Remember with me, Paul is writing from Prison to a group of believers he has never met face to face, yet he fights for them in prayer and truth. Now, Paul didn’t volunteer to be in prison, yet he acknowledges he is there “by the will of God.” Paul understood that his fruitfulness was not contingent upon his circumstance. He understood that God wanted him to go deep and wide in his relationship with God and with others. So, Paul is writing these people he does not know, he has never meet and then lays out one of the most powerful prayers for them that you will find anywhere in the Bible, then establishes the Supremacy of Christ. We learned that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. If you want to know what God looks like, look at Jesus. Last week, we discussed “Christ in You,” not beside you, not around you, but “IN YOU, the hope of glory.”
But if you remember with me, Paul was not only writing to encourage this church in Colosse, but he was also writing to address some issues that had crept into the church, not only these churches, but many of the churches. One of the main problems was that of Gnosticism. False teachers were trying to sell a “Jesus-plus” faith:
- Jesus plus rules,
- Jesus plus rituals,
- Jesus plus knowledge,
- or even their own experiences.
But Paul is going to make it very clear that it is Christ plus Nothing.
THE STRUGGLE WE FACE – A Contending Concern (vv. 1–3)
Paul opens his heart to the Colossians, revealing the intensity of his spiritual struggle. This is not a struggle with people, politics, or circumstances – but a struggle for the souls of believers. Paul’s concern is deep and wide, and rooted in love. He contends daily in prayer and ministry for their spiritual well-being.
“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;” (v.1)
Notice first with me, Paul struggles/contends spiritually for the believers he loves. His struggle reminds us that following Christ is not passive. Love often demands effort, sacrifice, and vigilance. If we truly care for one another, we too must contend in prayer and encouragement, battling spiritual forces that threaten faith and unity.
“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;” (v. 2)
The goal of Paul’s struggle is not to confuse or overwhelm minds with endless rules or secret knowledge. His goal is strengthened hearts, he wants believers confident and courageous in Christ, knowing there are some things worth struggling for.
- Spiritual strength comes from clarity, not complexity.
- From knowing Jesus, not chasing mysteries.
- Strength is found when our faith rests firmly in Him, not in human wisdom or clever arguments.
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (v. 3)
Finally, Paul desires stability, believers rooted in love and united in purpose. Stability does not mean stagnation but a steadfastness that keeps us grounded in truth, Rooted in Christ, and able to stand firm against division or deception. True wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, and He alone is the source of lasting confidence and peace.
Here’s a lesson we can take from these three verses, “if what you are doing doesn’t lead you closer to Christ, it won’t make you stronger.” Life will present distractions, teachings, and practices that may seem appealing, but Paul warns us to measure everything by this standard: does it deepen my relationship with Jesus? If not, it is empty, even dangerous.
When we embrace the struggle with love, pursue the strength found in Christ, and cultivate stability in Him. Then we can walk in wisdom, united in love, confident that all spiritual treasures reside in Jesus alone.
THE SEDUCTION WE FIGHT – A Clever Counterfeit (vv. 4–5)
Here, Paul issues a sharp warning to the Colossians: the spiritual battlefield is not only about struggles we see but also about seductions we may not recognize. False teaching often wears the mask of reasonableness, even appearing deeply spiritual. It tempts, confuses, and pulls believers off course.
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” (v. 4)
Notice the Deception: The danger is in how cleverly counterfeit teaching can sound. Smooth words, persuasive arguments, and flashy spirituality can deceive even the well-meaning. Just because something sounds holy does not make it biblical. Paul reminds us to be vigilant; the enemy’s tactics are often subtle, not overt. We must discern truth from error, rooting ourselves in Scripture, not in persuasive speech.
“For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order . . .” (v. 5a)
Fighting this Deception requires discipline. Faith is not about hype, trends, or emotional high points. It’s about training ourselves to recognize God’s truth, practicing prayer, and building understanding through God’s Word. Discipline strengthens our spiritual senses, so we can identify what truly leads us closer to Christ and what leads us astray.
“. . . and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.” (v. 5b)
Finally, we need clear direction. Paul’s concern is that believers remain on the straight path of faith. Smooth talk can pull you off course, but disciplined hearts rooted in Scripture stay aligned with God’s purposes. Direction comes when we measure all teachings against Christ, who is the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth.
Listen, not everything that sounds spiritual is scriptural. Charm, charisma, or clever reasoning cannot replace God’s Word. The ultimate test of any teaching is whether it points us to Jesus and strengthens our faith in Him.
THE STAND WE TAKE – A Consistent Commitment (vv. 6–7)
When we come to Christ, we receive more than a one-time blessing, we receive a life that is meant to grow, mature, and endure. You don’t start with Jesus and finish with something else; the faith we receive is designed to shape every part of our lives.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” (v. 6)
First, remember what we’ve Received. Salvation is a gift, not a performance. We received Christ’s grace, forgiveness, and love freely. This is the foundation of our faith, the starting point that cannot be replaced or improved by anything else. Recognition of this gift keeps our hearts humble and our eyes fixed on Him.
“Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught. . .” (v. 7a)
Not only are we to remember what we’ve received, we are to be firmly rooted in Jesus. Like a tree planted by streams of water, we draw nourishment from Him daily. We are rooted in His Word, built up in His strength, and established in the faith. Being rooted means that life’s storms will not easily shake us, because our foundation is unchanging. It is not our plans, our pride, or our performance that hold us—it is Christ.
“. . . abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (v. 7b)
Finally, gratitude fuels resilience. When we remember that the same Jesus who saved us also sustains us, we find strength to endure challenges, face temptation, and keep moving forward. Resilience is not stubbornness; it is confidence in the unchanging power of Christ at work within us. The more we dwell on His faithfulness, the more our faith stands firm. Let’s rejoice in the fact that the same Jesus who saved us also sustains us.
THE SCAM WE REJECT – A Captive Philosophy (vv. 8–10)
Paul warns the Colossians about a subtle but dangerous threat: philosophies, human traditions, and worldly thinking that promise freedom but actually enslave. The enemy often dresses up lies as wisdom, tempting believers to chase ideas, rules, or “spiritual upgrades” that subtract from Christ instead of adding to Him.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men . . .” (v. 8a)
The first danger is captivity. When we allow worldly philosophies or rigid traditions to dictate our faith, we are no longer free in Christ. These systems enslave our minds, divert our focus, and plant doubt. Paul reminds us to be vigilant; freedom in Christ must be guarded, because not every teaching that sounds wise or spiritual leads to life.
“. . . after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (v. 8b)
Next is the counterfeit. False systems promise spiritual progress but subtract from the sufficiency of Christ. They tell us we are incomplete, need more rituals, knowledge, or human effort to “measure up.” But this is a lie. Any teaching that diminishes the centrality of Jesus is a counterfeit, a scam designed to make you dependent on something other than Him.
“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:” (v. 9-10)
Finally, Paul points to completion. Christ is fully God, fully sufficient, and fully able to provide all we need. In Him, we are complete. We don’t need upgrades, additions, or human inventions to make our faith whole. Our security and sufficiency rest entirely in Him.
Stand firm knowing that in Him, you are fully equipped, fully secure, and fully complete.
THE SURGERY WE EXPERIENCE – A Changed Condition (vv. 11–12)
Paul describes the radical transformation that occurs when we are united with Christ, a spiritual surgery that changes us from the inside out. This is not about outward rituals or behavior modification; it’s about a heart renewed and made alive in Him.
“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:” (v. 11)
The first step in this spiritual surgery is cutting. Our old self, the flesh that clings to sin and self-reliance, is cut away. Just as circumcision in the Old Testament symbolized separation from the old ways, Christ removes the power of sin from our lives. This is painful, intentional work, but it is necessary for real transformation.
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God . . .” (v. 12a)
After the cutting comes cleansing. Baptism represents being buried with Christ, dying to the old life, and being washed clean by His sacrifice. We don’t clean ourselves up through willpower or rules, Christ does the work internally. His grace penetrates the deepest parts of our hearts, removing guilt, shame, and the pull of sin, making us pure and whole before God.
“. . . who hath raised him from the dead.” (v. 12b)
Finally, there is coming alive. Being raised with Christ signifies resurrection power flowing into our lives. This is not a slow improvement or surface-level change, it is a new condition, a life empowered by the Spirit to live fully for Him. Transformation is evident not just in what we do, but in who we are becoming.
Christianity isn’t behavior modification; it’s heart transformation. When we allow Him to cut, cleanse, and resurrect us, we are allowing Him to unmake us so that He can remake us, from old habits to new life, from death to abundant life in Christ.
THE SALVATION WE CELEBRATE – A Complete Cancelation (v. 13)
Paul reminds us of the profound reality of salvation: before Christ, we were spiritually dead, separated from God, unable to save ourselves, powerless to change. But God’s grace did what we could never do on our own: He brought us to life in Christ.
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh . . .” (v. 13a)
Notice first, we were dead. Like a rider whose bike has no engine, we were incapable of moving forward spiritually. Sin held us captive, and no human effort could restore life. Recognizing this truth humbles us and points us to the necessity of God’s intervention.
“. . . hath he quickened together with him,” (v. 13b)
Yet, though we were dead, through Christ, we weredelivered. God made us alive together with Christ. He delivered us from the power of sin and death, forgiving every transgression and breaking every chain. This is not partial deliverance; it is total and complete.
- What sin stole, Christ restored.
- What death demanded, Christ canceled.
“. . . having forgiven you all trespasses;
Finally, in Christ, we are declaredforgiven. Forgiveness is total, and new life is full. We are no longer defined by past failures, old habits, or spiritual deadness. God’s power has reactivated our lives, giving us purpose, hope, and direction.
There is nothing worse for a biker to walk out to the garage, jump on the bike only to find out it is dead! Christ is our charger – He alone brings us back to life! Today, we celebrate that God has taken us from death to life, from captivity to freedom, and from hopelessness to hope. We are fully alive, fully forgiven, fully His.
Conclusion
After walking through Paul’s words in Colossians 2, one powerful truth stands clear: Jesus Christ is enough.
- No ritual can save you.
- No rulebook can perfect you.
- No secret knowledge can make you wiser than Christ.
- No religious performance can replace Him.
Everything we need, salvation, strength, wisdom, and life, is found fully in Jesus. He is crucified, risen, reigning, and entirely sufficient.
Paul’s message calls us to simplicity and focus: Don’t add to Him. Don’t pile rules, rituals, or philosophies on top of Christ. Don’t drift from Him. Stay anchored in His Word, rooted in His love.
In Him, you are enough. Today, tomorrow, and always, let nothing replace Him, because Jesus is enough.
Fighting for My Pea Patch 