Daily Reading February 8 2010 from Colossians 2:1-12 NIV

Day 29

Colossians 2:1-12 NIV

1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine‑sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

Continue in Christ, rooted and built up in Him!

Paul expresses his concern for these people. Paul's concern is based around the fear that people will be deceived by false teachers sharing their own philosophy rather than the truth of God's Word. He reminds them not to revert back to traditions and other things of the world but rather to depend upon Christ and the gospel they had received. They are exhorted to continue in Christ having their roots in the gospel, to stay in Christ. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given the fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Paul begins to talk about the benefits of being and staying in Christ. All power was committed to Christ, He was given power and authority and in Him we are risen with Him. Risen with Christ by faith. Because Christ was raised from the dead those who find their identity in Him have overcome.


-Pastor Larry