May 27, 2014
KNOW THE TRUTH
Colossians 2:1-15
Chelsea Williams
Central Truth
We ought to actively, intentionally know Christ.
Key Verse | Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
Colossians 2:1-15
1 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.
Alive 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 1 2:8 Or elementary principles; also verse 20 of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities 2 2:15 Probably demonic rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. 3 2:15 Or in it (that is, the cross)
Dive Deeper | Colossians 2:1-15
The first few years of college were a whirlwind. I couldn't wait to learn more about Jesus and took advantage of resources available at every turn. I attended multiple Bible studies and Christian clubs per week and read countless books about the faith.
But I also struggled to trust the Lord. I could not understand why His plans for my life were not seeming to match up with my own plans for my life. Things went wrong. I saw hurts, and I felt hurt.
The world was telling me things that sounded, well, almost true. I started to get confused. Fear and anxiety crept into my life, and when the world started to tell me I wasn't enough, I started to believe it.
But then, a very wise woman told me something I'll never forget: "Wise women love the Word of God."
The supplements I was reading were good, but they were no substitute for the Bible itself. I knew that was why the lies started to sound true. The truth had become distorted in my heart because I didn't even really know what I was claiming! Paul commended the church at Colossae for their discipline and firm faith in verse 5, but he predicted the challenges they would face. He knew false teachers would come, and some of them would even sound good! Left on their own, the Colossian church might have relied more on the resources at their fingertips rather than digging deeper.
He challenged them to be intentional in knowing Christ. If not, he warned, they would be [passively] taken captive by lies. The rest of the passage is Paul explaining the undisputable truths of the gospel. "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins." (Colossians 2:13, NIV).
The world says I'm not good enough. I now know that's a lie. I used to be dead in my sins, but through God's grace I have been MADE ALIVE with Christ! Amen!
Discussion Questions
1. What are some lies you commonly believe? What does the Bible have to say about them?
2. Do you read the Bible more than you read books or devotionals about the Bible? Why?
3. The next time you listen to a song on the radio, watch a TV show, or read a book, ask yourself what lies were presented as truth. What makes it a lie? What does the Bible say about it?