Text: Colossians 2:8-15
After telling the brethren to continue to remain faithful (Colossians 2:6-7), Paul warned them about being taken captive (Colossians 2:8). We have two choices – the way of Christ or the way of the world. The world tries to make its way seem appealing through philosophy, deception, human traditions, and worldliness. Paul explained in the following verses why Christ is better than the world to encourage steadfastness in them and in us.
Why Christ is Better:
The Fullness of Deity is in Him (v. 9)
- Jesus is God – not that He was God at one time but surrendered His deity, He was God in the flesh (Matthew 1:23; Acts 20:28)
- He is the Creator and Sustainer (Colossians 1:15-17) – therefore, He has the preeminence (Colossians 1:18)
- He is better than the world (1 John 4:4; Philippians 3:8)
He Makes Us Complete (v. 10)
- Without Christ, we are lacking – what are we lacking? … hope (Ephesians 2:12)
- He is the way (John 14:6) – without Him we lack direction (Jeremiah 10:23)
- In order to “present every man complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28), the gospel must be preached – must be preached in its completeness (Acts 20:20, 27) so we can be fully equipped (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
He Has Ultimate Authority (v. 10, 15)
- “He is the head over all rule and authority” – by virtue of the fact that He is Creator (Colossians 1:16)
- All authority has been given to Christ (Matthew 28:18) – foundation of our preaching (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Demonstrated in His crucifixion and resurrection (v. 15) – full force of civil authority against Him (Psalm 2:1-4); they killed Him, but He was victorious (Ephesians 1:20-21); we must submit to Him to be victorious (Revelation 17:14)
He Removes Sin (v. 11-13)
- “The removal of the body of the flesh” (v. 11) – forgiveness; putting off the old man of sin (Romans 6:6); this is done in baptism (v. 12; cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6)
- Though we must be baptized, forgiveness comes by God’s grace (v. 13; cf. Ephesians 2:5, 8-9)
- We’re not baptized in an attempt to “earn” our salvation – faith in God’s working (v. 12; cf. 1 Peter 3:21)
He Removed the Old Law (v. 14)
- The Old Law was good (Romans 7:12) – it was from God and did what He intended it to do; but it was only temporary (Hebrews 8:7-8, 13; Galatians 3:24-25)
- We now have the gospel, God’s power for salvation (Romans 1:16)
- Jesus brought grace (John 1:17) – if we try to go back to the Old Law, we fall from grace (Galatians 5:3-4)
Conclusion
- The Scriptures show that it is far better to follow Christ than to follow the world – but the world will continue trying to convince us otherwise
- Do not be deceived and led astray – remain faithful to Christ (Colossians 2:6-7)
