Colossians 2:8-23

Read v.9-11. The verses say that Jesus is head over all power and authority and that he has translated this power to us through his death and resurrection.

• From what bondages has Jesus given us victory? We are no longer bound to the law of the Old Testament, but live in the freedom of the new covenant.
• But we live in a society that has power structures-- you have to obey the laws of the country and respect your superiors. In light of these verses, how should we view these authorities and these circumstances?
• We are called to obey those authorities over us on earth, but through it all we must remember that we serve the highest master. If something that earthly authorities goes against God's commands, we should obey God before man. Otherwise, for "neutral" things, we are called to obey those God has put in positions of power on earth.

Read v.11-15. Why does Paul bring up circumcision in the passage? What do you think it is for?

• Circumcision was recognizing the Jewish people's covenant with God
• It is a metaphor and an example of how worldly rules, rituals, and traditions can cloud the very thing that you are supposed to be recognizing by your act
• In this example, how does the worldly authority keep you from honoring the heavenly authority of God?
• You can become wrapped up in the act itself and forget what it is pointing toward-- Christ.

Read v.16-19. What are some modern equivalents of circumcision in our society that people may judge others for?

• Just a few examples: dancing, drinking, playing cards, baptism, tongues
• But by getting caught up in worldly "issues" that people judge others for, we are allowing ourselves to be captive to those very things because our focus is off of the one true thing, and on worldly things that will only perish

Read v.20-23. What does Paul say about the basic principles of the world?

• We as Christians are dead to them
• They have an appearance of wisdom with...
• self-imposed worship
• false humility
• harsh treatment of the body
• Destined to perish
• Based on human commands and teachings
• Lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence

How then should we respond to the criticisms raised by people regarding our practices?

• We should not take them to heart, but on the flip side we should be careful not to judge others based on what we see (or at all, for that matter!)
• But we should also be helpful brothers and sisters in Christ and not tempt others to stumble. Example: if someone believes that dancing is bad, they are entitled to their opinion but perhaps you should not invite them to your house for a dance party.

And to end with a very fitting analogy, courtesy of Rachel:

God : Constitution :: Human Rules : State Law

Colossians 2:1-7

Why do you think that Paul has a great struggle over the Colossians and Laodiceans in v.1?

• Paul is struggling to right the heresies cropping up in Colosse and Laodicea from afar through the epistle
• He feels so strongly about spreading the correct gospel that he likens it to a physical struggle, all for people he has never met personally
• He is working for those who have already heard the gospel, not just those who have not been reached

What does it mean in v.2 to have the riches or wealth of full assurance in understanding God's mystery of Jesus Christ?

• The Colossians want a complete human understanding of the gospel (would a better human understanding bring them more complete salvation? Perhaps akin to the good works argument)
• God's wisdom transcends human wisdom, there is no human way to measure or quantify it-- "mystery"
• Paul wanted the Laodiceans to be "encouraged in heart and united in love" in order to have the full riches of complete understanding-- Jesus is the head of the church, no one else can be the top dog
• Rather than pursuing the complete human understanding, Paul is emphasizing unity as a church body, and that through that unity in love the Laodiceans would be able to see glimpses of Christ
• Trying to unite the extended church with people he has not met before-- they cannot do it on their own, they can only understand the "mystery" in the context of the rest of the body

How can Satan delude your understanding of Jesus and the gospel?

• He can twist "good" things and cloud the truth behind them-- e.g. serving, giving, profession, "fine-sounding arguments"
• Satan convinces us that there is no redemption from our sins

In v.5, Paul demonstrates the type of relationship that believers should have with each other. Although he is not with them physically, he is present with them spiritually and is encouraging from afar.


Verses 6 and 7 show Christ as the foundation of our faith. The firmer our foundation, the less that Satan can delude our understanding of the gospel.

• It's not just about the firm belief. A firm belief does not make you safe-- that's when Satan steps up the warfare because he knows that he has to try that much harder. If anything, we are in a more vulnerable place and need to build upon the solid foundation of Christ so that we can recognize the beginnings of a slippery slope.
• The more we are built up in the foundation of Christ, a byproduct of that should be an overflow of thankfulness
• Christ is the center, foundation, root, what have you. This implies that there should be something either radiating out of it, built upon it, or growing out of it. The stronger the center, the stronger the outside. We are not called to just believe and sit by idly.