Beware of Shadow Chasing

The Substance of Christ

Colossians 2:8–17 (KJV 1900)

Colossians 2:8–17 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: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Boxer many times shadow box,but they do this to practice,not when they actually fight. When they fight they are fighting the real person.

Paul wrote,

1 Corinthians 9:26 KJV 1900

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

We once again return back to the warning that Paul gave. There are a myriad of teachings as their were in the first century that would do great damage to God’s people.

There was a great push as there is today to get people to follow Old Testament ordinances, ceremonies or rituals.

There is also a push to make New Testament ordinaces of baptism and teh Lord’s Supper more than they are, making them a part of salvation. This is a satanic push to place people into teh bondage of Law rather than the liberty of grace.

It is obvious that there were those that placed a lot of emphasis upon the outward ordinances, especially of Old Testament ceremonial law.

Paul’s conclusion was simply,

Colossians 2:16–17 KJV 1900

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: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Shadow — a foreshadowing, in distinction from tó sṓma (G4983), the body (or reality), and hē eikṓn (G1504), the full and perfect image; so also of the Jewish rites and dispensation as prefiguring things future and more perfect.

Hebrews 8:5 KJV 1900

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

What this is saying that these ordinances were only a foreshadowing of the substance of Christ Himself. He is the reality. He is the body.

No one is to be aloowed to discriminate against you if you do not hold to Sabbaths, etc...

The Old Testament ordinances and sabbath days were a shadow of what was to come and fulfilled in Christ’s coming to die for our sins.

To us we place teh emphasis ofwhat we can see, raher than what we don’t see.

The truth is that the substance is what what you can’t see and the shadow is what you can see.

The substance is in reality that which can be seen with teh eyesof faith only!

Hebrews 11:1 KJV 1900

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I. The Substance of Christ’s Power

Christ is the reality, to place faith in a shadow when the substance is here, is a mockery to the reality.

Christ cast a shadow across history that has been penned in every book of the Bible, but the shadow is still the shadow. It has not power, only the substance has the power.

Those that chase shadows have a form,but have no power of God.

2 Timothy 3:5 KJV 1900

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

It is placing the shadow higher than Christ.

A. Christ is the head of principality and power

Colossians 2:10 KJV 1900

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Head —2776. κεφαλή kephalḗ; gen. kephalḗs, fem. noun. The head, top, that which is uppermost in relation to something.

1. Principality

There are spiritual principlaities that exist that make it their mission to deceive, and destroy people.

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

These evil spirits are behind every rebelion, every critical tongue and attack. Our flesh makes their job easy.

The great news is that in Christ we have overcome these beings.

1 John 5:5 KJV 1900

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

2. Power

Power —ἐξουσία exousía; gen. exousías, fem. noun from éxesti (G1832), it is permissible, allowed. Permission, authority, right, liberty, power to do somethingCircumsicion of Christ.

Ephesians 6:10 KJV 1900

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

The change that must take place in us is because Jesus Christ is the head of all principality, not just because he has created all principalities andpowers, but because he has proven Himself greater than all principality and powers.

B. Christ spoiled principalities and powers

Spoiled — strip. To put off, to strip or put off clothes

1. They were spoiled by Christ’s sacrifice for sin.

1 John 3:8 KJV 1900

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

2. They were made a spectacle in Christ’s triumph

shew — an example. To make a public show or spectacle as the Romans did when they exposed their captives and the spoils of the conquered enemies to public view in their triumphal processions.

triumphant — a triumph. To triumph, hold triumphantly. To lead in triumph, triumph over

II. The Substance of Christ’s Sacrifice

Colossians 2:11–12 KJV 1900

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.

Circumcise — around, about, to cut off. To cut off or around, to circumcise

Circumcision made without hands means that this is a spiritual circumcision not physical.

Spiritual truths are pictured in the ordinances and rituals given to Israel.

The Old Testament commanded the Jews to have physical circumsizion to be identified as God’s national people

A. The Physical sign of circumcision was given to Abraham, and to Israel, his physical lineage (Genesis 17).

Acts 7:8 KJV 1900

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Every Israelite baby eight days old would be circumsized as a seal to the Abrahamic covenant. f they did not they would be excommunicated from the covenant in relation to their national identity.

They would be identified to the world by this mark.

The physical circumcision only removed that which isphysical and helped identify who truly was an Israelite.

1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV 1900

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

God has given us these shadows to help us in the New Covenant understand Christ and Hiswork in us.

Acts 10:45 KJV 1900

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1. Some began to teach circumcision for salvation

Acts 15:1 KJV 1900

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

The problem is that if we teach that phsyical circumcision is necessary for salvation, then Christ’s circumcision is isnot the substance leaving us in our sin. We are trusting the shadow.

Here again the shadowchasers place the emphasis on what they can see rather than what is done spiritually.

The removal of sins is a spiritual work first, and then its result affects teh physical. The physical doe snot initiate the change, teh spiritual does.

2. Some teach baptism, or other ordinances are necessary for salvation.

Colossians 2:12 KJV 1900

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.

Baptism — to dip

Romans 6:3–4 KJV 1900

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV 1900

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Some teach that water baptism is necessary to be saved, but then our baptism into Christ’s death is not the substance leaving us without a true payment for sin. Weare trusting teh shadow.

Death is payment for sin and therefore we must die or we must trust in the death of Christ.

Beofre we can receive eth Spirit we had to be put to death in our sins, by being placed into Christ’s death. Wewere placed into His body as though the payment that Jesus made for us was inflicted on us through Christ.

Galatians 1:6–9 KJV 1900

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

These were shadowchasers!, not understanding that Christ and His work were sufficient to save.

The circumcision of christ is the removal of sins from our heart, while the baptism is our placement into His death for payment.

B. Christ’s death and burial removes our sins from the heart.

Colossians 2:11 KJV 1900

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:

Putting Off — to put off from oneself. A putting or stripping off

The problem has always been sin! This is the issue with the world, broken homes, failed relationships,church splits, etc...

Sin was the issue that brought death. It was the problem.

Many think that God overlooks sin, but He doesnt. It must be dealt with. Sin is what is condemning mankind and our lack ofinterest in dealing with it, or wrong view of dealing with it.

Some think that gOD WILLJUST GIVE THEM A PASS WHEN THEY DIE.

Some try to make up for their abundance of sin,but doing anabumndance of work.

Some try to minimize the sin that condemns them.Soem think God will forgive without justice.

1. Even the Jew needs this spiritual circumcision to be saved.

Romans 2:28–29 KJV 1900

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

This passage is telling us that having the physical circumcision was not something that made a true Jew. The identity of God’s people is a changed heart not just physical.

1 Corinthians 7:19 KJV 1900

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Ezekiel 11:19–20 KJV 1900

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

2. Jesus dealt with all sin on Calvary’s cross.

Colossians 2:11 KJV 1900

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:

a. The body of sins

Body — an organized whole made up of parts and members.

Sins — hamartía; to sin. Sin, missing the true end and scope of our lives, which is God. An offense in relation to God with emphasis on guilt.

1 John 3:4 KJV 1900

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

All sins are removed in Christ, this means all sin is removed, the body of sin

Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection removed everything that missed the mark of God’s holiness.

This is the gospel and this is the substance of all the shadows of the Old Testament and the shadows of the new.

John 1:29 KJV 1900

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 John 2:2 KJV 1900

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Hebrews 9:28 KJV 1900

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 10:10 KJV 1900

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

1 Peter 2:24 KJV 1900

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Hebrews 2:9 KJV 1900

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Hebrews 10:12 KJV 1900

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

1 John 3:5 KJV 1900

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Isaiah 53:6 KJV 1900

All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

b. Jesus dealt with past sin of our father Adam, our generational sins of our family, our present personal sin, and all future sin that our children will commit.

It is not just dealing with what you did in your past, but also your present and your future.

We are talking about the putting off of the body of sins

The body is the whole of the many. When we received Christ’s atonement for sin.

Three Imputations

Impute — account. To reckon

Easton’s Bible Dictionary (Imputation) — is used to designate any action or word or thing as reckoned to a person.

The act of reckoning a legal debit or credit to an account.

Example of imputation with Paul writing Philemon concerning Onesimus.

Philemon 18 KJV 1900

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

Old Testament Example

Leviticus 16:20–22 KJV 1900

And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

1. Inherited sin — Adam sinned and imputed sin to his descendants

Romans 5:12 KJV 1900

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The reason there is a connection from Adam to us, is that we were in Adam in the fall. We have all descended from him and are in his transgression.

1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV 1900

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

We would die in Adam because of the sin in us that came to us through Adam.

We were all in Adam when he sinned, as procreation is the splitting of DNA.

Some believe that this aspect of inherited sin

2. Imparted Sin — Jesus Christ took our sins and its penalty upon Himself.

When we receive Christ He removes this sin, and in return gives us life through His righteousness.

1 Peter 3:18 KJV 1900

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

3. Imputed Righteousness — Jesus gifted us His righteousness that we can face God and live.

Romans 5:15–19 KJV 1900

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Romans 4:5–9 KJV 1900

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Romans 4:20–25 KJV 1900

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

When we trust Christ in relation to our salvation, Christ removes our sin from us and imputes the righteousness needed for salvation.

We donot trust in ourselves, and what righteousness we can produce to fulfill teh requirement for salvation. We trust Christ’s righteusness.

If a person trusts righteousnesss that they produce, they will not have Christ’s righteousness imputed and will remain in a lost condition, no matter how religious they become.

Chrst is the reality and the substance required for our salvation

We do not chase after shadows to produce righteousness, it iChrst and Him alone.

It is Christ the substance and what He did that removed sins and imputed righteousness tous. The shadows were only pictures and cannot become teh object of our faith.

Hebrews 9:11–14 KJV 1900

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Invitation:

Have you trusted the substance of Christ’s Sacrifice?

Are you trusting any shadow for salvation?

III. The Substance of Christ’s Resurrection

Colossians 2:12–13 KJV 1900

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;

When understanding teh substance of Christ’s power, sacrificeandresurrection, weneed to understand that we are complete in Him through these.

We are complete in Christ’s power,meaning that there ought never be a power on earth that causes you to doubt God’s power. There will be many powers that will seek to draw you away from obedience to Christ, at that point you will decide which has greater power. The one you obey is teh one that holds you.

We are compelte in Christ’s sacrifice. Our sin has been paid completely through Christ. This means that no man should cause you to believe that more needs to be done to remove tehbody of sins in relation to salvation.

Weare complete in Christ’s resurrection. Many wonder of they wll be resurrected with Christ, not realizingour resurrection was completed in Christ’s resurrection. To believe that thre is somethign else that must be done to make this true is doubt Christ.

The first two chapters of Colossians are revealing positonal truth, starting in chapter three we are shown practical truths. These are truths that are a result of what we learn in chapters 1 and 2.

We have been learning in these closing comments of chapter two the futility of trustng in anything in tehohysical world, even in a religious sense,because at teh very best they are but shadows of tehsubstance which is Christ.

We don;t truth the shedding of blood of animals, only teh shedding of Christ’s blood which is the substance. He is the only profitabilty that has ever crossed the veil of spirit to physical because he is the expression and image of God Himself.

We don’t trust in church ordinace becaus they too are only memorials of Who Christ is and what He did. If we are to be saved we must trust Christ alone.

A. The Gospel means, “bringing good news”

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 KJV 1900

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

There are three elements to the good news that saves us

Death—is the wage required for sin

Burial—is the completion or evidence of the death

Resurrection—is the victory over death

1 Peter 1:3 KJV 1900

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The important thing is to realize that it is tehwork done by Christ that we must believe to believe saved. Your faith must be found in Christ alone, notin anything you can see or do.

Anything done on this earth can only be a result of salvation, but never a procuring of salvation.

Romans 1:16–17 KJV 1900

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Righteousness can be revealed through one that receives the gospel and is saved,but until Christ is in us there can be no righteousness produced, because it must first be imputed to us.

Thos ethat add something other than Jesus Christ are accursed

Galatians 1:6–8 KJV 1900

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

B. The believer is completely buried with Christ

Colossians 2:12 KJV 1900

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.

Bury— 4916. συνθάπτω suntháptō; fut. sunthápsō, from sún (G4862), together with, and tháptō (G2290), to bury. To bury with someone. Burial with Christ refers to participating in His death by virtue of union with Him, with the dat. and pass.

When we speak of beingburied with Christ we are already implying that we have died with Him, been crucified with Him.

Baptism is the act of being placed into, it is not referring to the removal from something.

1. Jesus spoke of baptism that was not of water.

Luke 12:50 KJV 1900

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Jesus was already baptized in water when He spoke these words concerning a future baptism. He was speaking of the placement into death because of sin.

He was straightened until it be accomplished,meaning he was pressed or held captive by it until it is done.

2. Believers must be baptized into Christ’s death to have the penalty of our sin removed.

Romans 6:3 KJV 1900

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Our water baptism occurs after our baptism into Christ’s death,because our WATER baptism points back to the burial . Jesus’ water baptism pointed forward TO THE BAPTISM INTO DEATH.

Galatians 3:24–29 KJV 1900

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Our tresspasses are forgiven because of Christ’s sacrifice of death if we are baptized into this death by trusting Christ’s work.

If our sins have been cut away, circumcized by Christ, we have the record of Christ imputed to us and therefore we are righteous before God.

Colossians 2:11 KJV 1900

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:

Colossians 2:13–14 KJV 1900

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;

Colossians 2:20–23 KJV 1900

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

3. Jesus spoke of fulfilling righteousness when He was baptized.

Matthew 3:13–17 KJV 1900

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

It is the right way to be baptised in obedience to Christ, but Jesus was not speaking simply about the shadow. He was speaking about the substance.

It becometh— To be eminent, distinguished, to excel.

fulfil — full. To make full, fill. Trans.

righteousness — just, righteous. Justice, righteousness

Our placement into Christ’s death was necessary so our sins could be cut away. When our sins are removed we presently stand righteous before God, and we are able to have his righteoeusness revealed through us.

The final approval came from the Father in Heaven, “This is my beloeved Son, in whom I am well pleased”

Romans 6:4 KJV 1900

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

C. The believer is completely raised by God’s Power

Colossians 2:12–13 KJV 1900

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;

1. We are risen with Christ

Risen— 891. συνεγείρω sunegeírō; fut. sunegerṓ, from sún (G4862), together, and egeírō (G1453), to raise. To raise together. In the NT, it occurs only in

Ephesians 2:6 KJV 1900

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

“hath raised us up” is an aeorist indicative active

active — action accomplished by the subject of the sentence “Christ”

aeroist indicative — Aorist Tense is used for simple, undefined action. In the indicative mood, the aorist tense can indicate punctiliar action (action that happens at a specific point in time) in the past.

The tense of being risen is past tense. Those of us that are saved are already raised up together.

a. through the faith

Faith— to win over, persuade. Faith. Subjectively meaning firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness

Faith is conviction, butit is faith in settled truth, not doubt.

There is no room in Scripture for anwser that we do not knowif we will be saved.It is a settled issue,andtheplan and method are already established so you can know.

b. The Operation of God

Operation— ἐνέργεια enérgeia; gen. energeías, fem. noun from energḗs (G1756), at work, operative, active. Energy, the being at work, operation, efficiency, active power. In Eph. 1:19, according to the efficiency, active exhibition of His power in raising up Jesus.

Romans 8:11 KJV 1900

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

The same power that raised upChrist from the grave is teh same power that has raised you and will raise your body from teh grave at the resurrection.

2. We are made alive together with Christ

Colossians 2:13 KJV 1900

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

quickened — to make alive, quicken. To make alive or quicken with, as being raised from death to life with Christ

a. Our spirit was dead in sins

dead — we are a corpse in our sins. We may live physically, but spiritually we have no life in us because of sins.

Ephesians 4:18 KJV 1900

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Psalm 58:3 KJV 1900

The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

b. Our spirit is made alive when we are born again.

Ephesians 2:1–5 KJV 1900

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

D. A Believer is dead to the world and must remain subject to the heavenly through Christ

To seek access to god any other way but Christ alone is teh most wicked expression of man’s pride, but teh world looks at it with admiration.

1. Mysticism—seeking a connection with God spiritually apart from Christ for blessing

Colossians 2:18 KJV 1900

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Spiritual life and blessing canonly be found in worshipping Christ, not in worshipping angels

Some will try to make you believe that acess to God is mysterious and for the elite. There are no limitations for you to access teh Lord’s presence,but your own choices to harm fellowship with God by lack of submission’

“to set foot in the inner shrine, to be fully initiated into the mysteries of the religion.

mystical ceremony was wrapped up in a false humility that was actually an expression of pride. “I am not good enough to come directly to God,” the gnostic would say, “so I will start with one of the angels.”

Warren Wiersbe,

“True worship always humbles a person. The mind is awed by the greatness of God; the heart is filled with love for God; and the will is submitted to the purpose God has for the life. The gnostics, however, were interested primarily in “deeper spiritual knowledge,” and they ignored God’s truth. Their “inner secrets” gave them big heads, but not burning hearts or submissive wills.”

You will gain nothing fron the spiritual world unless christ is that conduit for you. You will receive no salvation, no help, no strength, no wisdom, no counsel not anything unless we come to Christ!

Colossians 2:19 KJV 1900

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

2. Legalism— seeking a connection with God through man’s efforts for acceptance

Colossians 2:20–22 KJV 1900

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Our life is now in Christ in Heaven, we must never live life for this world nor allow teh fear of manto dictate our obedience to Christ

Galatians 6:12–16 KJV 1900

As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

When we were lost, we were dead to God,but when we are saved, we are dead to sin and the world.

3. Asceticism— seeking to please God and receive blessing by self-denial

Colossians 2:21–23 KJV 1900

(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

a. will worship

Not all self control is spiritually motivated. Some worship the abilty of their will discipline themsleves in religious practices.

b. neglecting the body

Some place the emphasis on neglecting their body things that make themselves look spiritual. perhaps not eating meat, or being a vegetarian to save the animals.

c. not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

Some will look at going on vacation a waste of God’s resources, they will drink water and eat bread because we do not need coffee and ice cream.

This is the pride of ascetism

People that practice asceticism have a reputation of spirituality. thi sis not just teh monks and eastern mystics, these are within our Baptist churches,because they think they are so great because of what they do not do, andhow they discipline themselves.

This is not to say that we do not follow rules, and deny our flesh its cravings, but we must never think these things are what brings salvation, or will bring blessings into your life.

1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV 1900

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

There is no pride in thei, but only an admiasion of weakness alone!

Luke 5:8–11 KJV 1900

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

This is the way, a humbleheart is teh only access to graces of the divine!

To be humble a christian must understand their complete dependency on cHRIST ALONE.

we must be like Peter

Psalm 51:16–17 KJV 1900

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Revealed Righteousness — Christ’s righteousness is seen through us as we live our lives by faith in His Word

Philippians 3:3 (KJV 1900)

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Because of our knowlwedge of sinfulness and what Christ did for us, we know that we can have no confidence in anything about ourselves or in this world.

1 Corinthians 7:19 (KJV 1900)

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

We know that what really counts is in the inner change that enables us to follow teh Lord.

Galatians 5:6 (KJV 1900)

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

There is no way that any man can keep the commandments without the indwelling power of God, and the love of God in us. There is no way to be obedient until Christ removes tehpenalty and power of sin.

The identification that we bear as Christins in teh church age is a love for God, which is reflected in our obedience to Him, and our love for each other.

Romans 6:6 (KJV 1900)

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Hebrews 9:14 (KJV 1900)

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

A born again believer has a different relationship with sin than before he was saved.

1 John 3:9–11 (KJV 1900)

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

If we have had righteousness imputed there will be some level of revealed righteousness in our love to others. If you cannot love others, if all you do is love yourself, and everything is about you, and you are not willing to sacrifice your wellbeing for others well being, you areb not acting righteously.

b. Believers show forth righteousness as they live by faith in God’s Word.

Romans 1:16–17 (KJV 1900)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.