Preparing for Sunday

Colossians 2:6-15

Many scholars point to Colossians 2:6-7 as the thesis statement for the whole letter.  

Therefore,  just as you  received the Lord Jesus Christ,

                                    walk in Him --

                                                       Rooted

                                                       and Built Up in Christ

                                                       and Strengthened in faith (just as you were taught)

                                     Abounding in thanksgiving.

The most important words in the Biblical text are, often, the verbs.  In this case:

Received -- a specific vocabulary work in the Greek, intended to connote receiving as an inheritance or an heirloom.  Receiving as though something is being handed down.

Walk -- This is the only imperative/command verb in the text.  The idea is to continue, to live, behavior or conduct one's life. Because of what has been received, we have an opportunity to participate.

Rooted, Built Up and Strengthened -- these are all passive verbs, meaning they are something that happens to us rather than something we do for ourselves.  As we follow Christ, God is:

Rooting us, as a tree in need of vital nutrients.

Building us up, as a building on a solid foundation

and Strengthened, meaning confirmed and secure, like a  legal document.

In response to the working of God in our lives, then, we are to overflow with thankfulness. 

***

But, what interests me especially, are verses 9 & 15

All the completeness (fullness, fulfillment) of deity dwells (inhabits, resides, settles) bodily in Christ.

And, in Christ, 

                       who is the head (superior) 

                            of all the powers (beginning, ruler, governor, supernatural 

                            power, authority, truth) 

                            and authorities (power to act, jurisdiction, ruler, judges, sphere 

                            of authority)

             You are complete.

Disarming (stripping, undressing) the powers (beginning, ruler, governor, supernatural power, authority, truth) and authorities (power to act, jurisdiction, ruler, judges, sphere of authority) 

He confidently (boldly, courageously, frankly) and publicly shamed (exposed, made a show or spectacle of) them

                He triumphed over them by the cross.

I am curious about these powers and authorities.  

And I am amazed at the sacrificial love of God, that Christ would subject himself to these powers and authorities.  That he would allow them to do their worst -- shaming him, causing him to suffer, death on a cross.  And that he would, ultimately triumph over them.

On the continuation of these thoughts (and probably others)

Tune in this Sunday at 11am