Col. 2:6-10; Acts 9:10-16, Colossians Bible Study (9)

 15.    In Col. 3:4-5 what admonition does Paul give to the Colossian believers?

·       He warns them about the possibility of being deceived by someone whose words might be persuasive.

16.    Here are several questions to consider from Col. 2:6-10.

a)    First, what might happen to these believers if they are so deceived?

·       They could be cheated in some way.  This word means to be carried off as spoil by some enemy.  In other words they could become slaves to an enemy instead of enjoying the blessings of the One who is their gracious Lord.

b)    Second, what is the nature of these “persuasive words”? 

·       They are said to be “philosophy and empty deceit.”  This philosophy that is empty, having nothing to offer, is based in “the tradition of men” and “the basic principles of the world.”  It is not said to have any connection with the Word of God.  But it could sound quite powerful since they call on the best ideas of the intelligent people (philosophers) of the world. 

c)    Third, does this deception deprive the believers of what they have in Christ?  In other words, does this deception affect the relationship with Christ that we have seen in Col. 1 or does it affect the daily life of the believer?

·       Clearly, it is a problem in the daily life of the believer.  The matter of their relationship with Christ is settled; as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord.  The issue now is, so walk in Him.  Paul’s encouragement is not to receive Christ again but rather to be rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught. 

·       Col. 2:9-10 encapsules all that we have discovered about our relationship with Christ.  Since He is the perfectly qualified Savior who has paid the full price of redemption, then that means that the believer is complete in his standing before the Lord.  We are “in Him” and since He lacks nothing we also can say that we lack nothing.  Remember the great truth in Col. 1:27: Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Our future in this life and in the one to come is secure because the Preeminent One is in us.  And do not forget that this “fullness” we have includes the One in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  And again, He is the head of all principality and power.  No one can bring any other “philosophy,” no matter how persuasive it sounds, that will improve our walk with Christ.  No one can improve on Christ!  No one can add to what we have in Christ.  Any “addition” will actually take away from us, cheat us, deceive us!