Colossians 2
by Philip Layton
Paul makes known the mystery of God
Click here to read Colossians 2
Discussion Questions
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The word ‘sacrament’ comes from the Latin sacramentum which was used to translate the Greek word mysterion from which we derive ‘mystery’ (v 2). What is the mystery of God according to Paul?
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If we have accepted Jesus into our lives as Lord and Saviour, is it fair then to say that our lives should be sacramental as we reflect the likeness of Christ (the mystery of God)?
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How deep and rooted is your faith? Are you attracted by alternative philosophies and beliefs (vv 7, 8)?
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Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
People are often ‘doers’ by nature. Sometimes we feel if we’re busy doing things, we’re accomplishing something. If we take sick, or are diagnosed with a certain illness, often our immediate response is to keep on the move to get better, to find a cure. If we’re travelling somewhere and there’s a delay for some reason, we desperately try to find an alternate route. If we’re waiting for an appointment, we get restless – wondering how to make use of idle time.
We can understand to a point why people don’t want to be wasting time. Yet often we carry this same attitude into Christian living. We want to earn favour with God by being busy. We find it hard to wait on the Lord, for we need to do things ourselves. Sometimes this can hinder spiritual growth.
Paul is saying to the Colossians that they must live by faith, day by day. They were not to go searching for new ways of doing things; but rather, build on the faith they had and be ‘strengthened’ by it. Others were pushing legalism. Paul reminds them that they are free and alive in Christ. This was the life they were to live as Christians.
Life with Christ meant freedom and liberty. It meant living life to the full. This fullness is in God, in Christ. The same fullness is available to all believers, but only through Christ. It’s not our own efforts, it’s not what we do to make things happen, it’s not activities we engage ourselves in to fill time; it’s Christ alone, in all his fullness – the embodiment of faith, hope, forgiveness, joy, peace, love – which is to be grasped and embraced by every believer.
This indeed is living life with Christ – to the full!
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 (vv 9-10).
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Colossians