Staying Free

The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to combat what we call the Colossian Heresy. The Colossian Heresy is also an attributing factor to the demise of the church at Laodicea. What is the Colossian Heresy? Here are the three elements of this heresy. It denied that the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ. It denied that the Christian was complete in Christ. It tried to supplement the freedom in Christ by introducing ways of heightening Christian spirituality. It is difficult to believe that these same things are being taught today and even in some churches.

What was Paul’s antidote to this spiritual poison? We can find them in Colossians 2: 8-10. Paul begins by saying, “Don’t let anyone take you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” Paul is sending out a warning to the Colossian believers. He is warning them that philosophy and empty deception will lead you into bondage. This is something that is very serious.

In verse 9, Paul tackles the first element of this erroneous teaching. Here is what Paul said, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” That is a simple but profound statement. This is something that we as believers must hang on to. In Christ we find the fullness of God in a bodily form. When Jesus walked this earth, He walked as God. But not just God but God in a human body. Jesus was tempted like we are. Jesus felt pain like we feel pain, both physically and emotionally. Jesus lived on this fallen earth, and He knows what it is like to live here. He was also 100% God! He is our intercessor because He knows us and then stands for us before His Father in heaven. God in the flesh is the most amazing and powerful combination we will ever experience. Don’t allow anyone to steal that from you!

In verse 10, Paul confronts the next element of this heresy, “and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” In this verse, Paul says we are complete. That means everything that we would ever need is taken care of. We are full in Him, there is nothing lacking because we have everything in Him. Many people are on an endless journey for completeness or satisfaction. Jesus is the only place where we can find it. He is the authority over all rule and authority. There is nothing more anywhere and never will be. He has made us complete! Believe it and don’t let anyone take you captive with another teaching.

The last thing that Paul confronts is the teaching that we need to do more to obtain salvation. The Colossian Heresy taught that we need to do more to be saved. Verse 11-15 deals with that. Get your Bible and read it. Paul lists several things that we need to realize. The first is that our body of flesh has been cut away from us. That doesn’t mean we are not tempted but the body of flesh no longer has control. Before Christ, we were slaves to sin. The next thing to remember is the debt has been cancelled. The debt we owed because of our sins has been canceled. All our religious acts cannot do what has already been done. Also, Jesus has disarmed every ruler and authority. His resurrection was a display of His triumph over them. Jesus is Lord! Don’t ever forget it!

We, as believers, need to hold on to these facts. Just like in Paul’s day, there are forces that are trying to steal these facts away from us. These facts will keep us in a daily realization of all Christ has done for us. They will keep us in love with Him and will keep us from becoming lukewarm.