Colossians: Christus Victor - Triumph! (Col 2:11-15)
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Colossians 2:11-15 is the theological high point of the whole Letter. These verses are hugely significant - on both a personal basis and corporately for the Church. Paul builds on his favourite theme of the believer's and Church's incorporation in Christ ("in Christ," "in Him"). The significance of what God has done in Christ through the cross and resurrection is vast, multi-layered, and manifest in both the here-and-now and fully at Christ's return. The Father calls on each of His children, individually and corporately, to live out the truths of this passage.
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Questions
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1. What was the first parade you attended? What do you remember most vividly?
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2. Paul begins verse 11 with "in Him." How do understand the believer's incorporation into Christ? Why is it so important to Paul in his writings?
3. What kind of circumcision is done by Christ (v11)? How did He do it? (see vv12ff)
4. What experiences does the believer share with Christ (vv9-13)?
5. Paul speaks of the believer being raised with Christ (v12b) and having new life in Him (v13b). Paul is here referring in the first instance to spiritual resurrection (see Eph 2:6). The believer will as well experience physical resurrection (1 Thess 4; 1 Cor 15).What difference do these truths make in your every day life, in the here and now ?
6. In verses 14 and 15, Paul gives vivid imagery of what God has achieved in the death and resurrection of Jesus. What are these word pictures? Describe your response to each one.
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7. The act of baptism is powerful imagery. What does it mean to you?
8. Read verse 13 and 1:13. Why can a person's conversion be regarded as a 'second exodus' experience?
9. Given the truth of verse 14 and Rom 8:1, why do believers sometimes struggle with 'voices' of condemnation? How can we live daily in the freedom that the Word of God declares is ours in Christ?
10. Some Christians put a very individual focus on the work of Christ in His death and resurrection and especially on our forgiveness. Scripture clearly speaks to this truth. But Colossians reveals a much broader cosmic canvas of what Christ has achieved and the impact of the evil principalities and powers on our world. Do you tend to focus on the individual or cosmic aspects?
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11. The general assumption of the Old and New Testaments is that the earth is virtually engulfed by cosmic forces of destruction, and that evil and suffering are ultimately due to this diabolical siege. One writer describes Jesus' ministry in these words; "Jesus most centrally defined himself and His ministry in terms of aggressively warring against this Satanic kingdom. Both He and His disciples recognised that He had come to destroy the devil and his works, thereby redeeming His people from the realm of darkness and setting them free for the kingdom of God (1 John 3.8; Col 1.13; Heb 2.14; Col 2.13-15). Jesus' miracles over nature, as well as His healings, exorcisms and especially His resurrection, were definite acts of war that accomplished and demonstrated His victory over Satan. These acts routed demonic forces and thereby established the kingdom of God in people's lives and in nature." Jesus' ministry continues in the power of the Spirit, through the individual believer and His Church. What is the Lord saying to you about your role in the continuing ministry of Jesus?
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