A sermon from Colossians 2:8-15
Warning
See to it that no one takes you captive. This warning sparks the rest of the passage, so let’s understand it before we look at baptism. What is it that might capture us? Philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world…
Paul is talking about Godless human wisdom and ways of thinking: Godless religion, Godless moralism, Godless patriotism, etc. that stretches out like a trapper’s net through every medium of information we have. Empty deception refers to ideas that are foolish and false; hollow and misleading. These ideas are like bubbles that we follow until they pop and we realize we’re lost, such as the false beauty portrayed by the media, the empty promises of money, the illusions of astrology, and so on.
This is the warning that paves the way for clear thinking about baptism: Don’t be captured by empty ideas, be captivated by Jesus. Because in him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, and in him you have been made complete, and he is the head over all rule and authority. In other words, Jesus is the ultimate Undercover Boss, the ultimate authority and ruler who came down here to complete us. But there’s more (here’s where we get to baptism): and in him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands…
Circumcision and Baptism
Circumcision was the outward, physical sign of the inward, spiritual covenant between God and his special people, Israel. Baptism is the outward, physical sign of the new inward, spiritual covenant between God and his special people, Christians. Circumcision was the removal of a bit of skin. Baptism is immersion under water and rising back up. Both signify identification and covenant relationship with God.
In the old covenant, people entered primarily by birth, so circumcision was done after birth. In the new covenant, people enter by new birth through placing their faith in Jesus, so baptism is done after commitment and faith in Jesus. Both are done physically with hands, but God has always made it clear that he is primarily concerned with the internal, spiritual reality.
Deuteronomy 10:16
So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.
Deuteronomy 30:6
Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,
And remove the foreskins of your heart,
Or else my wrath will go forth like fire,
And burn with none to quench it,
Because of the evil of your deeds.
In other words, the physical act is meaningless except in so far as it represents the heart change. And Jesus is the only one who can make this heart change happen.
What is the Spiritual Change?
Paul explains it in verses 11-14 and here’s a summary:
It is the putting to death of your sinfulness and raising to life of your faithfulness.
It is the forgiveness of your trespasses.
It is the cancellation of our debt with God.
It is the removal of everything that stands between us and God.
So don’t be captured by empty ideas. Be captivated by the fullness of Jesus.
Discussion Starters
1. What philosophies and empty deceptions have taken you captive in the past? Currently? What do you see capturing those around you?
2. Describe the difference between being captivated by Jesus and going to church.
3. Read Deuteronomy 10:16 and 30:6. Why does God ask his people to do something that he has promised to do himself?
4. Describe your experience with baptism. If you’ve been baptized, why did you decide to do it? How did the realities of Colossians 2:11-12 factor into your baptism?
5. If a Christian’s body of flesh has been removed (2:11), why do they still sin? (Romans 6:1-7 is helpful here.) Do you think it’s possible for a Christian to go a full day without sinning? A week? A month?
6. Do you believe that water baptism is necessary for salvation? Why or why not? Do you believe it should be required for church membership?
7. How can you serve each other as a group in light of this passage?
8. How can your group pray for you this week?
