Christ our Completer

Colossians 2:8-16

Colossians 2:8–16 KJV 1900

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

     Often times people settle for second best. They settle because they are not confident in something about themselves.

They maybe confident they can’t get better, so they settle for second fiddle. Paul makes sure that the believers in the church of Colossae are not tricked into thinking anything else will do other than Jesus Christ!

But the text just before verse eight says that we “those that are alive in Christ” are rooted, built up, and established in Christ!

Colossians 2:6 KJV 1900

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Imagine a glass of water filled to the brim. It represents our lives before Christ—filled but lacking true fulfillment. When we invite Christ into our hearts, He adds the richness of His presence, overflowing our lives with joy, peace, and purpose. This overflow symbolizes what it means to be complete in Christ—a life not just lived, but lived abundantly. Thus, we discover that true life is found not in emptiness, but in the fullness of Christ, who fills us to overflowing.

Rooted- meaning the gospel seed has germinated and now growing in the proper soil!

Built up- in the Greek meaning being builded up! As Rooted teaches us vitality or aliveness so built up implies a solid foundation!

Walking in the faith! Or shall I say established in the faith or confirmed! These expressions imply an ongoing growth within the life of the believer!

Each one helps the other! Some may struggle with even the grow that has taken place in your life, yet these next verses encourage us as believers in our growth!

This growth leads us to living a life of struggle against sin, yet the text tells us to be thankful! Or abounding in thanksgiving! Remember to give thanks!

Colossians 2:8 KJV 1900

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Be confident that all you need is Christ! Why?

1. (vs. 9) He is the completeness of God in flesh!

           A. (vs. 10) Christ (completeness) is in you! Drawing you to Himself!

           B. (vs. 10b) Christ is the source of all authority.

2.  (vs. 11) Christ is the cause of your change.

       * Not Circumcision—but a cutting away of the old nature. Old things are past away (dead) behold are things are becoming new!

       * Not baptism — the baptism * (Baptismos—meaning your ceremonial baptism) is a symbol of identification and cleansing.

God cleanses, God raises, God is the source of your power! He is the source of your faith! (vs. 12)

Conclusion: Now that Christ rooted you, Christ is our completeness, Christ is the source of your change! He caused the identification with Him in baptism and He is the one that made you alive together with Him! This is a supernatural working. Quickening—or re-animated after dead.

Consider a puzzle missing its final piece. No matter how beautiful the image, it remains incomplete. In the same way, we may strive to find completeness in life’s experiences, relationships, or accomplishments. Yet, it is only through Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God, that we can feel truly whole. He is the missing piece that brings purpose and satisfaction to our lives. Just as a completed puzzle reveals the artist's intention, embracing Christ reveals our true design and meaning.