Colossians 2

Understanding Colossians 2: The Sufficiency of Christ and Our Call to Live in Him

As we dive into Colossians 2, we are reminded of the context that surrounds this powerful passage. The letter Paul wrote to the Colossian church is one of encouragement and correction. What's striking is that Paul never visited Colossae. The church was established by Epaphras, a fellow believer, and Paul, though not present in person, was deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of the community. He wrote to them from prison, contending in prayer for their growth in Christ and their understanding of God's truth.

What stands out in this chapter is Paul's emphasis on the sufficiency of Christ. He contends for the Colossians—those he has never met—so that they may have a complete understanding of who God is, through the person of Jesus Christ. Paul writes with a deep sense of urgency, wanting them to know that their salvation, their spiritual growth, and their identity in Christ are all rooted in Him, and Him alone.

Christ is Enough

Paul addresses the confusion that was creeping into the church. Many in Colossae were influenced by Greek philosophy and Jewish traditions, creating a mix of rituals, food laws, and other practices that they believed were necessary for a deeper spiritual life. They were elevating these rituals above the gospel of Jesus. Paul makes it clear—this is not who we are. It’s not about what we do or don’t do; it’s all about Jesus.

In Colossians 2, Paul explains that in Christ are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." He reminds the believers that the true mystery of God is revealed in Jesus. For those who are in Christ, there is no need for additional spiritual rituals or secret knowledge to attain salvation. Christ has already provided everything we need.

Paul uses powerful language, almost as though he is in a battle for the souls of those he loves. He contends for them, fights for their understanding of who they are in Christ, and prays that they would be united in love, encouraged in heart, and filled with a complete understanding of God's mystery—Jesus Himself.

Rooted in Christ: A Lifelong Journey

In verses 6 and 7, Paul urges the Colossians to "continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." This is not a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong process. Paul is calling them (and us) to be rooted in Christ and to build our lives upon Him. This imagery of being rooted calls to mind a deep, firm foundation that withstands the storms of life.

When we first come to Christ, everything is new, and life looks radically different. But the journey of faith doesn’t end there. Over time, we grow deeper in our understanding, and our faith becomes stronger. Just like a tree that grows tall and strong, our roots go deep in Christ. Our lives are built up in Him, strengthened by His grace. And as we grow, we begin to overflow with thankfulness.

There’s something beautiful about this overflow. As we reflect on God’s goodness, on His grace, we can’t help but give thanks. Our gratitude for what He’s done in our lives spills out into our relationships, our actions, and our words.

Contending for Others

In the midst of Paul’s encouragement, he also challenges us to think about others. He contends for people he’s never met, and we too are called to contend for those around us. Who are we praying for? Who are we reaching out to? Maybe it’s a neighbor, a coworker, or a family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus. Paul’s example teaches us that we don’t just live out our faith for ourselves—we are called to contend for others, to pray for them, and to invite them into the community of faith.

In our daily lives, there are opportunities to invite others into the joy and grace that we have found in Christ. Whether through a simple invitation to church or a text asking how we can pray for someone, we each have the ability to reach out and contend for the people in our lives.

Baptism: A Symbol of New Life

Later in the chapter, Paul addresses the symbolism of baptism. He reminds us that baptism is not just a ritual; it is a powerful symbol of our identification with Christ. Through baptism, we acknowledge that we have died to our old selves—our old ways of thinking, our old patterns of behavior—and have been raised to new life in Christ.

David Garland, in his commentary, writes, “When you and I experience baptism… we are accepting God’s judgment on our sin in the sentence of death. But we do not die alone. We die with Christ who died for us.” Baptism marks a break with our past. It signifies the washing away of our sins and the beginning of a new life, one that is lived in union with Christ.

As we reflect on our own baptisms—or the baptisms of those we know—we are reminded that this outward act symbolizes a deeper inward transformation. It points to the reality of what God has done in us through Christ: we have been made new.

No Need for Extra Rituals

Paul also makes an important point about the rituals and traditions that some were insisting upon. Jesus is enough. We don’t need to add anything to what Christ has already done. There are no secret levels of knowledge or spiritual practices that are required for salvation. We don’t need to be “more saved” by following extra rituals or by seeking enlightenment. We are complete in Christ.

Conclusion

Paul’s message to the Colossians is clear: don’t add anything to what Jesus has done. Don’t try to live life on your own terms. Be on fire for Christ, understand His sacrifice, and live in the fullness of the life He offers. This is for His glory and, ultimately, for our best.

As we reflect on this chapter, we can see how much we are called to live in the fullness of Christ—both recognizing His sufficiency and experiencing the transformation He offers. When we do this, we begin to see that the life Jesus invites us into is not a burden but a gift—a gift that changes us from the inside out, making us more like Him.

So let’s commit ourselves to His way, trusting that He will continue to shape us, refine us, and transform us into the people He has created us to be.