Bible Study: Colossians 2

We had a small group at our Bible Study tonight.  It was must have been a tough week for everyone.  I'm definitely praying for everyone that wasn't there.  There was only two of us, but we had a great conversation anyway.  {BIG Hugs} for everyone that needs one.

Insights from Tonight's Chat and Colossians 2

• "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have full understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (vs. 2-3)
  
  I think This is the theme in a lot of Paul's letters...unity and love.
  He didn't like to see Christians fighting over unnecessary things.
  
  The treasures of wisdom and knowledge... What I think we all need so desperately.
  This verse says that the more we know Christ, the more the hidden treasures will be revealed.
  
  First, we must be united in love and encouraged.  Because without them, we cannot know the mystery of God.  The mystery of God is Christ and Christ holds the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
  
• "So , just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (vs. 6-7)
  
  This jumped out at me because I know what I've always been taught. I've been a Christian my
  whole life, but there are days now that I feel like a new Christian learning these truths all over again.
  
  Paul didn't want the people to just receive Jesus and continue to live the same lives.  He wanted them to build roots and be "strengthened in the faith."  The "roots" were planted when we were young, now it's time to grow and be strengthened. 
  
  Interestingly, it sort of like our tree outside. The roots were pretty deep, so the tree grew really big and strong, but carpenter ants were able to get inside and eat away at it and now it had to be cut down.  I think that's how Satan works with us. He doesn't hurt us on the outside. He slowly drills away at our inside, until we have no strength to grow and we eventually die.
  
  
• "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Chris. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with it's regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; took it away, nailing it to the cross." (vs. 13-14)
  
  I really like this verse because we all we dead to sin, but we are now alive in Christ.  Is there anything better than that.  He forgave our sins and freed us from the law.  He took everything and nailed it to the cross.  I love this word picture. 
  
  
• "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (vs. 9-10)
  
  Christ was both fully God and fully man.
  
  True fullness is found only in Christ.
  
  Christ has complete power and authority over everything, including Satan, so we never have to be afraid.  No matter what happens, he has it all under control.  We no longer have a reason to fear death.
  
  
• Since we were "raised with him in baptism and raised with him through our faith in the power of God" we are now cleansed of all our sin. (vs. 12)