Colossians 2

Hello again,

This week we continue in the Chapter Memory System in the book of Colossians. I am going to ride this outline theme memory trick as long as I can. I'll probably have to write a separate entry to explain more fully. Basically, these outline points all start with 'O'. The outline points for chapter 1 all started with 'C'. I'm trying to use the acronym of 'Colo' (the first 4 letters in Colossians) to help remember what is in each chapter. So far, it has worked for Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians (to this point). I don't know if it will work for other books (especially the ones with a 'first' and a 'second', or ones who don't have enough letters to account for all of the chapters, ei Romans), but for now, it's working.

So, the outline theme for Colossians 2 is Order in the church, Overruling authority, Overriding legalism.

The memory passage is
Colossians 2:5, 9-10, 16-17 (ESV)
⁵ 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.
⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
¹⁶ Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

(I have also previously memorized 6-7, 13-14, and 18-19 during my sermon series. As always, there are no rules as to what verse/s to memorize in each chapter.)

Paul continues his thoughts that ended chapter 1 in verses 1-5; his ministry to the church. He struggles (likely in prayer) for them, encourages them, and blesses them in Christ. And while continuing to battle the false teachings that assailed the Colossian church, he states that Christ alone has all 'hidden knowledge and wisdom' (confronting the Gnostic belief that certain people were given certain revelations that elevated their spiritual standing) (3). He compliments their 'good order' (a military term describing disciplined, battle-ready lines) and their faith even though he has only heard of it (5). This is the core of the first outline point; he acknowledges the Order in the church.

The second section begins in verse 6 with a 'therefore'. Paul deals with the Overruling authority of Christ and our response to it. First of all, as believers and followers of Christ, we should continue to walk in Him, be rooted and built up in Him, be established in Him, and offer thanksgiving in Him. (6-7).

He then volleys a full assault on false philosophy, empty deceit, human tradition, and the elemental spirits who are not established in or submitted to Christ. Christ, he continues, is the Head of ALL rule and authority because in His very body (another confrontation of Gnosticism) dwells the whole fullness of deity (9-10). This verse, along with 1:19, offer a clear teaching of Christ being fully God and fully man; not just one or the other.

After stating Christ's role as Head, Paul addresses His role as Redeemer; He took our sin on Himself, while we were dead in sin and uncircumcised in the flesh, to the grave and then raised us again with Him. By this act, Christ gave us a spiritual circumcision (not by the hands of man), freedom from our debt(by canceling it on the cross), and victory over Satan and his rulers an authorities (11-15). This section (6-15) outlines and proclaims Christ's Overruling authority.

The third section of Chapter 2 deals with the issue of man's legalistic tendencies and the need for us to Override legalism. In verses 16-19, Paul lists a number of specific issues related to legalism. The main idea is that we should not give any other person the say or authority in our lives to pass judgment (16) or disqualify (18) us in regards to human standards of outward 'righteousness'. This includes food, drink, celebrations, Sabbath, asceticism, worship of angels, and visions. These are a 'shadow of the things to come, and they puff up the mind (17,18). The substance is in Christ, the Head, from Whom we get our nourishment, our unity, and our growth.

Verse 20 (echoed in Gal 4:9) confronts our human willingness to submit to a yoke of spiritual slavery even after we have been set free in Christ. Human rules and elemental spirits have no more authority over us even though they may have the appearance of wisdom and righteousness. The truth is, not only are they contrary to life in Christ, but they don't work. They have 'no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh' (23). Following rules and ordinances created by man in order to appear spiritual or righteous only washes the outside, but leave the inside corrupt (cf. Matt 23:25-28). In Christ, we are free from the oppression of Phariseeism because He has given us authority to Override legalism.

How does this affect my worship?
At least in practice, we are free from rules and orders imposed by others in reference to worship. Scripture is clear that God seeks worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) that comes from a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Whether I stand or sit, sing hymns or praise songs, play organ or drums, or whenever, wherever, however I worship, it must be 'from Him, through Him, and to Him' (Rom 11:36). In order for my sacrifice of praise to be holy and acceptable (Rom 12:1), it must begin and end with Him.

How does the affect my discipleship?
It is so easy to drift into some sort of legalistic program with new disciples. I have faced this many times myself. "Don't swear, stop smoking, use words like 'redeemed' and 'disciple', memorize scripture, clean up your thought life..." and then you're on the right track to becoming a REAL Christian. I must make disciples of Christ; He commanded it. But I must not at any point change the focus from what Holy Spirit is doing in their life to what I want them to do. That is making disciples of Ethan, not Christ. Lord, forgive me for trying to take over. As I follow You, please give me the wisdom to help them follow You.

Let's follow Him together,

Ethan