The Fullness of Christ’s Sufficiency

 

 

TITLE: "The Fullness of Christ’s Sufficiency"

TEXT:  Colossians 2:6-15

THESIS: In Colossians 2:6-15, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ as the foundation for the believer’s faith and spiritual growth, urging the church to continually abide in Him while remaining vigilant against false teachings that threaten to undermine their confidence in the gospel. Through an active relationship with Christ characterized by prayer, study, fellowship, obedience, worship, and service, believers can secure their faith and nurture a vibrant spiritual life rooted in truth.

 

TRUTH: The context of Colossians revolves around the apostle Paul’s mission to address and counteract the challenges faced by the early church in Colossae. Written during his imprisonment, Paul’s letter serves as a powerful affirmation of the sufficiency of Christ, emphasizing that everything the believers need for salvation and spiritual growth is found in Him. This message was particularly crucial considering the growing false teachings that threatened to distort the gospel and undermine the faith of believers.

 

The early Colossian church encountered various external pressures that challenged their understanding and practice of Christianity. These pressures included syncretistic influences from local pagan religions, elements of Gnosticism, and Jewish legalism. Such teachings promoted the idea that additional knowledge or practices beyond Christ were necessary for true spiritual fulfillment. These influences created confusion and doubt among the believers, leading some to question the completeness of Christ’s work. In response, Paul wrote to clarify the supremacy of Christ, urging the Colossians to remain steadfast in their faith and to recognize that in Christ, the fullness of God dwells, and through Him, they have everything they need for life and godliness.

 

By highlighting Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency, Paul aimed to strengthen the church’s resolve against these external pressures, encouraging them to find their identity and hope solely in Christ, rather than in the distorted teachings around them.

 

In this passage, there are two main imperatives: Continue in Christ and Guard Against False Teaching.

 

The first imperative:

 

I. Continue in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7)

Explanation: "Therefore" (οὖν, oun): Indicates a conclusion drawn from previous teachings about Christ (Colossians 1). "Walk" (περιπατεῖτε, peripateite): A metaphor for conduct or manner of living; signifies daily life. "Rooted" (ἐρριζωμένοι, errhizomenoi): Refers to deep spiritual nourishment and stability. "Built up" (οἰκοδομούμενοι, oikodoumene): Implies growth and strengthening in faith.

 

Paul exhorts believers to base their spiritual life on their relationship with Christ. This passage emphasizes an active, continuous relationship—walking, being rooted, being built up. This ongoing relationship leads to a life overflowing with gratitude.

 

A believer can walk, remain rooted, and be built up in Christ through several intentional practices that strengthen their faith and deepen their relationship with Him.

 

·      Walk in Christ: To "walk" in Christ means to live out one's faith daily, aligning actions with His teachings and example. This involves:

 

1.        Daily Prayer: Engaging in consistent communication with God strengthens one’s relationship and provides guidance. "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us..." (Ephesians 5:2).

 

2.        Studying the Word: Regular reading and meditation on Scripture help believers understand God's will and truth. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105).

 

·      Remaining Rooted in Christ: Being "rooted" signifies a deep connection and stability in one's faith. This can be achieved by:

 

1.        Fellowship with Other Believers: Engaging in community and sharing life with fellow believers provides a sense of support and encouragement. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together..." (Hebrews 10:24-25).

 

2.        Practicing Obedience: Living according to God’s commands strengthens roots in Him, reinforcing trust and dependence. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15).

 

·      Being Built Up in Christ: To be "built up" involves growing in faith, spiritual maturity, and understanding. This can be fostered through:

 

1.        Participating in Worship and Teaching: Engaging in congregational worship and teaching can deepen understanding and inspire growth. "…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18).

 

2.        Serving Others: Acts of service and ministry help believers grow in love and awareness of God’s work in and through them. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10).

 

 

By actively engaging in prayer, studying the Bible, participating in fellowship, practicing obedience, worshiping, and serving, believers can effectively walk, remain rooted, and be built up in Christ. These practices provide the spiritual nourishment necessary for a vibrant and growing faith.

 

Illustration: A healthy tree is deeply rooted and grows stronger and larger over time, dependent on quality soil (Christ).

 

Application: Are you walking daily with Christ, allowing His truth to shape your identity? Do you enjoy God? Do you long after Christ as deer pants for the water? Does your soul find complete satisfaction in Him?

 

The second imperative:

 

II. Guard Against False Teaching (Colossians 2:8-15)

 

Explanation: "Beware" (βλέπετε, blepete): A call for vigilance; implies an active, discerning mindset. "Philosophy" (φιλοσοφία, philosophia): Refers to the deceptive human traditions and teachings that distract from Christ. "Fulness" (πλήρωμα, plērōma): Emphasis on the complete sufficiency and fullness found in Christ.

 

From a Christian perspective, there are several modern-day deceits, human traditions, and empty philosophies that believers should be vigilant against. Here are some specific examples:

 

·      Relativism: The belief that truth is subjective and varies from person to person. This challenges the absolute truths found in Scripture, leading many to embrace lifestyles that contradict biblical teachings.

 

·      Religious Pluralism: The belief that God works through the experiences of all religions so that they are pathways to God.

 

·      Prosperity Theology: The idea that financial blessing and physical well-being are manifestations of God's favor. This teaching can distort the Gospel by equating faith with material wealth, diverting attention from spiritual growth and service.

 

·      New Age Spirituality: This often incorporates elements from various religious traditions and promotes self-centered practices, such as man-centered meditation and visualization. It can lead believers away from a Christ-centered faith by prioritizing personal experiences over divine truth.

 

·      Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: A belief system that suggests God exists to help people be happy, good, and successful. This philosophy downplays the importance of sin, redemption, and a personal relationship with Christ, presenting a diluted version of Christianity.

 

·      Secular Humanism: The ideology that emphasizes human reason, ethics, and justice, often excluding religious considerations. This worldview typically promotes a life focused on self-fulfillment and societal progress, often sidelining spiritual obligations and divine authority.

 

·      Cultural Marxism: A shift towards seeing social issues through a lens of class struggle, often promoting division and resentment between different societal groups. This can lead Christians to adopt ideologies that prioritize social justice over biblical principles.

 

·      Syncretism: The blending of different beliefs and practices, often incorporating non-Christian elements into worship or belief systems. This can dilute the purity of the Gospel and lead to confusion about the core tenets of the faith.

 

·      Hyper-Grace: The teaching that emphasizes grace to the extent that it diminishes the need for repentance or obedience. This can create a false sense of security and lead believers to overlook the call to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings.

 

·      Cancel Culture: The societal tendency to ostracize or silence individuals based on their beliefs or actions. This can pressure Christians to compromise their values to avoid social backlash, thereby eroding their witness.

 

·      Distrust in Traditional Institutions: The growing skepticism toward established churches and institutions can lead individuals to seek alternatives that may lack adherence to biblical doctrine, increasing the risk of being led astray by teachings that compromise core beliefs.

 

By being aware of these modern deceits and philosophies, Christians can remain grounded in their faith and continue to uphold the truth of the Gospel against the pressures of contemporary culture. The words of Paul to Timothy will serve us well here: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come…. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given to you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1Timothy 4:7-9, 13-16).

 

Paul presents a warning against philosophies that could entrap believers in empty deceit. He reassures the believers that “fullness” of God dwells in Christ, who is supreme over all powers and authorities.

 

We are to continue in Christ and Guard against false teaching. Why? Because Christ alone is entirely and totally sufficient. Paul elaborates on this truth by using the following terms:

 

·      In Him - Fullness (πλήρωμα, plērōma): The fullness (πλήρωμα, plērōma) found in Christ signifies that all of God's attributes and blessings are fully manifested in Him. This means that in Christ, believers experience the complete presence of God, lacking nothing essential for their spiritual lives. Rather than seeking fulfillment in worldly philosophies (φιλοσοφία, philosophia) or traditions, believers are invited to find all they need in their relationship with Him.

 

·      In Him - Made Alive Together (συνεζωοποίησεν, synezōopoíesen): The term "made a live together" (συνεζωοποίησεν, synezōopoíesen) emphasizes the unifying and transformative power of Christ's resurrection in the lives of believers. This phrase signifies that through their faith in Christ, believers are not only forgiven but are also given new life. They share in His resurrection, experiencing a spiritual rebirth that restores their relationship with God.

 

This spiritual vitality means that believers are empowered to live according to God's purposes, moving away from the deadness of sin. It’s a profound reminder that their identity is now rooted in Christ, who breathed life into their spirits. Rather than being tethered to past failures or the weight of sin, they are called to walk in the fullness of life that Christ offers. This act of being "made alive together" serves as a foundation for believers to engage in a vibrant faith, anchored in the reality of their new identity in Christ.

 

·      In Him - Total Forgiveness (ἄφεσις, aphesis): Christ offers total forgiveness (ἄφεσις, aphesis) for sins to those who believe in Him. This means that through His sacrificial death and resurrection, all past, present, and future sins are forgiven. This assurance of forgiveness liberates believers from guilt and shame, allowing them to live freely and authentically. Thus, they are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and guard against teachings that diminish the grace and forgiveness available in Christ.

 

·      In Him – Triumphing over powers (θριαμβεύον, thriambeuōn): The term "triumphing" (θριαμβεύον, thriambeuōn) encapsulates Christ's victory over all spiritual powers and authorities through His death and resurrection. This victory is not just a past event; it signifies a continuous state of triumph that believers share in through their relationship with Him.

 

Paul emphasizes that Christ disarmed the hostile powers that held humanity captive, publicly displaying their defeat. This imagery of triumph indicates that believers are not merely surviving but are walking in the victory that Christ has already secured on their behalf. Understanding that Christ has triumphed over all forces that oppose God empowers believers to live boldly and confidently, knowing that they are part of His victory.

 

This act of triumph reassures believers of their position in Christ: they are on the winning side, equipped to face spiritual battles with the understanding that Christ’s victory is their victory. It encourages them to stand firm against false teachings and to remain rooted in the truth of the gospel. By recognizing the depth of Christ’s triumph, they are inspired to live in the freedom and authority He provides, reflecting His victory in their daily lives.

 

Illustration: False Teachers are like counterfeit keys that promise access but lead to emptiness. Only the key of Christ opens the true treasures of God's revelation.

 

Application: Are you practicing biblical discernment under the direction of the Holy Spirit when you hear new things? Are you an active student of the Bible? Do you read it daily? Do you faithfully sit under preachers and pastors who preach God’s Word?

 

Take-Away: Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. His sacrifice and teachings provide everything we need for salvation and spiritual growth, making Him the ultimate source of hope and assurance in our lives. By grounding our faith in Him, we find completeness and strength to navigate life's challenges.

 

A life continued in Christ and guarded against false teaching leads to spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Therefore, I want to challenge myself and you to actively pursue Christ daily and protect your heart and mind from misleading doctrines.

 

Lastly, I invite those who may feel distant from Christ or unsure of their foundation in Him to commit or recommit their lives to following Him. 

 

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