Free in Christ, No Longer Captive

The Fullness of Christ: Living in Victory (Colossians 2:4–15)

In a world filled with persuasive arguments, distractions, and spiritual confusion, Paul’s words in Colossians 2:4–15 come like a floodlight, revealing the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. This powerful passage offers both a warning and a deep assurance, calling us to stay rooted in Christ and reminding us of the victory we already have in Him.

1. The Danger of Deception (v. 4–5)

"I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ."

— Colossians 2:4–5, ESV

Paul begins with a warning. The Colossians were facing false teachers who used smooth, convincing arguments to lead people away from the Gospel. Paul’s concern is timeless—many today are drawn to philosophies and spiritual-sounding ideas that are not rooted in Christ. But he rejoices in the firmness of their faith. Truth matters. Discernment matters. And when we know the real Jesus, we are less likely to be swayed by counterfeits.

2. Rooted and Built Up in Christ (v. 6–7)

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Paul urges believers to continue in the same way they received Jesus—by grace through faith. Just as a tree sinks its roots deep into the soil for nourishment and stability, we are called to be rooted in Christ, drawing life and strength from Him. As we grow in Him, we’re not just surviving—we’re abounding in thanksgiving.

3. Beware of Hollow Philosophy (v. 8)

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

The danger is not just ignorance but captivity—being enslaved by false ideologies. Paul is not condemning all philosophy but rather anything that competes with Christ as the source of truth. Whether it’s legalism, mysticism, or secular ideologies, if it’s not rooted in Christ, it is empty.

4. The Fullness of God in Christ (v. 9–10)

"For in Him the whole fullness of Deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

This is one of the most profound declarations about Jesus in Scripture. He is fully God—not a piece of God, not a reflection of God, but God in human form. And astonishingly, we are filled in Him! We don’t need to chase after spiritual experiences or hidden knowledge. In Christ, we already have access to the fullness of God.

5. Circumcised in Christ (v. 11–12)

"In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism..."

Paul shifts to the imagery of circumcision—not physical, but spiritual. In Christ, the old sinful nature is cut away. Through baptism, we are united with His death and resurrection, symbolizing a complete transformation. We are no longer who we were. We are raised to walk in newness of life.

6. From Death to Life (v. 13–14)

"And you, who were dead in your trespasses... God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross."

This is the Gospel in its clearest form. We were dead—spiritually lifeless. But God made us alive in Christ. The sins that condemned us? Forgiven. The debt we owed? Canceled. The legal demands of the Law? Fulfilled by Christ and nailed to the cross.

Every failure, every shortcoming, every sin—paid for in full.

7. Christ’s Triumph Over Evil (v. 15)

"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him."

Jesus didn’t just forgive us—He conquered the spiritual powers that once held us captive. The cross wasn’t a defeat; it was a victory parade. Christ has disarmed the enemy. Satan has no legal claim over those who are in Christ. We are not fighting for victory—we are fighting from victory.

Conclusion: Living in the Victory of Christ

Colossians 2:4–15 is a call to stand firm in Christ, to resist deceptive teaching, and to embrace the fullness we have in Him. We are rooted, built up, and filled—not because of anything we’ve done, but because of everything He has done.

Let this passage be a daily reminder that:

You are forgiven.

You are alive.

You are free.

You are complete in Christ.

And finally brothers and sisters, we encourage you to the uttermost, check everything through the lens of the scriptures to verify what is being preached is indeed true.  This passage today serves as great reminder for this very thing.  Be sure to visit us in person, everyone is welcome to hear the Gospel, it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and then to the Gentile!  Lots of news up and coming, such as moving, radio and tv ministry and much more...we hope to see you soon!  May the Lord keep you rooted firmly in the very faith He has so blessed us with.

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family