The Folly Of Kings & Finishing Strong
2 Chronicles 15:3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
The Folly of the Kings of Israel & Judah was this. Even though they knew how to call upon the Lord in times of trouble, they never would go any deeper than that. Even though their Priest were going through the motions they were not teaching the Word of God. Thereby not representing the true God. Since the religious leaders failed to teach the people, even the king, there was no peace. Only war and confusion. They were vexed on every side and anarchy ruled. Many of their Kings would start off well but their lives ended in failure. Why? Because they did not want to go any further with God. They only wanted Him in times of trouble not to see them through to the very end.
Paul was not like these Priest of old. He wasn't content with just seeing people get saved. He wanted to see them prosper spiritually all the way to the very end.
Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
He want to teach them all he knew of Christ. He wanted to present a finished work to Jesus. He wanted Jesus to look at them say "Well done my good and faithful servant"! The word "Perfect" here in the Greek is "teleios" which means "complete". Paul did not want his brothers and sisters in Christ to go the way of the Kings of old. He wanted them all to finish well and to be "Complete" in Christ. He echoed this truth in the following verses.
2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Scripture is vital in our relationship and standing with Christ. How can you go deeper and get closer without knowledge of Him. God gave us His Word so that we may find the way to the deep things of God. He wanted us to go beyond the altar of getting saved, and live for Him and with Him all along the way. Reading and studying the scriptures is crucial to your walk. How do you know how to walk unless you read? Unless you are taught. The scriptures we read are "given by the inspiration of God" they are "divinely breathed in" according to the Greek. Think of the power His Words can have on your life if you would take them in. If you would learn of Him. His Word is profitable for "doctrine". Doctrine means "instruction". His "Word is a lamp unto our feet and guide unto our path"! Without the teaching of the word of God, there is no guidance and there is no finished or complete work.
Paul wanted to teach God's people. To instruct them to the finish line. He wanted people to not just merely succeed in life but to succeed in Christ. He not only wanted to present them completed to Christ , he wanted them to be refreshed as well. He didn't want them dragging into the kingdom of God but instead, entering in strong. He wanted to instruct the followers of Christ so "That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2Timothy 3:17 .
The Greek word used here for "perfect" is "artios" which means " fresh, that is, (by implication) complete". Paul wants Gods people to be revived daily, refreshed daily, and finish the race strong and complete.
God give us more teachers like Paul. Whose desire is to see God's people draw closer to Him. Whose desire is to see God's people end well and finish strong in the Lord!