Colossians 2:8–15

Colossians 2:8–15

We all have choices, and those choices have consequences. In this passage, Paul contrasts two choices and demonstrates the dynamic of the better choice. Paul begins by describing the lesser choice. In verse eight, Paul is not condemning philosophy per se but rather that which is empty, vain, or void. This philosophy has its origin in men and is ordered around the world’s principles. This is in contrast to having our lives ordered around Christ. A great many worldly political, philosophical, economic, and ideological movements will try to appeal to faith. Even the Nazis claimed to want to support Christianity. But the question for each idea and choice is, “Will this move me as a disciple toward Christ or away from Him?”

In the following verses, Paul describes the wonder of Christ and how He interacts with His followers. Who is this Christ, and why would He be superior to what the world offers? He is the one in whom the completeness of deity dwells in bodily form. Jesus, Paul asserts, is God made flesh. Note the use of the present tense. Because Jesus is the God-man, certain things have been accomplished for His followers, and Paul begins a list. First, in Him His disciples are made complete, or full, or filled up. Second, He is the head over all rule and authority. As in Colossians 1:18, this is a reference to angels. We do not need angels to provide us salvation, as the false teachers had said. Third, the power of our sin nature, or flesh, is cut away by Christ. In the Old Testament, that which marked a man as not being one of God’s chosen people was cut away in the act of circumcision. The power of our sin nature is removed from us in baptism. In our own power a person can never live a life pleasing to God because the flesh is too strong, but in baptism that sin nature is cut away. Fourth, not only was our sin nature cut away when we were baptized, but we also went from being dead to being alive because we were forgiven. Fifth, the certificate of our debt was forgiven. This is no vague general list; the word literally means “handwritten.” This is your personal list of every evil deed you have ever done. That complete list of all our sins was nailed to the cross. Sixth, the fallen angelic powers are completely disarmed. They had two key strongholds on us: the flesh and the list of wrongs. But now they are reduced to a carnival sideshow.

“Lord, thank You for the hope I have in Jesus. AMEN”