Colossians chapter 2 (2)

“Filled in Him”

Review . . .

Last week we began our study in the book of Colossians.

We discussed that the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colossae for the purpose of addressing false teaching that was attempting to persuade the believers to add various works to their faith in Christ.

We also discussed that a “Jesus and” approach will result in spiritual complexity.

Spiritual complexity comes into place as we continually add unsustainable religious requirements.

We saw that “all things hold together in Christ.” Our answer to spiritual complexity is coming to Christ alone with all areas of our life.

Today I want to talk about . . .

English Standard Version (Colossians 2)

Alive in Christ

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Opening Observations:

Paul encourages the church to continue “walking in Christ” as they did at first.

The key to walking in Christ successfully is to be “rooted and built up in Him.”

Paul warns them about philosophy that can “take them captive.”

Paul provides a series of “in Him” statements:

“In Him the whole fullness of deity dwells”

“You have been filled in Him”

“In Him you were circumcised . . . you were raised with Him through faith.”

Finally, Paul reminds us that we are “alive with Christ” and our “record of debt” was nailed to the cross.

Prayer . . .

Paul reveals great concern for the possibility of this congregation become swept up in the false teaching.

His comment that he has experienced a “great struggle for them” would indicate that he had spent much time in prayer on their behalf.

There would have been no need for concern if the false teaching were not plausible for some to consider.

Paul comments that the teaching is “plausible arguments” that could lead them into “delusion.”

To counter, Paul once again places strong emphasis on the deity and accomplishment of Christ on our behalf.

He reminds them that we can have “full assurance” of our salvation as we come to Christ in trusting faith and acceptance of His work on our behalf.

In section two of the chapter, Paul transitions to a word of encouragement as to how we maintain a strong relationship with Jesus.

His words of encouragement include:

Walk in Christ

Be rooted and built up in Him

Established in faith

Abounding with thanksgiving

Each of these admonitions suggest that the listener must take special note of practicing an intentional and sustained relationship with Jesus.

Walking indicates that we must look where we are stepping. We are to keep our heads up and work to maintain balance as we progress forward.

Being rooted and built up uses the imagery of a strong tree firmly rooted in the ground and then becoming built up to maturity with the ability to weather the storms.

Established in faith reveals the need for continued maturity in Christ. The word “established” would suggest that we are to be so firmly founded in Christ that no hint of teaching could possibly persuade us to consider leaving our foundation in Christ.

And, abounding with thanksgiving places the heart of the individual in the right place. One thing lacking in religious requirements is a sense of joy and thanksgiving. The weight of the requirements serve as a thief of our joy. Paul’s encouragement for the believers to remain thankful continues to point them in the direction of the One who can sustain their joy.

Transition:

Today as we celebrate Mother’s Day, I want to provide a simple teaching on a key phrase in Paul’s letter to the church.

“You have been filled in Him.”

I can think of no harder job than that of a Mom.

The never ending requirements take their toll on mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.

Although not written specifically for Mom’s, I believe this statement of Paul’s provides the needed strength for all of us, and especially for our Mom’s.

What does Paul mean by the thought, “filled in Him”?

Simply said, everything we need in life is found in relationship with Jesus.

“Filled in Him” would also indicate that we share the authority and power of Christ as we are “in Him.”

In the context of the purpose for which Paul was writing, we understand that no earthly philosophy can make such a claim.

There is nothing in this life that can fill us like the presence of Jesus.

We may or may not be tempted to consider false teaching as the church in Colossae were facing.

We may however consider false beliefs that can attempt to creep into our hearts and minds.

Beliefs such as:

1. I'm not worthy: This belief often arises from feelings of inadequacy or past failures. It can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence.

2. I'm unlovable: People may internalize this belief due to past rejections or perceived shortcomings. It can hinder forming healthy relationships and lead to feelings of isolation.

3. I'm a failure: This belief is often fueled by comparing oneself to others or setting unrealistic standards. It can lead to fear of failure, avoidance of challenges, and a lack of motivation.

4. I'm not capable: Individuals may doubt their abilities or potential due to past setbacks or negative feedback. This belief can limit personal growth and prevent individuals from pursuing their goals.

5. I'm not enough: This belief often stems from comparing oneself to unrealistic standards or feeling like one's efforts are never sufficient. It can result in chronic self-criticism and a constant need for validation from others.

Beliefs such as these, and many others, attempt to find a place of acceptance in our minds.

Once accepted, they serve the same purpose the false teaching posed the church as a threat; we become directed away from Christ.

When Jesus isn’t enough . . .

As long as the believers considered the possibility of the false teaching, they would continually be led to believe that Jesus alone was not enough.

Is there a place in your life where you feel Jesus isn’t enough?

We may not consciously think in these terms, but our actions often confirm that it is the belief at work.

When we question our worth, we question Christ’s craftsmanship.

When we question our lovability, we question Christ’s crucifixion.

When we question our capability, we question Christ’s promise to strengthen and enable us.

When we compare ourselves with others, we set them up as our standard rather than Jesus.