Thursday, October 4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018


"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13,14)


In his Letter to the Colossians, Paul establishes the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ to a young church that had been presented with competing views of how the Christian faith should look.

While we don't have a complete perspective on what many commentators have termed the "Colossian heresy," we may ascertain from the text, particularly Chapter 2, that there was a very real threat from false teaching. Paul warns the Colossians not to become "captive" -- or "swept away" -- as would have described a pirate's plundering. Paul points out that the heresy had espoused a hollow and deceptive philosophy with the appearance of wisdom (1:23), but lacking in substance. Built on the foundations of human tradition and the world's basic principles, the philosophy endangered these young believers, primarily by weakening their allegiance to Christ. Any philosophy or worldview that seeks to de-esteem the Lord Jesus Christ represents a toxic agent for the Christian and should be avoided at all costs.

In contrast, Paul exalts the Lord Jesus Christ as worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. He does so by highlighting Christ's supremacy over all Creation. While this supremacy makes Him "wholly other," we also understand that He has personally "rescued us from the dominion of darkness," giving us "redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Our placement has switched from the kingdom of evil to Christ's Kingdom, and Jesus has personally brought it about. The love of God the Father for Jesus Christ, His Son, extends to those whom Christ has redeemed. We may participate in and experience the love of God by the completed work of Christ.

I absolutely love the truth of Colossians 1:17: "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Christ is sovereign over all Creation; His stature is unquestionable. Yet, He "holds" all things together by His love, His grace, and His mercy. For me, this verse provides a great promise of God's complete trustworthiness. He is able to work on behalf of His children.

May we embrace the sovereign of our King and experience His love more deeply as we read through Colossians.


Lord God, thank You for establishing Christ as sovereign over all Creation. Help us to become aware of any hollow and deceptive philosophies that the world wishes to espouse. Ground us in the truth of Your Word and the secure hope of Your Kingdom. We love You and honor You today. In Jesus's Name, amen.


The warning of 2:8 is clear and stern. False teaching poses a dangerous threat to the church. Captive is a rare Greek verb that refers to the carrying off of booty. The Colossians have much to lose if they are beguiled by heresy. The false teaching is characterized as a hollow and deceptive philosophy. It has the appearance of wisdom (see 1:23), but lacks substance. It builds on the foundation of human tradition and the basic principles of this world (2:8). Paul disavows that it has any connection with Christ. Thus it is set in opposition to Christian doctrine. Its basis, content, and purpose are not only non-Christian; they are anti-Christian.


"None But Jesus" by Hillsong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9qoqQ75ifs

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