day 5

Read Colossians 2
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%202&version=NIV


2:1–5 The city of Laodicea was located in the Lycus Valley about ten miles northwest of Colosse. Paul was concerned that the Colossians would be deceived by the persuasive arguments of the false teachers. He admonished them to continue to live focused on Christ rather than pursuing less stable and speculative theories. Since in Christ the believer has the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, there is no reason to pursue philosophical speculation (Col. 2:3). The “complete understanding” (2:4) is elaborated in 2:16–23.

2:6–15 The Christians needed nothing else but to continue on in faith. The second step was the same as the first (“just as” they had received, so they should live). There was not a switch from the first step of faith to some supposed second step of legalistic or mystical ritual (2:23). Paul used two metaphors to describe the relationship of believers with Christ. Like a firmly rooted tree (2:7), they were grounded in the truth of Christ. Like a house with a solid foundation (2:7), they were founded on their faith in Christ and were continually being built up in him.

To avoid being led astray by “deceptive philosophy,” Paul emphasized the need to be deeply rooted in Christ (2:8–15). Two ways of living are identified: according to the world or according to Christ (2:8). Paul warned the believers against getting side-tracked by persuasive arguments and speculative theories. He emphasized that Christ alone is sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth. “Philosophy” (2:8) means “love of wisdom” and refers here to any system of thought that does not recognize the centrality of Christ. The problem with philosophy is that it has no basis of authority other than man’s reason. Paul used the vocabulary of the false teachers to show how Christ epitomizes all they hoped to find in philosophy.

Paul continued by giving reasons for living according to Christ (2:9–15). Christ has the fullness of deity (2:9) and believers can find fullness or completeness in him (2:10) and live above all lesser rule and authority. The results are freedom from human judges and hollow rituals (2:16, 20). Spiritual circumcision (2:11) takes place when a believer is identified with Christ through personal faith.

Paul reminded the believers that they once stood as debtors, condemned because of the law (Eph. 2:15; Gal. 3:10). But Christ fulfilled the requirements of the law (Matt. 5:17) and by his death liberated believers from its condemnation (Col. 2:14). He erased the legal ordinances that condemned, nailing the document that was against believers to the cross. Not only was the debt of sins cancelled, but Satan’s forces were conquered and humiliated through the cross (2:15). Paul drew on the imagery of a triumphant Roman procession where the victorious general and his troops led captives and captured booty in public display through the city streets. Similarly, Christ defeated Satan and led him in triumph through his resurrection.

2:16–19 Believers are not subject to any authority and judgment except Christ’s. “Eat or drink” referred to the ceremonial food laws observed by the Jews (Lev. 11); “festival” referred to the Jewish holy convocations (Lev. 16); “new-moon ceremonies” referred to a minor festival that was observed monthly (1 Sam. 20:5; Isa. 1:13); and “Sabbath” referred to the law of Sabbath-keeping (Exod. 20:8). These ceremonies were to be regarded by Christians as shadows of the realities now available in Christ. Their observance could not add to or subtract from the believers’ completeness in Christ (2:17). The opponents were motivated by selfish pride (2:18–19).

2:20–2:23 Paul was describing man-made religion in any form. It could not overcome fleshly or sensual indulgence (2:23). Paul warned against asceticism, self-denial as a means of gaining acceptance by God. All human decrees and prohibitions have the appearance of wisdom but are of no eternal significance apart from the knowledge of God.


Discussion and reflection question

In verse 10 it says that “you have been given fullness in Christ.” Take a real hard look at that and can you truly grasp what that means? The mighty powerful, loving, compassionate Christ is in you and you have been given his fullness. How do you respond to this?