"The Soulwinner's Conflict" The opening verses of Colossians Chapter Two are an insight to the heart of the Apostle Paul. In this instance it is a revelation of the Pastor's heart. He writes as follows: "For I would that ye know what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh: that their hearts might be knit together in love, and with all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God and of the Father, and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2 vvs 1-3. Here is an example I can never hope to equal, but at least one for which I seek grace to follow. It is a model for every pastor, and worker in the Lord's service. He speaks of his deep concern and earnest desire for their spiritual well-being. He compares his burden to an inward conflict. The Seat of His Conflict. This was not an outward and physical conflict. Here is the inward spiritual, mental and emotional yearning of someone whose heart was saturated in divine love. He had a passion in his heart. Undoubtedly his prison guards would see and hear the servant of God bowed in supplication for the saints not only in Colosse but all across Asia Minor. May I tell you that this shrine lies at the centre of our ministry to you. We carry an inward longing for a great spiritual outpouring on the work and witness of your lives. The Strength of His Conflict. He refers to it as a "great" conflict. This suggests an intense desire. It must have been an intensely heavy burden. Was it because of the lurking dangers referred to later in the chapter? Was it the result of some decline or wavering on the part of the converts? Had there been some casualties on the journey? Whatever the circumstances, the Apostle felt with an intensity similar to agony. When we think of the hostile forces and the lukewarm spirit of the age is it any wonder that it calls forth earnest supplication. The Sequel of His Conflict. Verse 2 is a beautiful and comprehensive outline of the desire Paul carried for them. He says, "I want you to be comforted or encouraged." The Devil employs discouragement more than any other tool. in his workshop. The arresting thing is that it nearly always works. Discouragement attacks the new convert as well as the seasoned believer. He says, "I want you to be enamoured with each other." The words he employs are, "that your hearts might be knit together in Love." We live in a selfish age, but this must not be the mind-set of God's people. In fact it is the mark of true discipleship. "By this shall all men know ye and my disciples if ye have love one toward another." He says, "I want you to be enriched." The riches of Gods grace are freely available to His people. We can be rich in good works. We can be enriched in everything to all bountifulness . 2 Corinthians 9 v11 Finally he says, "I want you to be enlightened". Only the Holy Spirit can open our understanding and impart eternal truth to our hearts and lives. The deceptor of these end times is so subtle and all pervasive that we really need to keep in closest touch with God lest we be led away with the error of the wicked. The way ahead is still full of challenge and opportunity. Let us keep our eyes on the Saviour and our hearts in the love of God. If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written by Rev. E. Stewart, as the Pastor's letter to the church, Jan. 2001. Due to be updated: mid August Archived Messages. 24/04/01 The Divine Dividend 17/03/01 The Move That Made The Difference 10/01/01 Marching On In The Will of God 15/12/00 Christmas Message 07/10/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (2) 15/09/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (1) 28/07/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (4) 15/06/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (3) 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message