data. Lesson #7: Belief and seeing are both often wrong. (We often see what we want to believe.) Lesson #8: Be prepared to reexamine your reasoning. Lesson #9: In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil. (War is evil but sometimes we must engage in it.) Lesson #10: Never say never. Lesson #11: You can’t change human nature. [1] His favorite quote: T.S. Elliott, “We shall not cease from exploring, and at the end of our exploration we will return to where we have started and know the place for the first time.” Will these, or other notable lessons from life guarantee success in life for those who diligently follow their advice?  How Do Most People Learn the Best Way to Live? Every generation, every family, every individual has unique opportunities to live life in this world. We learn by following perceived lessons gleaned from those with whom we have lived life: our parents, relatives, friends, media, classes, classmates, teachers, managers, supervisors and leaders. Most often we do not analyze what we know or how we have gained the experience and knowledge…we just “have what we have” and continue in life – pursuing what we want to pursue, to our own good or ill, within the uncertainties of variable circumstances. We follow example, struggle to understand and deal with our own humanness, and grow in our gifts, abilities and education, while learning from our own and others’ successes and mistakes. What is success? · Is “success” becoming what we have always dreamed about? · Is “success” having what we have always wanted? · Is “success” having meaningful control over our lives and/or the lives of others? · Is “success” the secure feeling of having meaningful purpose and accomplishment? Mere Assets, Wealth, Knowledge or Purpose do not secure our success, because of lack of permanence, in every case. We do not know the length of our life, so who will reap the benefits of our successes when we die? Why does Scripture say that, “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge?” Understanding and achieving this Treasure would be true success. But why is this treasure from Christ so important? What about the Other Structures in this world, which are supposed to give us greater “Knowledge” than we ordinarily have? Doesn’t the world’s goal of better Human Education assure success and enduring Knowledge? · Goals of Public or Private Education: Do our public or private education systems guarantee success for each of the students enrolled? Educators certainly have noteworthy goals, but is “success” always accomplished through Knowledge? No. A percentage of the students fulfill the educational goals set out for them – the higher the percentage, the better for the students and the school, but not all. Many of us have seen students and heard exasperated teachers saying, “He or she has so much potential, but they seem to just throw it all away….” National test scores often rise, but crime, poverty and abuse rates also still climb. · There are Inequities in the Educational structures of our world: “Wisdom” and “empowerment” often give substantial benefit to those from similar “strata” or “stations” of life – (rather than being equally beneficial for those who do not have similar backgrounds or benefits). o Wealth: Those with wealth tend to associate with those who have wealth. Those less-rich may not be given as much benefit. o The “Best” Education: “Ivy-league” education support systems tends to have greater support for those who associate with an Ivy-league environment. Those whose minds who are not associated with a certain educational status find more difficulty attaining academia recognition. o The Naturally Gifted: Gifted people elevate other gifted people. Less-gifted people will not always benefit, in the same way. o Intellect: Those believing themselves to be more Intelligent people tend to cluster with others who they deem are of the same mind (in things of the world). It is not as equitable for those deemed less-intelligent. o etc. Wisdom and knowledge from the world’s perspective tends to follow its own constant and strata rather than being consistently beneficial to all. Could there be a treasure of wisdom and knowledge from a Source that supersedes the “strata” or “stations” of life? The Empowerment from “Christ’s Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge” · Christ’s Treasures give Supernatural Wisdom, Directing our Life There is a supernatural strength and wisdom from Christ to those in any “strata” of life, who seek to have an honorable relationship with God. James 1:5–8 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. Christ gives wisdom to those who truly seek and appropriate His empowerment. What about the Depravity of our Human Nature – our “flesh”? · Carnality: Does this mean those who appropriate Christ’s Treasures will never have carnal desire, or face failure, heartache or distress? No. Because we naturally have a fallen, carnal nature and live in a carnally depraved world. · Death and Life: God enables His Children to grow and mature in their spiritual, physical and emotional life. He enables His Children to “die to the flesh” and “live unto God.” · Discipline: Do God’s Children need to be disciplined from time to time? Yes. · Trials: Does God allow His Children to learn from testing and trials for our own personal benefit. Certainly. Human nature should always be recognized as a factor to be faced, and dealt with, in this earthly life. · Weakness: God uses everything, even our weakness, for His Glory. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. If we seek Christ’s Treasures of wisdom, the benefit will be substantial to what it would have been, if we had not sought Christ’s Wisdom and Knowledge, no matter what our “station” in life has been. Christ’s Treasures supersede all the “strata’s” or “stations” in this world. The Treasures of Christ’s Knowledge will Guide the Believer’s Life The Scripture is full of instructions on God-honoring behavior in life, and many, many examples of the outcomes of good and bad behavior for thousands of years. Christ is the “Word of God.” John 1:1–5 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. Revelation 19:13 [The Coming King] 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. It is through “The Word” that we gain Knowledge of God and how to live honoring God. Christ holds the supernatural Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge. Salvation – Establishing a clear and honorable Relationship with God We could never speak of Christ’s Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge without clarity regarding Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross, bringing with His death the unspeakable treasure of cleansing from the guilt of our sin before a holy God (Heb. 9:14; Titus 2:14), giving those who believe in Him the privilege of becoming Children of God (John 1:12-13). John 1:12–13 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Greatest Commandments Matthew 22 relays the unfolding circumstances surrounding Jesus when He was being tested by the jealous religious leaders of His day …and then the response He gave when questioned about “the greatest Commandment” in the Law (given by God). Matthew 22:15-22 15Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in His words… Paying Taxes to Caesar “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. Matthew 22:23-33 Marriage at the Resurrection 23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” 29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” 33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching. Matthew 22:34-40 The Greatest Commandment 34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. (Deut. 6:5) 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Of all the gilded advice given from the beginning of the history of the world, by all the holy men and sages combined, there are no two wiser, life-changing and eternity blessed instructions of wisdom and knowledge than these. The difference between this instruction and all the other golden advice spoken from the beginning of creation is that this instruction has to do with Relationship, not “correct” action or reaction in following a law or policy. Lasting responses in life are not stabilized by only following correct procedures and traditions, but by the right kind of honorable relationships with God and with others. Foundational Guidelines for Life – from the Treasures of Christ’s Wisdom and Knowledge. Responses built on a genuine Relationship with God. 1. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and mind. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself. “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Spoken by Jesus Christ! The right kind of relationship broadly addresses all circumstances or activities, reflecting one’s heart to love and honor God and honorably love those around us. On the other hand, policies, laws, procedures or traditions can reflect only a societally correct response regarding how we obey in specific circumstances. God wants our heart, not just outward observances. Outward actions will always graciously follow those who have an honorable and loving heart toward God. These are the ones who have understanding to comprehend the mystery of Christ’s hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2–3 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Treasures In Christ · Salvation – Giving us a Spiritual Unity with God and with those who love Him. · Wisdom and Knowledge to Empower us with Understanding of His Will and His Ways, so we can live our lives Honorably before God and others. Doxology Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33–36 [1] From “The Fog of War” documentary on Robert McNamara’s life and service.

Jesus Christ, The Wisdom and Knowledge of God

Colossians 2:2-3

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

Successful People

All of us have heard or read of people who have reached the pentacle of their profession, who have great wealth and who, it seems, have achieved all their heart’s desires.

Is this success?

· If these “successful” people were to give you the lessons they have learned through life’s experiences, what would those lessons be?

· If you were to follow their lessons religiously, would you have the same hope of achieving success in this world, as they had experienced?

The Apostle Paul shares a very interesting desire he has for those in the church, regarding Jesus Christ in Colossians 2:2b-3.

“That they (we) may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2b-3

In no uncertain terms, Paul is stating that Jesus Christ is the One who holds all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

What exactly does it mean that Jesus Christ is the One who holds all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge and how does this Treasure apply to us, today?

Many Have Claimed to hold Golden Truths about Life

There have been many people over the millennia who have given their personal ideas for success, from the Greek sages to the Gurus of our age.

I recently reviewed media which enumerated lessons (sometimes spoken in tears) learned in a full life, from a smart, successful, self-assured, powerful educator, past president of a national corporation, and high-ranking cabinet member of former presidents, during times of war.

Eleven Lessons from Life in the Fog of War

Lesson #1: Empathize with your enemy.

(Wisely try to comprehend and understand their thinking.)

Lesson #2: Rationality will not save us.

(Each side will have “rationality” for their own cause.)

Lesson #3: There’s something beyond one’s self.

(Most notably: God)

Lesson #4: Maximize efficiency.

Lesson #5: Proportionality should be a guideline in war.

(Choose not to “over-destroy” when pressing victory)

Lesson #6: Get the data.

Lesson #7: Belief and seeing are both often wrong.

(We often see what we want to believe.)

Lesson #8: Be prepared to reexamine your reasoning.

Lesson #9: In order to do good, you may have to engage in evil.

(War is evil but sometimes we must engage in it.)

Lesson #10: Never say never.

Lesson #11: You can’t change human nature. [1]

His favorite quote:

T.S. Elliott, “We shall not cease from exploring, and at the end of our exploration we will return to where we have started and know the place for the first time.”

•Will these, or other notable lessons from life guarantee success in life for those who diligently follow their advice?

How Do Most People Learn the Best Way to Live?

Every generation, every family, every individual has unique opportunities to live life in this world. We learn by following perceived lessons gleaned from those with whom we have lived life: our parents, relatives, friends, media, classes, classmates, teachers, managers, supervisors and leaders.

Most often we do not analyze what we know or how we have gained the experience and knowledge…we just “have what we have” and continue in life – pursuing what we want to pursue, to our own good or ill, within the uncertainties of variable circumstances.

We follow example, struggle to understand and deal with our own humanness, and grow in our gifts, abilities and education, while learning from our own and others’ successes and mistakes.

What is success?

· Is “success” becoming what we have always dreamed about?

· Is “success” having what we have always wanted?

· Is “success” having meaningful control over our lives and/or the lives of others?

· Is “success” the secure feeling of having meaningful purpose and accomplishment?

Mere Assets, Wealth, Knowledge or Purpose do not secure our success, because of lack of permanence, in every case.

We do not know the length of our life, so who will reap the benefits of our successes when we die?

Why does Scripture say that, “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge?” Understanding and achieving this Treasure would be true success.

But why is this treasure from Christ so important?

What about the Other Structures in this world, which are supposed to give us greater “Knowledge” than we ordinarily have?

Doesn’t the world’s goal of better Human Education assure success and enduring Knowledge?

· Goals of Public or Private Education:

Do our public or private education systems guarantee success for each of the students enrolled? Educators certainly have noteworthy goals, but is “success” always accomplished through Knowledge?

No.

A percentage of the students fulfill the educational goals set out for them – the higher the percentage, the better for the students and the school, but not all.

Many of us have seen students and heard exasperated teachers saying, “He or she has so much potential, but they seem to just throw it all away….”

National test scores often rise, but crime, poverty and abuse rates also still climb.

· There are Inequities in the Educational structures of our world:

“Wisdom” and “empowerment” often give substantial benefit to those from similar “strata” or “stations” of life – (rather than being equally beneficial for those who do not have similar backgrounds or benefits).

o Wealth: Those with wealth tend to associate with those who have wealth. Those less-rich may not be given as much benefit.

o The “Best” Education: “Ivy-league” education support systems tends to have greater support for those who associate with an Ivy-league environment. Those whose minds who are not associated with a certain educational status find more difficulty attaining academia recognition.

o The Naturally Gifted: Gifted people elevate other gifted people. Less-gifted people will not always benefit, in the same way.

o Intellect: Those believing themselves to be more Intelligent people tend to cluster with others who they deem are of the same mind (in things of the world). It is not as equitable for those deemed less-intelligent.

o etc.

Wisdom and knowledge from the world’s perspective tends to follow its own constant and strata rather than being consistently beneficial to all.

Could there be a treasure of wisdom and knowledge from a Source that supersedes the “strata” or “stations” of life?

The Empowerment from “Christ’s Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge”

· Christ’s Treasures give Supernatural Wisdom, Directing our Life

There is a supernatural strength and wisdom from Christ to those in any “strata” of life, who seek to have an honorable relationship with God.

James 1:5–8

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Christ gives wisdom to those who truly seek and appropriate His empowerment.

What about the Depravity of our Human Nature – our “flesh”?

· Carnality: Does this mean those who appropriate Christ’s Treasures will never have carnal desire, or face failure, heartache or distress? No. Because we naturally have a fallen, carnal nature and live in a carnally depraved world.

· Death and Life: God enables His Children to grow and mature in their spiritual, physical and emotional life. He enables His Children to “die to the flesh” and “live unto God.”

· Discipline: Do God’s Children need to be disciplined from time to time? Yes.

· Trials: Does God allow His Children to learn from testing and trials for our own personal benefit. Certainly.

Human nature should always be recognized as a factor to be faced, and dealt with, in this earthly life.

· Weakness: God uses everything, even our weakness, for His Glory.

2 Corinthians 12:7–10

7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

If we seek Christ’s Treasures of wisdom, the benefit will be substantial to what it would have been, if we had not sought Christ’s Wisdom and Knowledge, no matter what our “station” in life has been.

Christ’s Treasures supersede all the “strata’s” or “stations” in this world.

The Treasures of Christ’s Knowledge will Guide the Believer’s Life

The Scripture is full of instructions on God-honoring behavior in life, and many, many examples of the outcomes of good and bad behavior for thousands of years.

Christ is the “Word of God.”

John 1:1–5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Revelation 19:13 [The Coming King]

13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

It is through “The Word” that we gain Knowledge of God and how to live honoring God. Christ holds the supernatural Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge.

Salvation – Establishing a clear and honorable Relationship with God

We could never speak of Christ’s Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge without clarity regarding Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross, bringing with His death the unspeakable treasure of cleansing from the guilt of our sin before a holy God (Heb. 9:14; Titus 2:14), giving those who believe in Him the privilege of becoming Children of God (John 1:12-13).

John 1:12–13

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Greatest Commandments

Matthew 22 relays the unfolding circumstances surrounding Jesus when He was being tested by the jealous religious leaders of His day …and then the response He gave when questioned about “the greatest Commandment” in the Law (given by God).

Matthew 22:15-22

15Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Jesus in His words…

Paying Taxes to Caesar

“Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Matthew 22:23-33

Marriage at the Resurrection

23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”

29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

Matthew 22:34-40

The Greatest Commandment

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. (Deut. 6:5) 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Of all the gilded advice given from the beginning of the history of the world, by all the holy men and sages combined, there are no two wiser, life-changing and eternity blessed instructions of wisdom and knowledge than these.

The difference between this instruction and all the other golden advice spoken from the beginning of creation is that this instruction has to do with Relationship, not “correct” action or reaction in following a law or policy. Lasting responses in life are not stabilized by only following correct procedures and traditions, but by the right kind of honorable relationships with God and with others.

Foundational Guidelines for Life – from the Treasures of Christ’s Wisdom and Knowledge. Responses built on a genuine Relationship with God.

1. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and mind.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

- Spoken by Jesus Christ!

The right kind of relationship broadly addresses all circumstances or activities, reflecting one’s heart to love and honor God and honorably love those around us.

On the other hand, policies, laws, procedures or traditions can reflect only a societally correct response regarding how we obey in specific circumstances.

God wants our heart, not just outward observances. Outward actions will always graciously follow those who have an honorable and loving heart toward God. These are the ones who have understanding to comprehend the mystery of Christ’s hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2–3

2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Treasures In Christ

· Salvation – Giving us a Spiritual Unity with God and with those who love Him.

· Wisdom and Knowledge to Empower us with Understanding of His Will and His Ways, so we can live our lives Honorably before God and others.

Doxology

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable His judgments,

and His paths beyond tracing out!

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been His counselor?”

“Who has ever given to God,

that God should repay Him?”

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:33–36

[1] From “The Fog of War” documentary on Robert McNamara’s life and service.