Colossians 2:3-5 "How to Avoid Deception"

The episode is a sermon on Colossians 2:3-5, delivered at Covenant Presbyterian Church. It begins with a prayer and scripture reading from Colossians 2:1-5. The pastor explains Paul's pastoral agony in setting forth Christ to the church, previously outlined for maturity, its own sake, and upbuilding. In this passage, another reason is revealed: to prevent deception. Christ is described as the treasury where all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden, fulfilling Old Testament types and shadows. The sermon contrasts Adam's failure with Christ's victory, emphasizing that believers already have heavenly blessings in Christ. Paul's purpose in emphasizing Christ's riches is to guard against plausible arguments, akin to Satan's deception of Eve. The pastor analyzes verse 4, noting that no one can deceive believers who abide in Christ. Verse 5 is discussed, where Paul rejoices in the Colossians' good order in worship and firm faith in Christ, despite his physical absence. The sermon concludes that avoiding deception involves resting in Christ and gathering for public worship. The format is a solo exposition with three main points: the treasury of Christ, another purpose of pastoral agony, and rejoicing in sincere faith. Recurring themes include Christ's sufficiency, the danger of false teaching, and the importance of communal worship. Key moments include the explanation of Christ as the revealed mystery and the link to Eve's temptation.

As heard by us

A careful Colossians sermon that treats Christs fullness as the cure for spiritual drift.

This Colossians sermon keeps its focus on Pauls warning about plausible deception and on the riches hidden in Christ. It moves back through chapter 1 to show how hope in heaven, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and union with Christ all serve one pastoral aim: keeping…

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Why you'd press play

If you want your warnings tied tightly to Christ, this sermon does the work.

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