The Fullness of Life. Complete Life in Christ. Colossians 2:1-23

Transcription

1 1 The Fullness of Life Complete Life in Christ Colossians 2:1-23

2 2 Text: Colossians 2:1-23, The Fullness of Life Complete Life in Christ 1. For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8. 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. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11. 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:

3 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. 13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14. 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; 15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16. 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: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18. 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, 19. 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. 20. 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, 21. (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22. Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23. 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. Introduction: I. In Christ we have everything we need for the abundant life: A. socially.

4 4 B. emotionally. C. physically. D. financially. E. spiritually. II. While we have abundant living in this world through Christ, there is always room for improvement and further development. A. Only in the world to come are righteous men made perfect. B. Hebrews 12:23, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, III. Beware of short cuts and bargains in religion! A. An automobile mechanic posted this sign in his shop: Beware of bargains in life rafts, brain surgery, parachutes, and auto repairs. B. We could well add: Beware of bargains in religion. C. What offers the most and requires the least may not be a bargain at all! IV. Physical and spiritual maturity are not achieved quickly nor without concerted effort. A. Christianity is the world s greatest bargain, but Christianity is not cheap! B. Christianity demands a lifetime of growth and commitment.

5 5 V. Paul in this lesson addresses certain false teachings which were a danger to the Colossians on their road to Christian maturity and their enjoyment of the abundant life which was available to them in Christ. Commentary: Note: Coffman wrote, This chapter deals with Paul s refutation of false doctrine, in which the emphasis by the apostle lies squarely upon the eternal power and godhead of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is perfectly clear that a strong Judaistic characteristic marked the Colossian errors; but they were colored by pagan misconceptions also. That there may have been traces of incipient Gnosticism at Colosse is likely. Colossians 2:1, For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; I. For I would have you know how much I am struggling for you, how greatly I strive for you,... A. Paul was greatly concerned for those he knew and did not know in view of the threat presented by false teachers. 1. Colossians 1:28, Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 2. Colossians 2:2, That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; B. Paul was experiencing mental, emotional anxiety.

6 Colossians 4:12, Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. II. and for them at Laodicea,... A. Revelation 3:14-22, And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. B. Colossians 2:1, For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; C. Colossians 4:13, 15, 16, For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and

7 7 Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. D. These are the only New Testament references to Laodicea. E. The heresy that threatened Colosse evidently threatened Laodicea also. III. and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, who have not met me personally;... A. While this phrase is ambiguous, the people in view here may have become Christians after Paul s possible visit to Colosse and, therefore, may never have seen Paul. B. Some commentators understand this to mean Paul had never visited Colosse and had not established the church there. (Lipscomb and Shepherd) Colossians 2:2, 3, That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I. That their hearts may be comforted, my purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart,... A. A heart comforted and encouraged by love was Paul s goal for the Colossians. 1. Colossians 3:12, 14, Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; And above

8 8 all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 2. This contrasted markedly with the effects of the work of false teachers among them. II. they being knit together in love, and united in love,... III. and unto all riches of the full assurances of understanding, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,... A. Colossians 1:15-20, Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. B. Colossians 2:9-15, 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

9 9 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. IV. that may know the mystery of God, even Christ, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,... V. in whom, Christ, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (hidden). A. Nielson via Coffman paraphrased this phrase to read, In Jesus Christ are hid all the attributes of Deity. 1. The word hidden is said to mean contained, waiting to be revealed in their time. 2. All wisdom and knowledge are stored in Christ. B. Contrary to what the false teachers, heretics, may be saying, only in Christ are true spiritual wisdom and knowledge to be found. Colossians 2:4, And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. I. This I say, I tell you this, so that no one may delude, deceive you with persuasiveness of speech, fine sounding arguments. A. Paul presented Christ as the essence of the gospel he preached. B. Paul warned the Colossians not to be influenced by false teachers who eloquently lead them away from Christ and his saving gospel. C. False doctrine was the problem at Colosse, not sinful living. D. This is a direct, on target warning by Paul to the Colossians: Do not be beguiled by the false teachers among you.

10 10 E. These fine souding arguments sounded good, but had no substance, no basis in fact. F. Beware of these fast talking heretical con-men! G. Romans 16:18, For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. F. Ephesians 4:14, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Colossians 2:5, For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. I. For though I am absent in the flesh, in the body,... A. Paul at the time of this writing was in Rome, not in Colosse. II. yet am I with you in spirit,... A. The word spirit is not capitalized indicating, in the opinion of the translators, Paul s spirit rather than the Holy Spirit. III. and delight, joying and beholding your order,... A. The words order and steadfastness are military terms with which Paul was familiar as a prisoner in Rome, the capital of the empire. IV. and how firm your faith in Christ is, the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. A. Paul may have been informed of the Colossians situation by the report of Epaphras.

11 11 B. Colossians 1:7, As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; C. The Colossians were unwavering in their faith in Christ and this caused Paul great joy. V. Paul was strongly warning the Colossians about a danger that was threatening, but had evidently not yet made in-roads among the Colossian membership. Colossians 2:6, 7, As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. I. The Colossians were to live for Christ on a consistent daily basis with the same enthusiasm with which they had become Christians. A. Christians are to be rooted in Christ to secure nourishment and stability. B. Redwood trees, as Christians, are inter-dependent. C. We are also to dedicate ourselves to the building (growth) process on a continual basis. D. As time passed these Christians were to be more and more firmly established in the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. E. The Colossians were not to deviate from the faith they had been taught! F. The Colossians were to overflow, abound in thanksgiving to God for the blessings they had received in Christ.

12 12 Colossians 2:8, 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. I. The Colossians were warned to be on their guard against false teachers who would corrupt their faith. A. False teachers would: 1. spoil (prey on) the Colossians faith. 2. preach a philosophy contrary to Christianity. 3. be vain and deceitful. 4. follow the traditions of men. 5. emphasize the rudiments (values) of this world. a. Galatians 4:3, Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: B. False teachers would not present the truth of Christ, Paul asserted. 1. The false teachings if followed would cost the Colossians their souls salvations. 2. Faithful, loyal adherence to the gospel truth is a must for all faithful Christians. Colossians 2:9, For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. I. This is an unequivocal declaration of the diety of Christ. A. Godhead means diety.

13 13 B. In Christ all characteristics of diety are to be found clearly displayed. C. Titus 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; III. All of these characteristics of diety dwelled in Christ bodily; that is, Jesus Christ was God incarnate! A. John 1:1, 14, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. B. Colossians 1:19, For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; C. John 1:14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. D. 1 John 4:1-3, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Colossians 2:10, And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: I. In Christ we are made full, lack nothing.

14 14 A. We need nothing else from pagan philosophy, Jewish theory, nor from any other human source. B. Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Colossians 2:11, 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: I. Christians have been spiritually circumcised in that Christ has cut away all sin from our hearts and lives. II. Christ died, was buried, and was then raised to a life of eternal glory. III. In becoming Christians we cut away the old life of sin and are raised to walk a new life in Christ. A. Colossians 3:9, Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: B. Romans 8:2, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. C. Romans 6:6, 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. D. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of

15 15 God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Colossians 2:12, 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. I. In baptism we have a figure of the burial and resurrection of Christ. A. Repentance is comparable to Christ s death as in repentance we die to sin. II. Romans 6:3-5, 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Colossians 2:13, And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; I. Before conversion the Colossians were spiritually dead, killed by their trespasses and sins. A. They were uncircumcised in that their sins had not been excised, cut away. B. Before conversion the Colossian Christians were unregenerate, lost in sin. II. Through Christ the faithful at Colosse had been forgiven of all their trespasses!

16 16 A. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. B. 2 Peter 1:9, But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Colossians 2:14, 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; I. Christ: A. blotted out the bond written in ordinances which was against us, which was contrary to us... B. by taking it out of the way, nailing it the cross. II. This is a reference to the abolition, repeal of the entire law of Moses by the death of Christ on the cross. A. 2 Corinthians 3:7, But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: B. Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. C. Galatians 6:14, 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. Colossians 2:15, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

17 17 I. By his resurrection from the dead, Christ openly won the victory over the Jewish leaders (hierarchy) who had condemned him to die and over their religious system. II. Scriptures: A. Acts 2:22-24, Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. B. Acts 5:25-28, Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Colossians 2:16, 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: I. Because Christ had abolished the law of Moses, Christians are not to be condemned for failing to keep:... A. Jewish laws regarding clean and unclean meats. (This doesn t mean it is wise to eat lard, foods high in cholesterol, etc.)

18 18 B. Jewish ceremonial laws regarding beverages. C. Jewish feast days. D. Jewish Sabbath Days. (Christians regularly worship on the Lord s Day.) II. Paul here warns the Colossians of the influence of Judaizing teachers who advocated a continuance of the old Mosiac Law with an addendum of Christianity. Colossians 2:17, Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. I. The Old Testament things mentioned were only a shadow, image, a reflection of the real thing ; that is, Christianity that was to come, all personified in Christ. II. The Colossians were to leave the shadow for the real thing that came through Christ. Colossians 2:18-19, 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, 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. I. Paul urged the Colossians to adhere tenaciously to the truth of the gospel. II. Paul warned the Colossians not to be influenced by false teachers who would lead them to: A. voluntarily worship angels.

19 Matthew 4:10, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. B. pridefully elevate human reason above the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture. C. failure to elevate Christ as the Head of the Christian Way, the church, from which all parts of the body are joined and responsive. III. Paul directed the Colossians to adhere to the faith once for all delivered to the saints. A. Luke 24:48, 49, And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. B. This divine order produces growth John 16:13, 14, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. C. and glory to God. Colossians 2:20, 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, I. If, since you died with Christ from, to, the basic principles, rudiments of the world...

20 20 A. Coffman stated that the rudiments of the world has reference to the forms, shadows and ceremonial ordinances of Judaism. B. Scriptures: 1. Romans 6:1-4, What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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 Corinthians 2:14, 15, For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 3. Galatians 2:19, 20, For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 4. Galatians 6:14, 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. C. Ash wrote, Paul may have meant that the appearance of spiritual excellence in the heresy was really a disguised form of the old life, before Christ.

21 21 II. why, as though you still belonged to it, though living in the world, do you submit, subject yourselves to ordinances? its rules, regulations? A. Christians are subject to a different standard, a heavenly standard, and are not to live in keeping with this world s value system. B. Worldly standards and Christian standards are in irreconcilable conflict. C. Far be it for a Christian to live by this world s ethical values. D. Coffman identified the ordinances to be avoided mentioned here as Jewish ordinances. E. Ash stated, Though not involving immoral behavior; they did involve an implicit denial that Christ s sacrifice was sufficient for salvation. F. Ash further stated, Perhaps this was because human will and desire were placed ahead of submission of Christ. Colossians 2:21, 22, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? I. Handle not, Do not handle!, II. nor taste, Do not taste!, III. nor touch, Do not touch! IV. The progression was from the more general to the more specific. Don t have anything to do with those false teachings. Don t even think about it! A. Deuteronomy 4:2, Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye

22 22 may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. B. Matthew 7:21, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. IV. (all which things are to perish with using), These are all destined to perish with use,... A. Mark 7:14-19, And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? V. after the precepts and doctrines of men?... because they are based on human commands and teachings. A. Matthew 15:9, But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. B. Paul may have had in mind certain specific human commands and teaching, but, in fact, this is true of all human commands and teachings. C. Titus 1:13-15, This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the

23 23 truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. Colossians 2:23, 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. I. Which things have indeed a shadow of wisdom in Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, (fine sounding),... A. Coffman pointed out that the appearance of wisdom by human religious teachings is nothing but a delusion. B. Ash emphasized that, External prohibitions do not produce godliness it was a matter of the heart. C. Colossians 2:3, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. II. Will-worship and with their self-imposed worship,... A. Lipscomb and Shepherd wrote, Will-worship is after our own will. It is self-chosen; and for this reason is a departure from allegiance to God. Whatever God commands, therefore, we must do. III. humility, their false humility and A. False humility, pretended humility may have led certain people to feel they were unworthy to approach God through Christ and sought to do it through angels (or saints). B. Worshipping of angels or men even though they be apostles is forbidden in the New Testament.

24 Revelation 19:10, And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 2. Revelation 22:8, 9, And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 3. Acts 10:25, 26, And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. C. The most dangerous false teachers are those who appear humble and pretend to have utmost respect for God s will. IV. severity to the body, their harsh treatment of the body,... A. Lipscomb and Shepherd further stated that Ascetic observances do not make a man pure or shield him against fleshly temptations and indulgences. V. but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh. but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. VI. In the next chapter Paul emphasized how wondrous Christ s way is especially in comparision with the teachings of heretics. Conclusion: I. To be complete Christians we must be completely Christ s!

25 25 II. What false teachings in our society could keep us from being complete in Christ? A. Don t be prudish! All lifestyles are acceptable with God. B. The end justifies the means. C. There are no firm standards of right and wrong, no black and white. D. You can prove anything by the Bible. III. We must keep faith if we are to enjoy the fullness of life available in Christ. A. 2 Timothy 4:2-5, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. B. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

26 26 Questions Colossians 2: In Christ we have everything we need for the abundant life including 2. Paul was greatly for all those he knew and did not know in view of the presented by. 3. Hearts and by was Paul s goal for the and. This contrasted markedly with the of the of. 4. In are hidden all the of and. In are hidden all the of. 5. Paul warned the Colossians that they not allow to then with of, fine, that would lead them away from and he s.

27 Which is more serious, false doctrine or sinful living? Give scriptural reasons for your answer. 7. How did Paul learn of the situation which the Colossians were facing? 8. Paul urged the Colossians to for on a with the same with which they had. 9. To the Colossians and to us Paul issued the command, See to it that no one takes you through and, which depends on and the of this rather than or. 10. False teachers would ( on ) the s, a contrary to, be and, follow the of men and emphasize the ( ) of this.

28 In all the of the lives in the. What does this mean? 12. Have all faithful Christians undergone circumcision? Explain your answer. 13. How are repentance and baptism related to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ? 14. God forgave us all our sins! What does this mean to you? Do you continue to grieve, feel guilty for forgiven sins?

29 What written code had God canceled? How was the written code canceled? 16. By his from the, openly won the over the and over their. 17. Therefore do not let anyone you by what you or, or with regard to a, a or a. 18. Paul urged the to adhere to the of the. He warned the not to be by who would lead them to, elevate above the of the as revealed in, to elevate of the. 19. What are the rudiments, basic principles by which the world lives and of which Christians are warned?

30 Regarding sins of all kinds, Paul declared, not, nor, nor. Don t have anything to do with those. Don t even about it! 21. The and of men have an of. However, this shadow of wisdom is only a. 22. Define will-worship, false humility and severity to the body. 23. What did these things have to do with the problems faced by the Colossian church? 24. What false teachings in our society could keep us from being complete in Christ?

31 Contrast Paul s attitude toward false doctrine with our society s attitude toward the importance of doctrine? How important is doctrine in a person s deciding which church to attend?

32 32