A Song Which Defeats the Enemy

I. Satan, the Old Self, and the Weapon of Thanksgiving

Satan

He is "the father of lies" (John 8:44).

His weapons are deceit and delusion.

His aim is the destruction of your faith and love.

There are enemy sympathizers inside the city of our own souls—namely, the desires of the old self.

There is a song that Satan and his sympathizers cannot tolerate or approach—namely, the song of thanks to God.

II. Exposition of Colossians 2:1–8

2 For 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. 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ.

Paul's Struggles for the Colossians and Laodiceans

Knitting Hearts Together

Stronger Affection and Stronger Understanding

Encouragement and Protection from Delusion

Paul's Delight in Their Faith

III. On Guard Against Deceit

Four steps:

They were taught the truth of Christ

They received him

They became rooted and built up and established in him

They are to live a certain way

Gratitude Is the Completion of Encouragement

IV. Gratitude the Essential Guardian of the Soul

Col. 1:7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

V. Watchfulness and Gratitude in Prayer

"In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will GUARD your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6–7).

A. Gratitude in Our Interactions with Others

B. Gratitude Versus Flippancy and Triviality

Gratitude is the guardian of our soul