The message of warning from Paul to the Colossians could be written the same to our world today. Isn’t that what we see today? The world around us is constantly trying to adequately explain what or who God is. 2000 years later and the devil and the schemes of the world are still trying to deceive us from really knowing who God is. We have let education, science, culture, and politics become the sources of truth that we search for rather than God.

Colossians 2:6-15

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 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. 9 For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.

Discipleship Conversations

For Adult Homes or Groups
1. Read Colossians 2:6-15
2. What are a few of the most deceptive philosophies (or lies) in our world today that go against God’s truth?
3. What lies are the most difficult to reject for you personally or those close to you?
4. Verses 13-15 talk about how Jesus’ death took our sins away and offers us new life. What does living in this new life look like for you?
5. Think about the influences in your life and identify who or what helps you be strengthened in God’s truth, and “rulers and authorities” (v. 15) do you allow to reinforce the lies of the world. Use this list for your own self reflection and awareness.
6. Close in Prayer... thanking God for those who have helped you to be rooted and built up in your faith in Christ.

For Families with Kids
1. 1. Read Colossians 2:6-10 with your family.
2. Have everyone share about a lie they have told or been told.
3. Explain to your children that, when Jesus lived on Earth, there were people who didn’t know him or didn’t like him. That’s still true today. Some people will try to say things about God that aren’t true. Ask your children, “Where can you find out the truth about God?”
4. Bonus Activity: Play a game called Two Truths and a Lie with your family. In this game, each person takes a turn telling three things about them. Two things are true, and one is made up. The other players then try to guess which of the three things is a lie. When you’re done playing, remind your kids that everything we read in God’s Word is the truth!