Somebody Loves You

THURSDAY November 14, 2024

A Great Conflict

For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:1-3

Here we see Paul's great concern for the church in Colossae––for their spiritual growth and maturity. He started to talk to them about the great conflict he had for them. He had a deep concern for them because of the heresies of Gnosticism and Judaism that had crept into the church. He did not want them to be deceived.

The Greek word for conflict translates and points again to Paul’s struggle, or his agonizing, for the believers. He had entered a spiritual battle for them with God. He struggled for them in prayer. He loved them that much. Paul had never met them face to face, but out of love, he warned them and continuously prayed for them. He wanted them to know that every believer was either his brother or sister in Christ. He loved them, even though they had never met. That is so beautiful. They were always on his heart.

What keeps me going forward in the call of God? The Spirit of God keeps me moving onward. When I watch other pastors laboring in the Gospel, and I see their tender care for their flocks, I know that I am called to encourage and equip them. As they are often isolated and on their own, I go with teams that travel to South America to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give them the right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9).

We teach them the philosophy of Calvary Chapel, as taught by Chuck Smith, and how to teach the Word of God for themselves. The team of men are ready to counsel them, cry with them, and at times, rejoice with them. This is what ministry is all about.

Consider how precious a soul must be when both God and the devil are after it.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!