Saturday, May 9, 2009

Colossians 2:13-15 "A Defeated Foe"

Read Colossians 2:13-15.

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities he made a spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." NIV

Paul is still addressing the false teachings that were bombarding the church of Colosse. But there are so many truths here that are applicable to our lives as believers today.

We are no longer bound by the "written code with its regulations." Christ took all of that on Himself, and made us free to have a direct relationship with God. Our relationship is not based on do's and don'ts, but on love, grace, and surrender.

But here's the part I really want to focus on -- He "disarmed the powers and authorities." When Christ submitted to hang on a cross for our sins, the enemies -- visible and invisible -- were conquered. We are no longer bound to the written code but we are also not bound to the enemy's power either. Since the sinful nature is destroyed, we are not only given power over it, but over the enemy, as well. We have been gifted an authority over the minions of Satan and even Satan himself. He has no power over us that we do not give to him.

How often do we give the enemy the power he does not rightfully have? We yield to his temptations. We flirt with his enticements. We allow compromise to creep in. We fail to remain diligent and become lukewarm in our devotion and faith. We live in defeat and depression denying our rightful joy. We simply hand all our authority over to the enemy wrapped up with a silver bow.

But it doesn't have to be that way, and it's time we retake our authority back. Not with political petitions or propaganda emails, but in each individual heart and life. Sometimes we can try to swing too far the opposite direction and become God on earth. We are not meant to have control over this earth; we are meant to make a difference in it by His power and authority. No matter what we see happening around us, the enemy is defeated if we take claim over the power given to us by the Father. It's a leap of faith and every individual believer must make the leap by themselves. No one can do it for them. The promise is there. Claim it; live it. No longer serve a defeated foe; but live in the power of the Almighty.

Further Thoughts:
  1. Are you trapped in a defeatist mindset? Why? What do you need to do to claim power over the enemy?
  2. No one in the Bible served God by overthrowing the present political regime. How did they serve Him?
  3. What is the connection between claiming the power of Christ within us and prayer? Support with Scripture.

2 comments:

  1. Wow! The last two posts have been VERY powerful... "How often do we give the enemy the power he does not rightfully have?" Great question! One that forces some soul searching... Thanks. Debbie

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  2. Very good post. We do allow the "enemy" (any spiritual force or temptation) too much leverage, "the power he does not rightfully have," as you said. Jesus faced the might of Rome and even the leadership of his own people that opposed him but he held to God's course for his life. And that is a good thing for us! You have some good Bible studies here, thanks.

    Note: I linked here from Writer's Rest.
    WB

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