Colossians 1:21 - 2:15
v. 16-17 Since the readers (believers) are not under the Law they should no longer be judged according to the Law's commands. These commands were only a shadow and were in effect only until Christ finished His work on earth. "The reality is found in Christ."
v. 18-19 Paul is probably referring to false teachers who claim they've had powerful spiritual experiences but they have actually lost connection with Christ and are only speaking from their own human understanding.
v. 20 Again Paul reminds the readers that they've died with Christ and do not belong to this world anymore. Although some of the things that were promoted by the false teachers might appear to be wise they had no real power to restrain people from sinning.
Chapter 3
v. 1-2 Because they have already been raised with Christ into the heavenly realm, Paul advises the readers to set their hearts and minds on things above.
v. 3-4 They've died and their lives are "hidden" with Christ. When Christ returns they too will "appear" with Him in glory. Paul says "Christ, who is your life." The readers have no life of their own anymore. Christ is their life.
v. 5-8 Now everything of the earthly nature must die. Paul lists several areas of sin and calls them idolatry. Idolatry is putting something else in the place of God. All these lesser gods the readers used to have must come down.
v. 9-10 The readers have to "take off" the old self and "put on" the new self. This new self is being continually renewed in knowledge.
v. 11 No matter what they used to be (Greek/Jew, slave/free) they are in Christ now. Their identity has changed. The way they see themselves and one another has changed.
v. 12-14 Therefore, they must live differently now. They must be kind to each other, forgive each other and truly love each other because they are all one in Christ.
v. 15 They were called to peace. Not just peace with God but among themselves. The readers, though they come from diverse backgrounds, must now be at peace with one another and be thankful.
v. 16-17 They are to wisely teach one another and worship together with gratitude to God. All that they say and do should be done in the name of Jesus.
--Sandy Blank
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