Colossians - Part 9

Combating Heresy

Farm to Table: The key to the best nutrition

-Whole foods without unnecessary additives or processing-

Colossians 2:6-15

Meeting Purpose

To discuss combating heresy and practicing biblical faith, centered on Colossians 2:6-15.

Key Takeaways

-             Paul exhorts believers to walk in Christ as they received Him, rooted and built up in faith and abounding in thanksgiving

-             False teachings and philosophies can corrupt faith; believers must abandon these and rely on Christ's fullness

-             Reasons to reject false teaching: believers have the fullness of deity in Christ, are spiritually circumcised, baptized, forgiven, and victorious through Christ

Topics

Recent Trip Reflections

o  Rich took a 3,000-mile trip across 11 states to visit family

o  Experienced locally sourced foods, clear night skies, and fellowship with strong believers

o  Trip inspired reflections on God's uncorrupted creation and faithfulness

Review of Colossians Study

o  Recap of Christ's preeminence (Col 1-2:5)

o  Paul addressing heresy in Colossae - people adding to faith in Christ

o  Exhortation in Col 2:6-7 to walk in union with Christ

Walking in Christ (Col 2:6-7)

-             Group discussion on what "walking in Him" looks like:

o  Abiding, resting, living life with Him, Coram Deo (living before God's face)

o  Being rooted: drawing spiritual nutrients, establishing firm foundation

o  Abounding in thanksgiving: joy, attitude of gratitude, recognizing source of blessings

Combating Heresy (Col 2:8-15)

-             Paul's warnings against being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit

-             Reasons to abandon false teaching:

1.       Fullness of deity dwells in Christ (v.9-10)

2.       Spiritual circumcision in Christ (v.11-12)

3.       Made alive with Christ (v.13)

4.       Forgiveness of sins (v.14)

5.       Christ's triumph over evil powers (v.15)

Application

o  Challenge to identify modern beliefs/philosophies contrary to biblical revelation

o  Self-reflection on susceptibility to embracing heretical ideas

Next Steps

o  Participants to create a list of potentially heretical modern beliefs/philosophies

o  Reflect on personal vulnerabilities to false teachings

o  Continue studying and applying Colossians, particularly in combating heresy