Scripture: Colossians 2:9-15

Thrust: God is pleased to have the fullness of Deity dwell bodily in Christ so that we can be made complete in Christ spiritually.

1. Christology 101

in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (v.9)

Background of Epistle:

• Infiltration of Judaism
• Incipience of Gnosticism

Judaism

• Supremacy of the Law
• Superiority of Circumcision

Acts 15:1, 5, 10-11

Gnosticism

• Elevation of knowledge
• Error of Emanation

A.In Him

Gal 2:20

B. All the Fullness of Deity

Col 1:15-20

i. Image of Invisible God

• “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.…” (Rom 1:20)
• “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.…” (1 Tim 1:17)
• “God spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken… by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power.…” (Heb 1:1-3)
• No one has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father. (John 14:9)

ii. Firstborn of All Creation

Prototokos (προτοτοκος)

• Something / someone that's first in order of time, e.g. a firstborn child
• Someone who's preeminent in rank
• Someone who is both firstborn and preeminent in rank

C. Dwells in Bodily Form

pleroma (πληρωμα)

2. Christo-Centricity 101

in Him you have been made complete (v.10)

A. You have been made complete

• “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col 1:27)
• “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold (Israelites); them (Gentiles) also I must bring… and there will be ONE FLOCK and ONE SHEPHERD.” (John 10:16)
• “I do not pray for these (the 11 Apostles) alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word (the Gentiles, i.e., you and me).” (John 17:20)

B. He is Head over all Rule

3. Christian Practicum 101

In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him (vv.11–12)

A. You were circumcised spiritually

• putting off (apekdusei)
• circumcision of the heart

B. You have been Buried with Christ

C. You were Raised with Christ

• Made Alive with Him
• Forgiven of All Your Sins
• forgave (charismenos)
• chairographon (handwriting)

Challenge and Conclusion

• Worship Christ for Who He Is
• Know Who You Are in Christ
• Live Out Your Ultimate Destiny