“Don’t Be Taken Captive”

Colossians 2:6-8

 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

 

Isn’t it great that we don’t have to seek God every time we need Him?  He is always with us in the abiding presence of the Spirit.  We are blessed to have Christ in us.

Paul gives us sound advice in our passage, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him.”  If we have Jesus abiding in us, what does it mean live in him?

Although he is always with us and ready to guide us, Jesus does not treat us like puppets but gives us free will. As we make our choices, Jesus will help – if we let him.  We are to be “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Paul goes further to warn us not to be taken “captive” through secular philosophies that follow human traditions and principles rather than centering our lives in Christ.  Human wisdom only goes so far.  Divine revelation makes things much clearer.

Don’t be taken captive is good advice as we approach the world.  We must take care that we are “in the world but not of the world.”

QUESTIONS:

1. Is there anything that holds you captive?  Have you asked Christ to break the bonds and set you free?
2. Do you know people who are captive to some worldly thing?  Pray for them to be set free.
3. Is there anything scientific or philosophical that stands in the way of your faith?

PRAYER:

• Pray that God would break down worldly strongholds in your life.
• Pray that God would protect you from everything that would take you captive from your faith.
• Pray for the people on your prayer list.