Nailed to the Cross

February 9, 2005 - Colossians 2.8-19

Open It

1. What good advice have you never forgotten?

2. In what ways would you characterize yourself as permissive, and in what ways would you characterize yourself as strict?

Explore It

3. What false teaching was Paul concerned about? (2:8)

4. What did Paul affirm about Christ? How? (2:9-10)

5. What did God give the Colossian believers? (2:10)

6. Why do Gentile Christians have no need to conform to Jewish rules and regulations? (2:11-12)

7. How did the Cross cancel the written code? (2:13-14)

8. From what did Christ deliver us? How? (2:15-17)

9. How did Paul encourage the Colossians to practice their freedom in Christ? (2:16)

10. How did Christ fulfill what the Old Testament foreshadowed? (2:17)

11. Whom did Paul accuse of trying to rob believers of their spiritual rewards? (2:18)

12. What were the characteristics of the false teachers? (2:18-19)

Get It

13. What "additions" to faith in Christ have you encountered from teachers in your Christian community?

14. How are you affected by popular religious rules floating around today?

15. What does "fullness in Christ" mean to you?

16. Paul's advice kept the Colossians growing in their faith; what Christian leaders have helped you stay on track spiritually?

17. How deep are the roots of your faith?

Apply It

18. This week, how can you best exercise the freedom you have in Christ?

19. How can you help a Christian friend get rid of his or her false ideas about Christ?

Notes

Colossians 2:10: When we know Jesus Christ, we don't need to seek God by means of other religions, cults, or unbiblical philosophies as the Colossians were doing. Christ alone holds the answers to the true meaning of life, because he is life. Christ is the unique source of knowledge and power for the Christian life.

Colossians 2:11-12: In this passage, circumcision is related to baptism; therefore, some see baptism as the New Testament sign of the covenant, identifying the person with the covenant community. Baptism parallels the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and it also portrays the death and burial of our sinful old way of life followed by resurrection to new life in Christ.

Colossians 2:14: The written code that was canceled was the legal demands of the Old Testament law. The law opposed us by its demands for payment for our sin. Though no one can be saved by merely keeping that code, the moral truths and principles in the Old Testament still teach and guide today.

Colossians 2:15: Who are these powers and authorities? Several suggestions have been made, including (1) demonic powers, (2) the gods of the powerful nations, (3) angels (highly regarded by the heretical teachers), or (4) the government of Rome. These powers and authorities were probably not the demonic forces in Colossians 2:10.

Colossians 2:16-17: Paul told the Colossian Christians not to let others criticize their diet or their religious ceremonies. Instead of outward observance, believers should focus on faith in Christ alone. Our worship, traditions and ceremonies can help bring us close to God, but we should never criticize fellow Christians whose traditions and ceremonies differ from ours. More important than how we worship is that we worship Christ. Don't let anyone judge you. You are responsible to Christ.

Colossians 2:17: Old Testament laws, holidays, and feasts pointed toward Christ. Paul calls them a "shadow" of the reality that was to come-Christ himself. When Christ came, he dispelled the shadow. If we have Christ, we have what we need to know and please God.