Session 1

Jesus is God

From NewSpring at Home: A Study on Colossians

Scripture

“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. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” - Colossians 2:8-10

Observation

Paul wants the church to know that Jesus is more than a teacher or a good man. Jesus is fully divine and fully man. God in the flesh. 

This matters because a good teacher can’t forgive sin — only God can. But since “the whole fullness of deity” dwells in Jesus, He has the power and authority to cover our sin and declare us right before God. 

People were telling the Colossians that faith in Jesus was fine, but they also needed to observe certain rituals to be right with God. Paul wants them (and us) to know nothing could be farther from the truth!

Our perfect standing before God isn’t based on what we did, but what Jesus did for us. 

We don’t have to follow Old Testament ceremonies, earn a seminary degree, keep up superstitions, or check a bunch of boxes to earn favor with God. Jesus’ work was complete. In Him, we have everything we need (1 Peter 1:3).  

Application

• Where is your trust, really? Think about the motives behind your spiritual actions. 
  
• Is there anything you’re doing because you want to impress God rather than get to know God?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you. Because of your sacrifice on the cross, I am welcomed into God’s presence as His beloved child. I’m no longer trapped in a cycle of doing more and trying harder. Everything You did was enough.