Walking with Christ or Thieves and Robbers Colossians 2:1-10

COLOSSIANS 2: 1-10 (ESV) 2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 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. 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 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. 

Location of Colossae

The Church of Colossae It was an extension of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus through Epaphras 1:7. It was made up primarily of Gentile (non-Jewish) believers.  It was facing serious doctrinal and practical problems.

Colossians 2: 6 “ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him”, Just how do we receive Jesus into our lives? How are we to “walk” or continue in Christ? (just as you received him)

Colossians 2: 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit… Who is the thief or robber? What is being stolen or taken away? By what means does the theft take place?

Only 2 World Religions Do “WORKS” Goal: Man reaches out to God, tries to get to heaven through rituals and good deeds Means: diligent service & works or sacrifices, with hopes of an eternal reward in heaven Enabling Power: good, honest self- effort through self-determination Control: self-motivation and self- control Results: apathy, failure, chronic guilt, eternal separation from God Most religions teach eternal life is the result of human choices and behavior. Sadly some “Christian” institutions teach adherence to their creed is the way to heaven!

Only 2 World Religions Done “Relationship” Goal: trust fully in Jesus death as payment for your sin Means: repent, confess sins, yield yourself to Jesus Enabling Power: the Holy Spirit does God's work in and through us Control: Submit to and allow the Holy Spirit to control us Results: love, joy, peace, freedom, victory & power over sin, eternal life in heaven. It is Finished - Tetelestai Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Tetelestai – It is Finished! Other uses of the word Servant to Master Priest of the sacrificial Animal Marketplace Battlefield codeword