The Greatest Treasure

Colossians 2:1-3 - For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

  1. Verse 1

    1. Paul’s anxiety concerning what the Colossians do not know.

      1. It is bad when men believe they know the truth, but do not know the truth.

      2. It is worse when men are ashamed to admit there ar things they do not know.

      3. There are many things all of us do not understand.

      4. The best thing is to admit you do not know or do not understand and ask for help.

      5. Nobody minds telling you what you do not understand, but people are anxious to be a help to you in understanding God’s eternal truths.

      6. There is no such thing as one person being over everybody else, but all must take their place at the feet of Jesus, learning from him.

    2. There are many things in this world that draw us away from Christ.

      1. There were many things in the days of the Colossians, and there are many things today.

      2. Jobs.

      3. Hobbies.

      4. Families.

      5. Recreation.

    3. Men go to great expense to find hidden treasure. Treasure maps – x marks the spot! But most men will not seek after the true riches of Christ, wasting their time instead on the passing things of this world.

      1. Remark about the great expeditions of men to locate the hidden treasurers of Blackbeard – the shaft that filled with water, and the booby traps set at many different levels of the shaft.

      2. Remark about the many expeditions into the depths of the sea to recover gold long lost at sea.

      3. Men get much education to get good job – make a lot of money – buy houses, lands, cars, and much possessions – have a great career. But the die and leave it all behind, taking nothing of their labor into eternity, except lost rewards.

      4. Follow Jesus + world = impossible. Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

      5. Matthew 16:24-27 - …26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul…

      6. Luke 12:13-21 - And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. Parable of a certain rich man tearing down his barns because of his bountiful crop.

  2. I John verse 4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

    1. Notice the things found in Christ.

      1. Comfort, love, all riches, full assurance, all the treasurers of wisdom and knowledge.

        1. Note the difference between wisdom (knowing what to do with facts) and knowledge (facts).

      2. Men try to gain all these things without Christ, but cannot gain them.