Failing is Easy; Standing Firm Takes Teamwork
Failing is Easy; Standing Firm Takes Teamwork
1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you
and those in Laodicea,
and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged,
being knit together in love,
and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the knowledge of the mystery of God,
both of the Father and of Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say
lest anyone should deceive you
with persuasive words.
5 For though I am absent in the flesh,
yet I am with you in spirit,
rejoicing to see your good order
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him,
7 rooted and built up in Him
and established in the faith,
as you have been taught,
abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you
through philosophy and empty deceit,
according to the tradition of men,
according to the basic principles of the world,
and not according to Christ.
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
10 and you are complete in Him,
who is the head of all principality and power.
M.O.I. – Christian Knowledge
C.I.T. – Paul wanted the Colossians to remain faithful to the revelation of Jesus and not be led astray by false teachers.
Thesis – A proper understanding of Jesus as revealed through Scripture enables the Christian to live a fulfilling life.
Proposition – I want the church to understand their position in Jesus and remain faithful to him and not be led astray by false teachers.
Probing Question – What does this passage teach us about our position in Christ and how we can be misled from it?
Unifying Word – Teachings
I. We are complete in Christ. Vs. 10
A. Knit together in love. Vs.2b
B. Hearts encouraged. Vs 2a
C. Understanding the mysteries of God. Vs. 2b
D. A purposeful lifestyle. Vs 6
E. Living a life of faith resulting in thanksgiving. Vs. 7
II. We can be cheated out of victory in Christ. Vs.8
A. Through philosophy. Vs. 8b
B. Through tradition. Vs. 8c
C. Through worldliness. Vs 8d