ETB Colossians 2:4-15

Welcome

Happy Reformation Day! Today in our study we will see how Paul in his letter to the Colossians upholds some of the beliefs initiated by the Reformers which we now call the 5 Solas - Sola scriptura (Scripture alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola fide (faith alone), Sola gratia (grace alone), and Soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone).

Pray

Understand the Context

Colossians divides neatly in half with the first portion doctrinal and focusing on the supremacy of Christ (1 and 2) while the second focusing on submission to Christ is more practical (3 and 4). Paul’s purpose is to show that Christ is preeminent—first and foremost in everything—and the Christian’s life should reflect that priority. Because believers are rooted in Him, alive in Him, hidden in Him, and complete in Him, it is utterly inconsistent for them to live life without Him. (Open Bible Study Notes)

This week and next week we will be reading how Paul was targeting and confronting false teachings that he heard were prevalent in the area and could be tempting some newer or weaker believers away.

The second chapter of Colossians opens with Paul’s expressing concern for the Colossian believers. He referred to that concern as a great struggle, likely, referring to the intensity of his ongoing prayers for them. To his concern for the church he added his intense desire for their encouragement and unity, as well as having an assured understanding of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ. This week’s passage opens with Paul stating the reason for his anxious concern: He did not want them to be deceived by false teachings. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 94). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Although in the ESV our text for the today appears to start in the middle of a paragraph according to the Greek structure and some of the newest translations we begin a new section confronting false teachings.

Explore the Text

Colossians 2:4–5 ESV

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

If we accept the division of thought between verses 3 and 4, it is easy to see how verse 4 is the summary statement for the rest of Chapter 2. Most of this chapter appears to be devoted to confronting and logically disputing many various contrary thoughts to biblical truths. Word studies were difficult this week because of all the figurative language. One commentary I read put it this way:

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians & Philemon Commentary

The various metaphors fly by with blinding speed in order to develop a composite picture of the completeness of what happened when the Colossians committed themselves to Christ. Because they are metaphors or models, it is a mistake to press any of them too far, to develop a doctrine from what is not said as well as from what is said. We must not forget they are metaphors and models, not absolute descriptions of reality, for the reality itself is too incomprehensible to be fully captured in any human linguistic model.

Although I don’t agree with their conclusion about not being able to develop doctrine with these verses, I do agree that they should not be based on just these passages of figurative language. These images and mental pictures however are necessary to grasp, at least in part, the fullness of what Christ has done and is doing within us.

Colossians 2:4–5 ESV

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Being deluded by plausible arguments has not changed much over the centuries. The topics and tactics may be different but the malicious intent either intentional by the speaker or the father of all lies has not. We are not typically deluded or “beguiled” by that which is too outrageous to believe it is usually those things that hint at the truth which makes us consider them. The word used here is paralogizomai /par·al·og·id·zom·ahee/. If you look at the transliteration you immediately see 2 familiar parts - para-logic. That roughly translates the word for us to “false logic”. We think it sounds logical until we look at what is being said a little closer, then the arguments become not so plausible.

“Plausible arguments” one word in the Greek and it is translated several ways across the English translations I read:

CSB - arguments that sound reasonable

NASB - persuasive arguments

KJV - enticing words

NIV - fine-sounding arguments

NLT - well-crafted arguments.

Just enough truth the make them believable at first but as Paul will show us when compare them to the real truths found in and through Christ, they are just a bunch of hot air. Paul now gives the first of two commands to help us confront these half-truths and not fall victim to their espousers.

Colossians 2:6 ESV

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

Interestingly this verse is written as a command but is also true as a statement. If you received Him by faith, as it is implied, then we tend to walk by faith but if you believe you have received Him by works you tend to continue in works.

Walking implies progress toward a destination. Becoming a Christian means receiving Christ. Being a Christian means living in fellowship with Christ, not merely holding some beliefs about Him. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 95). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Paul in verse 5 commended the Colossian believers for the “good order and firmness “of faith in Christ. Both of these terms have military connotations and speak to how they are currently living out the faith correctly. Paul now switches over to an agricultural or botanical theme to help others drawn an appropriate mental picture of a life lived for Christ.

Colossians 2:7 ESV

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

I will warn you now that if you get me started on biblical analogies using plants and agricultural cycles, we will be talking for hours so I will try not to get too far off this verse.

Rooted is a Greek word in the perfect tense telling us this is action in the past. You should only plant a tree once if you want it to mature properly. The next verbs are in the present tense letting us know they are actions that continue. All of these are linked back to Paul’s command for us to “walk in Him” so they are actions which we can accomplish because of Christ’s working in us (Php 1:6).

Hearing “built up” in the modern language usually evokes images of buildings being erected. We do get our word “domicile” from the root word but the “The preposition ἐπί (epi) upon indicates the placing of one layer upon another” [Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.] Much like layer and layers of paint or keeping with Paul’s theme, rings on a tree. This amplifier to the word tells us this not the building of a small house but a mansion or skyscraper. Keeping with the botanical theme, not a dogwood or pine but oak or redwood.

We are to be rooted, downward growth into the foundational truths of Christ. We are built up, upward growth into the likeness of Christ. We are established, strengthened, or confirmed through growing in the knowledge of Christ. A tree is more established as its roots grow deeper, its limbs grow longer, and its trunk gets thicker. Paul says a similar thing in his letter to the Ephesians - Eph 3:17-19

Ephesians 3:17–19 ESV

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

When we walk by faith in Christ with these areas of our lives actively growing in Christ the last part of the verse becomes apparently to those watching us. Our “attitude of gratitude” is apparent even to non-believers which may draw them in closer and away from some of those beguiling influences that do not seem so lively and well-grounded by comparison.

We now get to our second command of the passage. The first in the positive - do this; this is in the negative - don’t do this.

Colossians 2:8 ESV

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

“See to it that” is all one word in the Greek - βλέπω [blepo /blep·o/. This is like the warning “bleep” on your computer or tablet letting you know something needs to be taken care of or alerting you to a problem. This is Paul’s warning to the Colossians that they must be vigilant about applying the next truths in their lives.

I do not recommend doing word studies or lesson planning from paraphrase translations, but they make good casual reading and help us grasp complicated thoughts with more familiar language. Twice in today’s passage I like how Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” translates a verse. Here how that translation worded the first part of verse 8

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Chapter 2

Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything.

“Drag you off” is a good way to define our word “captive”. The KJV uses the word “spoil” which I like because of what these false ideas do to one’s faith if you let them take hold. But it is more like the “spoils of war” in this context. The word is more closely related to captivate or enslave. These worldly philosophies can definitely enslave a person not only to the “evangelist” of whichever ‘ism” they are pushing but also to the enemy of Christ.

Colossians 2:8 ESV

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

The words “philosophy and empty deceit” are classed as a literary type known as hendiadys /henˈdīədəs/ it is an expression of a single idea by two words connected with “and,” e.g., nice and warm, when one could be used to modify the other, as in nicely warm. (Thank you Google).

The modern definition of the word must not be read into its use in the Bible. Philosophy, as the study of reality, knowledge, and values, is a profitable and biblically supported endeavor. However, this is not the meaning of the word in Scripture. There it carries a negative connotation and refers to quasi–religious doctrines and speculations (e.g., gnosticism) all of which are irreconcilable with the Christian faith [Zodhiates, Spiros. The complete word study dictionary: New Testament 2000 : n. pag. Print.]

This philosophy which Paul is speaking against cannot be identified precisely; it could reflect the influences of several ancient traditions, including Judaism, mysticism, asceticism, mystery cults, and Gnosticism (see note on Col 1:22). Regardless of the specific teachings, the fundamental problem Paul identifies is that human rules and traditions are being recommended as necessary supplements to Christ. However, it is also possible that Paul is not correcting a particular false teaching. Instead, Paul could be concerned with the immaturity and ignorance of the Colossian believers. [Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.]

There are many kinds of so-called “Christian” philosophies, which are put forward by people who claim to be Christians but whose teaching is false. These people deny that Jesus is the Son of God, the one true incarnation of the living God. Even true Christians can be deceived by the hollow and deceptive philosophy of such people [Hale, Thomas. The Applied New Testament Commentary. Colorado Springs, CO; Ontario, Canada; East Sussex, England: David C. Cook, 1996. Print.]

If the we use the word philosophy as love of wisdom and according to Col 2:3 all wisdom resides in Christ, than biblical philosophy would be centered on Christ and applying His truths in daily living.

In addition to a basis in human tradition, the false philosophy that put the Colossian believers in danger was based on the elemental spirits of the world. Paul’s later reference to angel worship (2:18) is likely foreshadowed in this expression about elements of the world. Human tradition and elemental forces were not based on Christ but on supposed influences of the stars and their alignment and on supernatural spirits, which some in ancient times supposed presided over and influenced heavenly bodies. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 97). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

The other text from the Message I think summarizes what Paul is saying and affirms in the next verses of our text

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Chapter 2

You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him.

This paraphrase is true because of our next verses.

Colossians 2:9–10 ESV

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

We looked at this phrasing a few weeks ago and understand a little better from Paul’s passage on Christ’s preeminence and other letters about His deity. I am encouraged by the beginning of verse 10 - “you have been filled in Him”. All of that power of His is available to us because of His works and indwelling in and upon us. I like how one of the early church fathers framed this concept around the practice of prayer.

300 Quotations for Preachers from the Early Church Christ Prays for Us, in Us, and Is Prayed to by Us

When the body of the Son prays, it does not separate its Head from itself. It is one Savior of His body, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who both prays for us, and prays in us, and is prayed to by us. He prays for us, as our Priest; He prays in us, as our Head; He is prayed to by us, as our God.

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO*

Paul now seems to confront some false teachings that appear to be from Judaizers or at least some belief around physical rituals.

Colossians 2:11–12 ESV

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

By means of the rite of circumcision that was part of God’s covenant with Israel, Paul set forth the necessity of an inward, spiritual circumcision in order to be right with God under the new covenant. The former was a circumcision of the body; the latter is a circumcision of the heart. The fact that this topic had to be addressed reveals there was a Jewish component to the false teachings threatening the Colossian church, a truth that becomes apparent later in Colossians. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 98). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Don’t miss that awesome truth at the end of verse 12. The same “powerful working of God” who raised Christ from the dead works now within us through faith. He does this to reconcile us to Himself even though we were in a sad state that Paul reminds us of in the next verse.

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Look at all those action verbs that God through Christ does on our behalf.

all the action is described in the aorist (past) tense: He “forgave” (charisamenos), “canceled” (exaleipsas), “nailed” (prosēlōsas), “freed” (apekdysamenos), and he “triumphed” (thriambeusas) over these powers and authorities. [Patzia, Arthur G. Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011. Print. Understanding the Bible Commentary Series.]

The canceling of the debt is a financial status and Paul expounds on in his letter to the Ephesians 2:15 “by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances,” The penalty of the law is cancelled and paid for by Christ’s sacrifice. Not only does He cancel the debt but He also removes the legal obligations that caused the debt to be incurred.

Paul declares this bond to be against us, including both Jews and Gentiles, the reference, while primarily to the Mosaic law, is to be taken in a wider sense, as including the moral law of God in general, which applied to the Gentiles as much as to the Jews. (Compare Rom. 4:15; 5:20; 1 Cor. 15:56; Gal. 3:23.) [Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.]

The Greek word translated here as “disarmed” is the same word translated in verse 11 as “putting off”. There Christ pulled off the flesh’s hold on us, here Christ is removing all this world’s authorities and power over Himself.

Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon (§11 The True Circumcision and Its Effects (Col. 2:11–15))

Verse 15 also repeats an emphasis that has been seen throughout the epistle, namely, that in Christ alone, by virtue of his work on the cross, the evil rulers no longer have control over the believer. The readers would remember Col 1:13, where Paul said that they have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought safely into the kingdom of his dear Son. All those who have been baptized into Christ and made alive with him (Col 2:12) participate in his victory over evil.

Apply the Text

How should these truths effect our lives on a daily basis? How do we become a mighty oak of the faith and not someone that is “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes?” (Eph 4:14)

Believers are to remain faithful to Christ and His gospel. (Sola Christus!)

Believers must carefully examine the teachings of others in light of Jesus’ being fully God and fully human. (Solus Scriptura!)

Through faith in Christ alone, we find forgiveness and victory. (Sola Fide!)

What safeguards have you put in place to help you remain faithful to Christ? How can you strengthen those safeguards?

What practical steps can you take to filter messages through the truth of the gospel?

What will have to change in your life to make that happen?

[LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 89). Explore the Bible: Adult Personal Study Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]