Recognizing the certainty of being complete in Christ
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:9, 10
1. The word “complete” means to “make full”
a. Fullness
b. Fullness in Christ
2. The fullness of God in Christ
a. Paul used the perfect tense for the word translated “complete”
i. It is something that had already been done.
ii. There is also a continuing effect
b. The part that God has completed in His full provision in Christ
i. Salvation
ii. Sanctification
iii. Strength
iv. Sufficiency
3. There is certainty of completeness
a. According to God’s design and plan
b. Access to God’s great dynamism
c. Ascertaining the profound depth of the fullness of God
Ramifications of being complete in Christ
1. Within the word “complete” are the ramifications.
a. The continuing effect of the perfect idea are the ramifications of being complete.
b. They are things that should naturally flow from being complete.
2. Ramifications
“And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” Colossians 2:19
a. Hold fast to the Head
b. Nourished
c. Knit together
d. Keep growing
The reasoning of being complete in Christ should deal with any false teachings
1. The reasoning of being complete
a. Fullness in Christ
b. Its ramifications
2. The reasoning of being complete should not allow for any additional false teachings
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8
a. To cheat us of our completeness
b. Not according to Christ
Our response to being complete in Christ
1. Full faith in our completeness in Christ
2. Firmly stand in our completeness in Christ
3. Feed on our completeness in Christ
4. Foster a greater sense of oneness in our completeness in Christ