Pastor Scott Applegate
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Colossians 2:2-4 NIV
El Shaddai: “The God who is sufficient, the God who is enough” (Genesis 17:2, Psalm 91:1)
Jesus is the all sufficient Lord and Savior
- Jesus is sufficient in His Finished Work (Prophet, Priest, King) Colossians 2:11-15
- Jesus is sufficient in His Power (Scripture, The Holy Spirit, the Church) Colossians 2:9-10
- Jesus is sufficient in His Love (Romans 8:31-39)
Artificial additives to the sufficiency of Jesus:
- Jesus + Philosophy
“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.” Colossians 2:8 NIV
Philosophy: “Phileo” (Love) + “Sophia” (Wisdom) = The love of wisdom
- Jesus + Legalism
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Colossians 2:16-17 NIV
Legalism: Commanding something of people that Scripture does not or condemning something that Scripture does not condemn.
- Jesus + Mysticism
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.” Colossians 2:18-19 NIV
Mysticism: The over emphasis on subjective experience rather than objective truth.
- Jesus + Asceticism
“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” Colossians 2:20-23 NIV
Asceticism: An attempt to accomplish inner peace and righteousness by pride and self-denial.
Conclusion: It’s Jesus + Nothing; He is the God who is enough.
“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.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV