In All Things, Christ Preeminent (Col 1:15-2:19)
Intro: Review
True Christian Maturity is...
a. Both individual and corporate (1:28, 2:19, 2:2, see Eph 4:13-16)
b. Both human and divine (1:29, 2:19, esp. Christ centered, 1:27, 2:10, 3:1, 3:15)
c. Both personal and relational (3:5-4:6)
d. Both being and walking (1:9-10, 2:6, 3:4, 4:5)
1. 'Colossian Heresy?' (2:4-23)
There are a variety of 'persuasive' but 'deceiving' 'philosophy' and various religious activities which can actually 'rob' or 'cheat' or 'despoil' us, even of our salvation (2:4,8; 1:23). Then there are several references to the doctrine of the judaizers (2:11-16). But then there's more which is much more general (2:18-23). I'm persuaded he's not condemning one heresy, but all heresy -- anything which at all moves us away from Christ.
Illustration: Christ the Key
'Of his fullness, we have all received, and grace for grace' (Jn 1:16)
2. Christ's Sufficiency (1:15-2:3)
Paul presents in response to this a portrait of Christ, a most dramatic and majestic portrait of the Son of God (1:15-19,27; 2:2-3,9; etc.). He wants to fill our minds with the Son of God, in his person and in his glory. 2:9, 'You are complete in Him.'
Conclusion
Spurgeon's teaspoon, and God's ocean of grace, 'My grace is sufficient for thee' (2Cor 12:9) |
