Paul is encouraging the Colossians to keep going on in the Christ that they first received (v6). Paul says this as there was the danger of them being deluded by false teaching (v4, 8) which would take them away from the truth in Christ. Knowing Christ and knowing truth cannot be separated.

To show the foolishness of following any teaching that doesn’t come from Christ, Paul speaks of how in Jesus all the fullness of deity dwells (v9). Jesus is the One with all authority (v10), He is the one to be obeyed and listened to.

In a world of so many religions and teachings it is tempting to think that some or many are as good as others. Is it not very arrogant to think your religion is the only one that is true. While other religions may have some elements of truth the Bible is very clear and uncompromising in teaching that Jesus alone is the way and the truth and the life (John 14 v6).

When people get distracted from Jesus and His teaching in God’s Word then their growth and maturing in the Christian life will stop. If we cherish Christ we must cherish His Word.