Here are just a few highlights about this wonderful portion of scripture, covered in this sermon:
The deity and authority of Jesus
The change the Spirit does in us and how He makes us ALIVE
The meaning of our baptism
The distinction between Law and Gospel - what the Law even means
Spiritual warfare (the ‘disarming of rulers and authorities’)
A.I. summary of this sermon:
Mark Batten's sermon draws heavily from Colossians 2:8-15. Here are the key verses he uses and their significance:
1. Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
Mark uses this verse to warn against false teachings and philosophies that are not rooted in Christ but in human traditions and worldly principles.
2. Colossians 2:9-10
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."
These verses highlight Christ's divinity and the completeness believers have in Him, emphasizing that no additional human rituals or teachings are needed for spiritual fulfillment.
3. Colossians 2:11-12
"In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands... having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead."
Mark explains these verses to describe spiritual transformation—putting off the sinful nature (spiritual circumcision) and being raised to new life through baptism.
4. Colossians 2:13-14
"When you were dead in your sins... God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness... nailing it to the cross."
These verses underline the forgiveness of sins and the removal of guilt through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
5. Colossians 2:15
"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Mark uses this verse to emphasize Christ’s victory over spiritual powers and authorities, showcasing His ultimate triumph through the cross.
These verses collectively form the foundation of Mark's message about Christ's sufficiency, spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and victory.
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