Imagine receiving a heartfelt letter from a mentor who deeply cares about your well-being. In Colossians 2, Paul does just that, expressing his concern and desire for the spiritual growth of the believers in Colossae and Laodicea.
The Reading: Colossians 2
World English Bible1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
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2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
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3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.
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4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.
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5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
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6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,
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7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.
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8 Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.
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9 For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily,
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10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;
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11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
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12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
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13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
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14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;
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15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
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16 Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,
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17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s.
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18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
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19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth.
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20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
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21 “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch”
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22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?
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23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Paul's Struggle and Encouragement
In this chapter, Paul reveals his struggle for the believers he has never met in person. He wants their hearts to be comforted and united in love, gaining rich understanding of God's mysteries through Christ.
The Warning Against Deception
Paul warns the Colossians not to be swayed by persuasive arguments or philosophies that stray from Christ. He asserts that all fullness of God dwells in Christ, and by being in Him, they too are made complete. This is a powerful reminder that while the world presents various ideologies, true wisdom and knowledge come only through Christ.
The New Life in Christ
He speaks of a spiritual circumcision, emphasizing a transformation that happens inwardly through faith and baptism, where believers are made alive with Christ after being spiritually dead due to sin. Paul illustrates how Christ triumphed over sin and the powers of darkness by nailing our debts to the cross, offering salvation and freedom.
Living as New Creations
Paul urges the believers not to let others judge them based on dietary laws or religious observances. These rituals are merely shadows of what is to come, and the substance is found in Christ. He challenges them to stand firm against legalism and false humility, as these do not address the true condition of the heart.
A Final Call
Ultimately, Paul emphasizes that true worship and growth come from holding firmly to Christ, the Head of the body. He encourages the church to grow together, supplied and knit together by God's strength.
Why It Matters
Stay Rooted in Christ
One of the key takeaways from this chapter is the importance of being grounded in faith. Paul encourages believers to walk in Christ and be built up in their faith, reminding us to seek spiritual nourishment and understanding through Him.
Beware of Deceptive Philosophies
In a world filled with competing ideas and beliefs, it's easy to be swayed by persuasive arguments. Paul's warning to the Colossians is relevant today; we must critically evaluate teachings against the truth of Christ.
Embrace Your New Identity
Understanding our identity in Christ transforms how we live. The imagery of being made alive together with Him highlights the significance of grace and forgiveness. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes but are invited into a new life.
Freedom in Christ
Paul's message encourages us to find freedom in Christ, free from legalism and judgment. We're reminded that our relationship with God is not based on rules but on love and grace. If you're seeking a community that reflects this understanding, check out how find a church near you can connect you with supportive fellow believers.
Spiritual Growth is a Journey
Finally, we must remember that spiritual growth is ongoing. Just as Paul urged the Colossians to continue growing in faith, we too are invited to engage in a journey of discovery and deepen our relationship with God.
Coming Up Next: Colossians 3
As we move to Colossians 3, Paul challenges us to set our minds on things above and live out our new identity in Christ. Join us next time as we explore what it means to truly live as a new creation.