[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 2:4-5

If someone asked you, how would your describe your faith? Would you use adjectives like “passionate,” “orthodox,” “vibrant,” “creative,” “committed” or something similar?

Or would you use a theological or denominational description to identify the nature of your relationship with Jesus? Maybe you would describe yourself as being “reformed” or “traditional” or maybe even “Word and Spirit” or “Charismatic” or “ fundamental” or, you may even refer to the denomination or movement you belong to.

Some might describe their faith as “half-hearted” or “hesitant” or “faltering” or “up and down” or even “gone.”

I ask this question because of something Paul says in verses 4-5. He acknowledges their firmness of faith. But before we get there let’s work our way through these verses.

Paul begins with the phrase, “I say this,” which looks back to what he had just written in verses 1-3 and perhaps the previous chapter. The point being that Paul wrestles and battles in prayer so that the church in Colossae might not be “deluded with plausible arguments.”

His choice of words points towards clever and impressive speech that gives the appearance of being sophisticated, clever and convincing but ultimately proves to be false and destructive. There are many examples of this in our day, just turn on your religious TV channels and you will find a few.

What did Paul mean then by saying he was “with you” You may remember that he used similar language in writing to the Corinthians,”

[3] For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. [4] When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, [5] you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 5:3-5

In both instances, Paul was present, although not physically so, I don’t think he means, “I am present in your thoughts and prayers,” but rather that he was present by virtue of his joining with them in Christ. He was in Christ and they were in Christ and thus, wherever Christ was, they were together in him. This changes the way we perceive fellow believers and churches that are apart from us.

Having said all of that my subject is how Paul describes their faith or the depth and quality of their commitment to Jesus. He uses two words in verse 5 that I suspect few use today, they are certainly not on trend and not exciting enough for today’s “modern church”. In the climate of mega church and impressive, dynamic front led meetings with all their advancements in presentation and technology I suspect something like “good order” and “firmness” in your faith seems boring and dated, but such are the words of praise from the apostle.

The word translated “good order” points to the well-ordered behaviour of the Colossians. He has in mind lives that are aligned with biblical truths, and their daily habits of life reflect the values of Jesus with unwavering obedience to the will of God, no matter how unpopular that may prove to be.

The word translated “firmness,” used here to describe their faith, means steadfast, stable, resolute, solid, reliable not given to flights of fancy or open to the influence of flashy, fleshly preachers whose “ministries” are built on novelty, bizarre and sensational experiences.

It is banging that drum that says character is more important than gifting.

There wasn’t much to set apart these believers in Colossae except for their commitment to good order in godly living and being resolute in their commitment to Jesus Christ. But isn’t that enough? Where on Earth did the church ever get the idea that God is more impressed with being flash and a stage that is more akin to the latest rock band on tour.

Here is what brings a smile of approval to the face of our heavenly Father: faithful Christians who set their personal and corporate spiritual experience in that “order” set forth in Scripture. Here is what evokes a heartfelt, “well done!” from our great and glorious God: people whose lives are fixed and riveted on Christ alone, whose faith does not bend with every blast of new doctrinal wind, whose commitment is not compromised by threat or fear of persecution or loss of personal convenience and comfort.

No, it’s not very exciting, at least not as the world measures excitement. It may not draw huge crowds or bring in massive offerings or lead to lucrative book contracts, or get you as their church leader to be on the platforms of the best church conferences. But who’s favour are we trying to gain, who are we trying to impress, God or Man?

If it’s the favour and pleasure and joy of your heavenly Father that you most desire, commit yourself in the power of his Spirit to put all things in “good order” and stand “firm” and resolute and unwavering in your single-minded, whole-hearted devotion to Jesus.