Book of Colossians | Colossians 2:9-12

Follow Along with the Message

“8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to 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. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

1. Have you ever lost something precious to you, or had something valuable stolen from you?  If so, have you ever recovered the lost item?  What range of feelings did you experience?
2. Looking back to Colossians 2: 6-7, what is the treasure that “enemy pirates” are looking to steal from us as believers, when they attempt to take us captive? (Greek = sylagōgeō)
1. Enemy wants to uproot us / destroy our “knit-togetherness” in agape love
3. In addition to being a thief, the enemy has other plans to disrupt our lives.  Read 1 Peter 5:8 and discuss in more detail why we need to remain alert.
1. Peter says the enemy is looking for one to devour; he wants us destroyed, our demise, to be dead
4. Verse 8 provides context for the “pirates” Paul is speaking of.  What are four characteristics he names?
1. Philosophy; empty deceit; human tradition; according to the elemental spirits of the world
5. When we consider the promises and tenets of the “Prosperity Gospel” and look for alignment with the teaching of Jesus, what subtle errors can become huge obstacles for us to remain walking in Him?
1. Jesus promises suffering, but to remain with and in us during the pain.  Prosperity Gospel says “if I perform for you God, you will keep me rich and pain-free”
6. What reminders to we find in verses 9 and 10 to help us follow the command in verse 8 to “See to it” that no one takes us captive?
1. Full deity of God dwells in Christ; we have been filled with Him!
7. Even though Jesus welcomes us “just the way we are”, what encouragement do we find in verses 11 and 12 that he refuses to leave us that way?
1. His holiness changes the very nature of our hearts – from the inside out