Our Authoritative Christ
Part 4 of 6 - The “All You Need is …. Jesus” Series
Colossians 2: 8 - 23
November 7, 2010

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
Colossians 2: 9, 10

The Heart of the Matter
In this portion of Paul’s letter he shows us that we are to take authority over the philosophical systems or religious regulations of this world. We are to hold fast to Christ and his accomplished work in us because He is the only dependable, unchanging authority; all else are passing shadows. No other powers can control us, as they were all defeated on the cross.

1. Take Authority Over the Bad Doctrine Proclaimed by the World.

Take Authority Over Philosophical Systems.
“…Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” V. 8

“Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things.” V. 18

Take Authority Over Religious Regulations.
“So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come.” Vv. 16, 17

“…..So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “’Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!’? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.” Vv.20 - 22

2. Take Authority Over the Good Works Accomplished in You.

Take Authority Over Your New Life
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.” V. 11

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.” V. 13

Take Authority Over Your New Identity
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” V. 12


Take Authority Over Your New Freedoms
“He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Vv. 14, 15

“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world…” V. 20

Questions of the Week

1. What philosophical systems do you need to take authority over? How will you accomplish it?
2. What religious regulations do you need to take authority over? How will you accomplish it?
3. How can you take authority over your new life in Christ?
4. How can you take authority over your new identity in Christ?
5. How can you take authority over your new freedoms in Christ?