1. Paul told of his love and concern for these two Churches. V. 1 "I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea"

2. That their hearts be blessed in three ways V. 2 "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding,"

3. Paul’s prayer was V. 4 lest any man should beguile you with enticing words."

4. Paul assured them his heart and prayers are with them. V. 5 "yet am I with you in the spirit,"

5. Paul also said I rejoice in your fixed succession or your Christian faith and walk. V. 5 "and beholding your order,"

6. Paul told these folks to stand firm in the Lord and to be unmovable. V. 6 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:"

7.

1. "rooted" This word simply means – to become stable – Paul wanted these believers to have their roots deep and well grounded.

2. Paul also told the Ephesians church Ephesians 4:14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

3. We as believers are to learn and settle, we are not allowed (scripturally) to shop around with our faith.

4. Paul spoke of these same two words about our love. Ephesians 3:17 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,"

5. Paul continues on what they are not only to be "rooted", but also "built up in him" One of Paul’s favorite words "edify" has this phrase for its meaning. The Lord said in Matthew 16:18 "I will build my church;" which means He will build the church into a superstructure and which is the Greek word this comes from, we are to build faith and belief into a superstructure.

6. This is to be done with Him as the foundation in which to build on and with Him being the chief cornerstone of the building.

7. "stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught" The more established we are in God’s word we are the less of a target of Satan and the false teachers we are.

8. This building up, and being rooted, and stable we are in Christ. This is only possible in listing to your Pastor and teachers in the church. This is not on T.V. or radio or any other source. God has given you your Pastor to teach you in what you need, hear him and learn. Colossians 1:7 "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;"

9. "abounding therein with thanksgiving." The word "abounding" means to be in excess or to cause to superabound. Can we ever thank God enough? We are to grow deeper and deeper and deeper and etc. in our faith and love thanking God in every depth ness.

10. We learn from our Pastor and teachers but not without God.

1. Paraphrased – Don’t let man mess-up what God has done with you.

2. The word "beware" means to look or be alert not to listen to the wrong people. Again God has supplied you with a Pastor and teachers hear them! God supplies them with the message and teachings you need not the Pastor around the corner or on T.V.

3. Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

4. Ephesians 5:6 "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."

5. Hebrews 13:9 "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein."