Christ is All and in All

He is the image of the invisible God
All things were created through Him and for Him
In Him all things consist
That in all things He may have the preeminence. [1]

Christ in you, the hope of glory
Christ is all and in all
Do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus
As to the Lord and not to men
Speak the mystery of Christ [2]

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” [3]

Christ completes us. We want God. The fullness of God is in Christ. He is more than enough.

Philosophies?

Human traditions? 

Food or drink?

Festivals?

False humility?

Worship of angels?

Superstition?

NOTHING ABOVE RIVALS CHRIST

“These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” Flesh cannot beat flesh. We hold fast to Christ. He is the One who gives us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings us into fellowship with God. [4]

Jesus took the handwriting of requirements that was against us and nailed it to the cross. He triumphed over the things that condemned us. He took our sins away and made a public statement that God so loved us that He sent His Son to die for us that we might be with God forever. [5]

Thus, the Lord says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” [6]

Being full of Jesus fills the void that fleshly pleasures vie to fill. Fleshly pleasures are fornication, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. These things provoke the wrath of God. [7]

We bear fruits that please God by abiding in Christ. The fruits that please God are “tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.” Love, peace, gratitude! Letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly! Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs! Speaking and doing all things in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Praying! Speaking for Christ as we ought to speak. [8]

[1] Colossians 1:15-18
[2] Colossians 1:27; 3:11, 17, 23; 4:3
[3] Colossians 2:8-10
[4] Colossians 2:16-23
[5] Colossians 2:14-15; John 3:16
[6] Colossians 3:2-4
[7] Colossians 3:5-7
[8] Colossians 3:12-17; 4:2-3