Text: Colossians 2:8-15
Paul encouraged the Colossian brethren to remain faithful to Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). He also warned of the danger of being taken captive (Colossians 2:8). Essentially, there were two paths before them – the way of Christ and the way of the world. The world uses various tactics to make its way seem appealing (Colossians 2:8), and this continues today. In our text, Paul gave five reasons why Christ is better than the world.
The Fullness of Deity Is in Him (v. 9)
- “Deity” – quality of being God; “divine nature” or “Godhead” (Romans 1:20); Jesus was Deity while in the flesh (Matthew 1:23; Acts 20:28)
- He is our Creator and Sustainer (Colossians 1:15-17) – therefore, He has preeminence (Colossians 1:18); He is to be preferred over everything we could gain in this life (Philippians 3:8)
He Makes Us Complete (v. 10)
- “Complete” – brought to fullness; without Christ, we are lacking; He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6); we miss out on these without Him
- Paul explained how we can be “complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28) – the gospel must be preached; it must be preached completely (Acts 20:27); it perfectly equips us (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
He Has Ultimate Authority (v. 10, 15)
- “Head over all rule and authority” – because He is the Creator (Colossians 1:16); all authority has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18); this is the foundation for our preaching and discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Demonstrated in His death and resurrection (v. 15) – the full force of civil authority was against Him (Psalm 2:1-6); they killed Him, but He was victorious; we will be victorious if we submit to Him (Revelation 17:14)
He Removes Our Sin (v. 11-13)
- “The removal of the body of the flesh” (v. 11) – refers to forgiveness; we put 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)
- Even so, forgiveness comes by the grace of God (v. 13) – parallel passage (Ephesians 2:5, 8-9); baptism does not “earn” salvation, it is faith in God’s work (v. 12; cf. 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 10:13; Acts 22:16)
He Removed the Old Law (v. 14)
- “Certificate of debt…decrees…” – refers to the old law (Law of Moses); it was good (Romans 7:12), but it was only meant to be 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
- It is far better to follow Christ than to follow the world – but the world is continually trying to convince us otherwise (Colossians 2:8)
- Do not be deceived or taken captive by the ways of the world – instead, walk in Christ and stand firm in Him (Colossians 2:6-7)
