Colossians 2:6-23

Walk In Him (v. 6-7)

The temptation facing the Colossians, as with many early churches, was not the rejection of the gospel but a subtle syncretism that added to it. Rather than denying Christ, they were being drawn toward ideas that promised deeper knowledge, spiritual protection, or greater power alongside Him.

Paul’s call in Colossians 2:6–7 is simple and corrective: return to what you received. Just as they had received Christ Jesus the Lord, they were to continue walking in Him, rooted and built up in the same gospel that first saved them.

That temptation remains today. New teachings, alternative gospels, and spiritual philosophies often present themselves not as replacements for Scripture but as supplements to it. Works like The Shack, the Gospel of Thomas, and various New Age ideas frequently claim to deepen our understanding rather than deny biblical truth outright. Yet Paul’s warning still stands: growth does not come from adding to Christ, but from walking faithfully in what we have already received.

When Paul says, “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” what stands out to you?

What words or phrases in verses 6–8 suggest stability rather than movement or innovation?

Why do you think believers are tempted to look for “something more” after coming to Christ?

What are some modern examples of teachings or practices that promise deeper insight or power but subtly shift our focus away from Christ?

Where are you personally tempted to believe that Christ alone is not quite enough?

What fears or desires might drive us to look for extra spiritual security?

What is one habit or practice that helps you stay rooted in Christ rather than chasing novelty?

Don’t Be Captive (v. 8-15)

The Colossians were being led astray by a syncretistic teaching that placed undue emphasis on spiritual powers, including angelic beings and cosmic forces. Some were seeking protection, insight, or spiritual advancement through intermediaries rather than resting fully in Christ.

In a similar way, certain modern theological approaches can overemphasize demons, spiritual warfare, or external powers in a way that distracts from Christ’s sufficiency. While the Colossian situation was unique to its context, the underlying temptation is the same: looking outside of Christ for spiritual power or security.

Paul counters this by declaring that in Christ the full fullness of God dwells bodily, and that believers are already complete in Him. Because Christ has disarmed the powers and authorities, Christians do not need ascetic practices, mystical experiences, or fear driven rituals to protect themselves. True holiness and faithfulness flow from union with Christ, not from managing spiritual forces.

Paul’s discussion of circumcision in Colossians 2:11–15 shows that Jewish ritual categories were being used to suggest spiritual fullness or protection beyond Christ. Rather than arguing against circumcision directly, Paul redefines it as union with Christ and insists that forgiveness, victory over the powers, and true completeness are already secured through the cross.

But Paul says, it’s not we who pleased God by our circumcision, but it’s our union with Christ in circumcision and Christ’s accomplishments on the cross that please God.

What we do cannot please God: Only Jesus can do that.

Paul warns about being “taken captive” by teachings that sound spiritual. What kinds of ideas or practices today most easily capture Christians without openly denying Jesus?

The Colossians were drawn to practices that promised protection or power. What fears tend to push us to look for something more than Christ—rules, rituals, experiences, or techniques?

Paul says the full fullness of God dwells in Christ and that we are complete in Him. If we truly believed we were already complete in Christ, what would change about how we pursue spiritual growth?

Paul redefines circumcision as union with Christ rather than a religious act. What modern religious habits or behaviors can subtly replace resting in our union with Christ?

Don’t Be Disqualified (16-23)

Paul next encourages the Colossians not to allow human traditions or religious practices to be used as standards by which they are judged or made to feel spiritually disqualified. Some within the church were elevating their adherence to dietary restrictions, Sabbaths, festivals, and new moon observances as marks of spiritual maturity or as means of securing God’s blessing.

By doing so, they implied that spiritual standing before God was maintained through observing certain practices. Paul rejects this logic outright. These regulations were shadows pointing forward to Christ, but now that Christ has come, clinging to the shadow while neglecting the substance is spiritually dangerous.

This does not mean God is opposed to obedience or holiness. Rather, Paul insists that obedience flows from union with Christ, not from submission to old covenant regulations used to measure worth or faithfulness. To elevate these practices as necessary for blessing is to lose connection to Christ Himself, who alone is the head and source of true spiritual life.

Paul warns against being judged or disqualified by others over religious practices. What kinds of spiritual standards today make Christians feel “less than” or not good enough?

Paul says food laws and holy days were shadows pointing to Christ. What happens when we cling to religious practices while losing sight of Christ Himself?

Some in Colossae used their practices to measure spiritual standing. How can good spiritual habits quietly turn into ways we measure ourselves or others?

Paul says losing connection to Christ is the real danger. What helps you stay focused on Christ rather than drifting toward comparison or performance?

Instead we are to remember our hope is in Christ, not in our ability to keep the rules or follow the manmade traditions, but in the finished work of Christ. The freedom we have is to live in and as Christ!