Tuesday, July 15 – Colossians 2, 3

1. In whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden? (Colossians 2:2–3)

2. In whom does all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily? (Colossians 2:9)

3. Where should we set our minds? (Colossians 3:2)

4. In whose name should everything be done? (Colossians 3:17)

Paul writes to the Colossians to address heretical teachings that blend Judaizing practices with Gnosticism. These ideas confused the church and shifted its focus away from Christ as the only Mediator. The apostle clearly states: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9, NKJV).

The SDA Bible Commentary adds:

“In Christ is found all that God is, every quality of deity: dignity, authority, excellence, power to create and to order the universe, energy to sustain and guide the universe, love to redeem mankind, foresight to provide all necessities for every creature.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Col. 2:9).

The imagery of being “rooted and built up in Him” (Col. 2:7) illustrates a life characterized by constant spiritual growth. Paul cautions against empty human philosophies that substitute the sufficiency of Christ.

“Paul was himself a trained philosopher. He did not condemn philosophy as such… What he did condemn was any system of thought that gave preeminence to man rather than to Christ as the solution to the problem of life.” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 207, on Col. 2:8).

Paul clarifies that Christ removed the “handwriting of requirements” on the cross. Some have misunderstood this phrase.

“That which was blotted out was the ‘handwriting’ (see on v. 14), the bond, that which was against, that which condemned… The cross marks the transition from one system (Judaism) to another (Christianity).” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 209, on Col. 2:14).

In verse 16, Paul tells believers not to let others judge them regarding food, drink, or festivals.
“Some have erroneously concluded that Paul’s statement here abolishes the distinction between clean and unclean meats… But this passage does not mention the subject of unclean meats at all.” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 211, on Col. 2:16).

The worship of angels, promoted by false teachers, is also rejected. “Paul warns the Colossians against accepting this belief, for it is contrary to the teachings of Christ. Jesus, quoting Deut. 6:13, declared, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve’ (Matt. 4:10).” SDA Bible Commentary, Colossians 2:18

The core issue was that these teachers were “not holding fast to the Head” (Col. 2:19). Ellen G. White writes: “True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God. We are to be sanctified to God through obedience to the truth.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 565)

In chapter 3, Paul shifts focus to the new life in Christ: setting our minds on things above and living as those who have been raised with Him. “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). This is not just future hope; it is a present reality of security and fellowship with Christ.

To “put on the new man” (Col. 3:10) means transforming one’s thoughts, attitude, and behavior. Christian virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and patience must be daily practiced and worn by the believer (Col. 3:12–14). Paul says that love “is the bond of perfection” (v. 14). Practicing virtues without love results in distortion (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:3).

Let the “peace of God rule” (Col. 3:15), the term “rule” derives from the athletic world, meaning “to act as umpire.” During times of internal conflict, we must ask: Which path brings peace to the heart and the church?

Colossians 3:16 encourages us to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” through teaching, singing, and gratitude. Early Christians didn’t have the full New Testament, so teachings were memorized and often sung. Paul concludes: “And whatever you do… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). This is a call to reflect Christ in every thought, word, and action.

Paul also speaks of relationships: marriage, parenting, work, each marked by mutual respect, love, and sincerity: “The hypocrite is he who seeks only to please his master while he is being watched, but when unobserved does no work at all.” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 222, on Col. 3:22).

Christ is not only sufficient; He is everything. He frees us from legalism and sin and invites us to a life of transformation through grace.

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24, NKJV)

Have a blessed day centered in Christ.