"1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 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 2:1-5
Paul now explains that the purpose and intention of the struggle and unremitting labour in which he is engaged is the perfection and sanctification of the believers in the Lycus valley, whom he has never met (v 1). In vv 2-4 Paul specifies his purpose and intention. The maturing, sanctifying process involves, Paul says, strengthening, encouraging of heart. It involves being knit-together in love within the fellowship. It involves knowing and understanding the mystery of Christ. It involves digging ever more deeply into that rich treasure-house of God's wisdom and knowledge which is Christ. You will notice that in this process of upbuilding, love and truth, heart and mind go hand in hand (v 2): For Paul there is no false tearing apart of heart and mind. To know God is to love Him: It is as we grapple with the mystery, and it demands all that our minds can give; it is as we plumb the depth of the mystery of God that our hearts will be encouraged and strengthened and our love for one another will overflow. It is as our minds are gripped by the mystery, expanded and reformed, that our hearts will be thrilled and set on fire with love for Him and for one another. As we explore His treasure house (and this is surely our duty as believers), as we dig ever more deeply into the wisdom and knowledge of God stored up in Christ, as we set our minds on these things, as we unearth glorious sparkling jewels from the mine of His word, forever plumbing new and unseen depths, forever discovering unexpected and marvellous riches, so we shall be gripped and mastered, and love for God and for one another will flow from our hearts and our lives. False teaching (v 4), persuasive, plausible heresy might attack to deceive and kidnap, but we will be held and supported , garrisoned in our hearts and our minds by the mystery of God which is Christ in us the hope of glory.