Why I'm Closed-Minded

Dangerous heresies were threatening the church in Colossae several years after it had been established by Epaphras during the time of Paul's third missionary journey.  There were some in the church who were denying the deity of Jesus, encouraging the Colossians to worship angels, saying that circumcision was required for salvation, and that a higher knowledge than scripture existed and was necessary for true enlightenment.  In response to these threats, Paul wrote this letter to warn them against these heresies and to encourage them to cling to the truth their faith was built on.

Be On Guard for Persuasive Arguments
Paul's desire, seen in chapter 1, was to present the Colossians mature in Christ; having the full assurance of their salvation and understanding of the truth they had been given, so they can discern when exposed to false teaching.  He does not want them to be deceived by the persuasive speech used by those teaching these heresies.  As believers, they should be on guard for "fancy words" that attempt to lead them away from the convictions they hold about Jesus Christ and His Word.
 
Stand Firm in the Truth
Using  words associated with soldiers in battle, he appeals to them to not yield to doubt, but to continue to remain true to what they know.  As a soldier for Christ, they are to "have solidarity on the front line"; continually standing firm and remaining immovable from their faith in Jesus Christ.

Walk in Him
Based on their knowledge of the person of Jesus, Paul then commands them to continue "to walk in Him".  "To walk" is another way of saying your daily conduct or way of living.  Paul used this same phrase in chapter 1 when he says to them "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord". The verb here is in the imperfect tense which combines reference to the past and a continuing action.  He was commanding them to continue to believe in the truth of Jesus' deity and His sufficiency for salvation. They were not to waiver in this truth; rejecting the false arguments they had been hearing.

Being Rooted in Christ and Built Up in the Gospel
Next, Paul told them their "walk", like a tree, was "rooted" in Christ at their salvation and is being continually "built up" on the firm foundation of the gospel through the Word.  This leads to a strengthened faith and an overflowing offering of thanksgiving.  Walking in the Lord will serve to protect them from being deluded and from doubting what they know to be true.

Today we also need this message and encouragement from Paul.  Believers are being bombarded daily by new philosophies, belief systems, and an ever-changing worldview.  Many of these ideas, which would have been rejected by society only 20 years ago, are being embraced and celebrated.  Those endorsing these new ideologies are proud of their acceptance and their so-called "open-mindedness" to them.

These same people are also verbally attacking believers, accusing us of being "closed-minded" because we reject these philosophies.  If being "open-minded" means allowing  new ideas and philosophies to become part of a person's belief system without critically examining them, looking for evidence of truth, logic, and Biblical morality, I will gladly remain "closed-minded". Having been rooted in Christ, I will stand on the truth of scripture and not allow myself to "be swayed by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).  I will remain a soldier of Jesus, immovable from the foundation that was laid by the apostles and prophets.  Will you join me?