Colossians

Chapter 2 – Bible study – Standing Firm Against

Deception
Verse 4-10
Introduction and background
What we have covered so far
• Introduction to the Author and those being written to
• Who Christ is?
• What has Christ Done?
• Suffering for Christ
• Growing in Knowledge

• Read Colossian 2: 4-10

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.
Vs 4 Delude with Plausible arguments
Delude/Deceive–
Plausible argument/persuasive words
There were those who were telling the Colossians to find wisdom and
knowledge apart from the simplicity of Jesus could have been very
convincing. There is no mention that they were actually deceived but
there was a necessity that they be warned.
• What does the term delude mean?
• What are some examples of plausible arguments?
Vs 5 – Paul’s support

Paul wasn’t there physically but he genuinely felt he

was with them in the spirit.
Knowing that someone is praying for you is always an
encouragement.
How does Paul commend the Colossians?
Vs 5 – Discipline and stability of your faith

Psalms 1:3

How can we be stable and disciplined in the faith?

 Vs 6-7– As you have received the lord so walk in Him

So walk in Him, rooted and built up - this is a combination of

metaphors- Though it may seem confusing but the message is clear:
being established and keep growing.
 Vs.8 A warning : Don’t be cheated by Philosophies and tradition

The false teaching among the Colossians was basically an emphasis on

philosophy and empty deceit.
Gnosticism was something that was taught
God couldn’t come into direct contact with the Material World (Paul
refuted this -Col 1-19-22)
God did not deal directly with man and needed a mediator(Paul refuted
this - Col 1:19-20)
The mediator was considered an angelic being (Paul refuted this -Col 2-
18)
 Vs.8 A warning : Don’t be cheated by Philosophies and tradition

This heresy was promoted as tradition. Paul warns that the tradition of
men didn’t equate with the authority of God’s word.
 Vs.9 –10 Completeness of Christ reiterated

Fullness of the Godhead – The full deity of Christ is established.

You are complete in him – This statement can only be true if Jesus is
Truly God
 Going Deeper

How can we prepare ourselves and families to stand firm against

worldly ideas around us?