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..And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, 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.

Colossians 2:6-15

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..And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, 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. Colossians 2:8, 13-14 

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 2:6-15, where Paul reminds believers of how Christ gave them rebirth (regeneration) in Him, and that they should continue to abide in Him, lest they are taken "captive" by "elemental spirits of the world." Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V9: The whole fullness of deity dwells in Christ and the church. V10: Christ is the head of all rule and authority - He reigns over all, including all governing authorities (see also Romans 13:1-2) and Satan.  Vv12-14: Through regeneration or rebirth in Christ, God raises believers from spiritual death to new life where we have victory over sin and death as He "cancelled the record of death that stood against us." V15: The rulers and authorities thought they killed Christ but He not only rose and was victorious over sin and death, He also "disarmed" them by taking away the very weapons they tried to use to stop the spread of the Gospel.  They used both physical and spiritual forces but He could not be stopped and gave us the same power that raised Him from the dead.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V8: There are unbelievers (scoffers) and believers alike that seek to take believers captive with false teaching or just wrong teaching that focuses on "elemental spirits of the world."  Be careful for these influences.  Do not become friends of the world or pollute your mind with false teaching.  Abide and remain in Him.  Seek encouragement and sharpening from brothers and sisters in Christ.  Vv12-13: Without God people are spiritually dead, enslaved to sin.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid becoming friends of the world by growing comfortable with worldly ways or by allowing false teaching to captivate or engage you.  Claim the promise that we have both the same power that raised Christ from the dead but also the power to triumph over the earthly forces that orchestrated Christ's crucifixion.  Follow the example of Paul who put on the "whole armor of God" - regardless of his persecution and imprisonment, He continued to advance the gospel.  Abide and remain in Him.    

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for giving me new life in Christ, for giving me the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and for giving me the assurance of victory over sin and death. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.