This passage marks the beginning of the instruction piece of Paul's letter to Colossae and focuses mainly on worldly thought and philosophy that is not according to Christ. The tone for this instruction can be compared to a vaccine; you are safe where you are, do not be drawn out by empty philosophical illusions, this is what Christian thought looks like, continue in Christ. Paul engaged in opposition to a gnostic influence in Colossae that sought to defile the purity of the Gospel with worldly thought. That engagement gives us a framework for engaging human thought in our own circles of influence today with the great Gospel of Jesus as the antidote.
Safe in Christ
Colossians 2:8-15
July 31, 2016 • Pastor Tanner Sheahan
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Fulfill your Ministry in Christ
October 2, 2016 • Pastor Tanner Sheahan
As Paul closes out his letter to the Colossian church, he sends greetings from his many fellow workers and servants of Christ. There is much to learn from these men and one particular warning: do not take your eyes of of Christ. We have a place and purpose in God's kingdom, purchased by the blood of Jesus, and it begins and ends with knowing Christ and gazing in wonder at all he is.
A Manner of Life Declaring Christ
September 18, 2016 • Pastor Tanner Sheahan
In this final piece of instruction Paul gives some very practical marks of the Christian life. First, an upward orientation of persistent, thankful prayer that is alert to will of God and the needs of the world around us. Second, an outward orientation of grace-filled and winsome speech making the most of every opportunity. In short, our very manner of life should declare Christ.
As is Fitting in Christ
September 4, 2016 • Pastor Tanner Sheahan
In this portion of Paul's letter to Colossae he now gives instruction regarding house order and household relationships of which marriage is the foundation. While there are similarities to other documents regarding house order, there is one important distinction: for Christians, house order is not simply fitting, it is fitting in Christ. Because we are new creations in Christ, we can understand Paul's instructions to husbands and wives to be the primary way redeemed people push back on the effects of the fall.