I.    Introduction
      A.  In Colossians 2:2-3, Paul explains his motivation in writing.
      B.  A danger that Paul feared for them was “πιθανολογια”, “persuasive speech”
      C.  We see hints of what kinds of “persuasive speech” Paul was wary of in this text. (8)
      D.  ”Persuasive speech” is still around today.
           1.  Promotion of “acceptance, tolerance” as principle virtues.
           2.  ”Human tradition” – in religion and in the religion which pseudo-science has become.
           3.  The “elemental things” that make for today’s morality.
      E.  The letter to the Colossians affirms our fullness in Christ
II.   The fullness of Christ derives from His nature (6-10)
      A.  The Whole Fullness of Deity (9)
           1.  Jesus was God “incarnate”, in the flesh (Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:6)
           2.  He continues to have a body in which His divine nature dwells (I Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:9,11)
      B.”You have been filled in Him” (10)
           1.  We in the same body share in that same nature!
           2.  He has all authority (Matthew 28:18) – but only the church shares in His fullness.
      C.  In neither Christ nor His church is there need – or room – for anything more.
           1.  We don’t need Jesus and some other system.
           2.  When the holy Creator of heaven and earth fills you, what is left to be filled?
           3.  When did this happen?
III.  How we come to be part of the fulfilled body: Death, Burial, Resurrection in Baptism (11-14)
      A.  The circumcision made without hands
           1.  In order to participate in the covenant, circumcision is required.
                (Genesis 17:14; Leviticus 12:3; Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4)
           2.  Our circumcision is the putting off of the flesh to be made anew in the spirit.
      B.  This separation, regeneration takes place in baptism. (12)
           1.  Notice how many elements come together in this God-given act:
                Water (I Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26), faith, God’s creating work
           2.  The “before and after” (13)
      C.  Nailed to the cross (14)
           1.  The power of baptism is the cross.
           2.  Our death, burial, and resurrection lay claim to what Jesus accomplished there.
IV.  His fullness leads to triumph over accusers (15)
      A.  Christ’s accusers were put to “open shame” (Philippians 2:10-11)
      B.  That is the victory we share in (Romans 8:1)
           1.  The devil, the accuser of mankind, will have no case against us.
           2.  Those who condemn us for what we are “lacking” will likewise be shamed.
V.   Conclusion
      A.  Don’t fall for the “persuasive speech” of men
      B.  Have you attained the perfection of Christ through obedience to the gospel?
           1.  You can die with Christ to the elemental things of this world (2:20)
           2.  You can be buried with Him in baptism (2:12)
           3.  You can be raised to new life, made alive in Christ from baptism, forgiven of all sin (2:12-13)

May 24, 2009
Glenn Record