This Week’s Bible Study: Colossians 2:6-15

Introduction

In our Scripture for this lesson, the Apostle Paul calls us to a vibrant, rooted, and flourishing faith. He warns us against deceptive philosophies and emphasizes the fullness we have in Christ. Let’s take a look at how we can walk in the fullness of Christ, remaining steadfast in our faith, and find encouragement to live out our new life in Christ.

To “walk in Christ” means to live in continual dependence on him, drawing our strength and nourishment from him. Paul uses the metaphor of being “rooted” like a tree and “built up” like a building, emphasizing stability and growth. I once heard a speaker say we must first go deep in Christ before we can grow tall for him. In other words, we must first be firmly planted in the truths of the Gospel in order to grow in our faith.

The apostle Paul begins this passage with a call to action, urging believers to live out their faith in a manner consistent with how they first received Christ. This echoes the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who wrote, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls’” (Jeremiah 6:16). (Emphasis mine)

Our Christian walk is not meant to be stagnant, but rather a dynamic journey of growth and maturity. This growth is rooted in Christ, much like a mighty tree draws its strength and stability from its deep roots. Just as a tree’s beauty is dependent on its unseen root system, so too is our spiritual beauty (and maturity) dependent on our hidden connection to Christ.

Even as he calls and encourages us to go deep with Christ, the Apostle also warns us against teachings that are contrary to the truth of the Gospel. These deceptive philosophies can lead us away from Christ. The writings of C.S. Lewis in The Screwtape Letters illustrate how subtle and deceptive the enemy’s tactics can be. We must remain constantly and intentionally vigilant, discerning truth from error, and aligning our beliefs with Scripture. Søren Kierkegaard put it this way, “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” As Christians, we must be discerning, always measuring the teachings we come across (from inside and outside the church) against our transcendent standard, the truth of Christ found in Scripture.

Paul moves on to tell us that Christ is fully and truly God in the flesh, and only in him, are we made complete. We find this affirmation again and again throughout Christian history, from the Council of Chalcedon’s declaration of Christ’s full divinity and humanity to the hymns of Charles Wesley. New, abundant, and eternal life is available to us only in Christ, who grants us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, we should find ways to remind ourselves often that our identity and completeness are found in Christ alone.

Beginning in verse 11, Paul tells us that our spiritual circumcision signifies the cutting away of our sinful nature, accomplished by Christ. Baptism symbolizes our burial with Christ and our resurrection to new life. Augustine’s Confessions beautifully depict the transformation that occurs when one is united with Christ in his death and resurrection. It is very important to note that our transformation is not merely external but begins as a profound inner change. We are transformed from the inside out. Our spiritual death and resurrection in Christ mark both an end to our old life and the beginning of our new life in Him.

It is truly astounding to realize we were once dead in sin, but God has made us alive in Christ. Our sins are forgiven, and our debt is canceled. Christ’s victory over sin and death is our victory as well. The beauty of God’s forgiveness shines through these verses. Our debt of sin, which we could never repay, has been canceled through Christ’s sacrifice. Paul concludes this portion of Scripture by declaring Christ’s victory and triumph over all powers and authorities. Christ is Lord over heaven and earth indeed!

Key Principles

1.     Dependence on Christ: Our life and growth must be rooted in Christ, for his person and work are both supreme and sufficient. 

2.     Discernment: We must continually and vigilantly guard against deceptive philosophies and hold fast to the truth of Christ. 

3.     Fullness in Christ: We are complete in Christ, having received forgiveness and victory, therefore, it is in Christ alone we should establish our identity.

Bible Study Questions

1.     Read Colossians 2:6-7. What does it mean to be “rooted and built up in him?”   

2.     How can we guard against being taken captive by deceptive philosophies (Colossians 2:8)? 

3.     What does Paul mean in verse 9 when he says the fullness of deity dwells in Christ? Why is that such an important affirmation to the Christian worldview? 

4.     How does Paul describe our completeness in Christ according to verse 10? 

5.     What is the spiritual significance of circumcision in Colossians 2:11? 

6.     How does baptism relate to our union with Christ (Colossians 2:12)? 

7.     According to verse 13, what transformation occurs when we are made alive with Christ? 

8.     How does Christ’s forgiveness impact our record of debt (Colossians 2:14)? 

9.     What did Paul mean in verse 14 when he said Christ nailed our debt to the cross? What was accomplished? 

10.   How should Christ’s triumph over rulers and authorities affect our faith (Colossians 2:15)?

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1.     Since Christ is wholly sufficient, how can you deepen your dependence on him in your daily life? What areas of your life would change if you did? Explain. 

2.     In what ways have you encountered deceptive philosophies, and how did you respond? 

3.     What does it mean to you personally that the fullness of God dwells in Christ and is available to you? 

4.     How can you cultivate a heart of thankfulness as you grow in your faith? 

5.     How should understanding your spiritual circumcision change your view of sin and righteousness? 

6.     Have you been baptized? If so, what does your baptism mean to you in light of this passage? 

7.     How should the forgiveness you have received in Christ influence your relationships with others? How does it influence your relationships with others in your daily life? 

8.     In what ways can you celebrate and live out Christ’s victory over sin and death in your life? Think of three practical examples to share with the group.

9.     How can the truths of Colossians 2:6-15 shape your witness to those in your personal mission field? 

Action Steps

1.     Daily Devotion: Spend time each day reading and meditating on Scripture, particularly focusing on your identity in Christ. 

2.     Guard Your Mind: Actively discern and reject teachings and philosophies that are contrary to biblical truth. 

3.     Remember and Celebrate Your Baptism: Reflect on the significance of your baptism and how it symbolizes your new life in Christ. 

4.     Live Victoriously: Embrace the victory Christ has won for you by fighting to overcome sin and sharing Christ’s love and truth with others.

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