Colossians: Alive In Christ Ihe Atụ

Paul has already warned the Colossians about ‘plausible arguments’ (2:4, ESV), and here he warns them further about being captured by lies and false wisdom (v. 8). It seems there was a kind of popular, but false and worldly, spirituality that might be in danger of deceiving them. None of us should ever think that we’re invulnerable to such deception. How easy it is to be led astray and fascinated by some new movement or message that subtly draws us away from Christ! It’s important, therefore, for us to hear the warning of these verses.  

Paul wants us to keep our eyes on Christ and so he deliberately lifts our gaze to him and reminds us that:

• all the fullness of God is found in Christ (v.9)
• we have been filled with God himself in Christ (v.10)
• we have died and been raised to a new life with Christ (vv.11-12)
• our hearts have been circumcised in Christ for a new beginning with God (v.13)
• our sins have been dealt with at the cross (v.14)
• every spiritual authority and power lays defeated at Christ's feet (v.15)

We’re much less likely to drift from Christ if our mind and heart are filled with these truths. On the other hand, we’re much more prone to be captured by ‘hollow and deceptive philosophy’ (v. 8) when we feel that Christ is small, unimportant and weak. We only add to Christ when we feel that Christ is not very much to begin with. Therefore, it’s crucial that we remind ourselves constantly of the greatness of Christ and all that he is for us. Believers and churches will only stand in Christ when they’re filled with Christ and all that he’s done for them. 

Reflection

1. Why might we become fascinated by new movements or teachings that subtly marginalise Christ?

2. What, according to these verses, is so great about knowing Jesus Christ?