Colossians: See to it…
Preached on 4.5.09 by Matt Peavyhouse
Sermon Notes
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits 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. Colossians 2:8-12
“See to it”- Blepete-to see. Here, to beware as a warning.
Matt.7:15-“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
“takes you captive”- literally, “booty” and “ago,” to kidnap/enslave.
Gal 5:1- “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Our Emptiness
“philosophy”- concerning the theories about God, the world, and the meaning of life.
“empty deceit”-this describes the philosophy.
-“empty”-not what it appeared to be.
-“deceit”- better than it looked.
2 sources for these philosophies
- “human tradition” Mark 7:8-9, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 1 Peter 1:18, “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers.”
- “elemental spirits of this world”
“elemental spirits”-Stoicheia-Literally, “things in a row.” Refers to the alphabet.
“and not according to Christ.”- He is the answer to our search. He is what we are chasing.
His Fullness
“fullness”- pleroma-same as in 1:19.
“deity”- the divine nature, God-ness, God-hood.
“Dwells”- makes a home continually abides.
Christ is the “pleroma” of God and we are filled with his “pleroma.”
How?
“In Him”
“Circumcision”-sign of covenant, separate-ness and sinfulness.
“of Christ”- differs from the previous religious views
“buried with Him in baptism.” Death, in order to have life.
“raised with Him through faith”- New birth.
By emptying Himself, Christ entered our emptiness so that we could know and experience His fullness.
Works Consulted: NIV Application Commentary by Scot McKnight, Tyndale New Testament Commentary by Wayne Grudem, New American Commentary by Thomas Schreiner, and sermons by John Piper and Gregg Heinsch.