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The Teams
Colossians 2:13-23
Rev. Dr. Ernest Brodie Jr.
 
 
 
 
The greatest contest everyone faces in life is for their soul. This battle is with the world, the flesh, and the devil and effects both believers and unbelievers. (Romans 1:16-32, Ephesians 2:1-5) We need to choose and play for the winning team. As believers, we are on the winning team! Colossians 2:13-23 reminds us of things we need to keep in mind, because we are on Christ’s team.
 
1.  As believers, do not forget you are on Christ’s team - Colossians 2:13-15. “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
 
• Christ has quickened us and made us alive in Christ. Ephesians 2:1: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”  Before salvation, even at our best, we could not please God. Being made alive in Christ, we are free to live for Him and be on His team.
 
• Christ has forgiven us of all our sins. He has taken away our sins. Colossians 2:14: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” The debt we owed has been paid in full. Our sins are removed. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions, from us” (Psalm 103:12). “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19).
 
• Christ has triumphed over demonic hordes. Colossians 2:15: “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Believers belong to Him. Do not forget what team you are on.
 
2.  As believers, do not sweat the small stuff - Colossians 2:16-17. “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”  
 
Do not become entangled with what man does to prove we are following God. These were only shadows of things that have been fulfilled in Christ. Christ has already come. There are no more shadows. He is here. Enjoy your relationship with Him. Our attitude is everything. Focus on Christ and His winning team.
 
3.  As believers, be careful what you focus on  - Colossians 2:18-23. “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”
 
• Be careful not to intrude into sacred areas. Watch out, because Satan is the master of bait and switch. Remember as believers we are already on God’s team. Beware of false humility and being pulled into the worship of angels or demons instead worshipping Almighty God. Man attempts to elevate himself up to God or to bring God down to him. He becomes puffed up in his mind. In 2 Chronicles 26, we see the story of the godly King Uzziah who lived for God. When he became strong in his heart, he believed he could take it upon himself to enter into the priest’s office and offer incense. As a result of this sin, he was struck with leprosy, which led to his death. Sadly, many great Christians and Christian leaders have lost their focus because of pride. They think they can do anything. They are beguiled and end up falling into sin.
 
• Be careful of not accepting the Christ of the Bible. Colossians 2:19: “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”
 
• Be careful of promoting works instead of the true Gospel. Colossians 2:20-22: “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?”  Beware of those who say, “Do not do this or do this.” Going back to the rudiments of the world, men keep coming up with things to do and try to promote rules and rituals to provide salvation, instead of obtaining a personal relationship to God. Nothing needs to be added. Jesus said, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7).
 
• Be careful of things that have the appearance of wisdom. Colossians 2:23: “Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” The appearance of righteousness does not necessarily mean it is righteous.
 
As Christians on a winning team, do not allow Satan to steal your joy. Live for God by being faithful to Him and walking with Him daily. We are on the winning team.