Sermon Notes + 10.25.2026
SERMON NOTES
Established in the Faith
Colossians 2
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The Reformation doctrine of sola Scriptura is found throughout the Bible but is perhaps nowhere more necessary than Colossians 2, where the Apostle Paul urges believers to be established in the faith by setting aside human tradition in order to be rooted and built up in Jesus Christ. Paul makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is the only proper object of our faith: in Him all the fullness of the deity dwells bodily; in Him we have been forgiven of all our trespasses; in Him we have received new life; in Him we experience the fullness of all that God has for us; in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and in Him all the rulers and authorities have been put to open shame. Paul therefore warns against those who would direct our attention away from Christ by deluding us with plausible arguments; taking us captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition; by passing judgment in matters unrelated to the finished work of Christ; by insisting on additional spiritual experiences; or by submitting to human regulations. Although Paul recognizes the attraction of such extra-scriptural ideas and practices, he notes they have no value, and they turn our attention away from Christ, who is the Head of the body. With this in mind, let all who have received Christ walk in Him, being rooted and built up in Him with Scripture alone as our guide.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. What is the nature of Paul’s struggle for the Colossians and Laodiceans according to verses 1-5? How does the remainder of the chapter depict his desire to help them reach the full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is in Christ? Who has poured into your life in a similar way, and whose life are you pouring into in a similar way?
2. What does it mean to receive Christ (v. 6)? Is it possible to receive Christ and not walk in Him? How does this passage demonstrate the importance of combining orthodoxy (right teaching) with orthopraxy (right living)? How might our failure to understand our position in Christ lead to false teaching about Christ?
3. Note Paul’s outline of the person and work of Christ in this chapter. Using the paragraph summary of the message, locate where each aspect of Christ and His work is found in the passage. As the Lord leads you to share your faith with others, keep this outline handy for explaining the supremacy of Christ in all things.
4. What examples of human tradition and empty deceit in the church as a whole can you think of that Paul would reject today? What examples of adding additional spiritual experiences or judging someone’s spirituality based on extra-biblical practices can you think of that Paul would reject today? How does the doctrine of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) encourage you to reject such additions to the finished work of Christ?
5. In what ways does Paul acknowledge the lure of additional teachings, traditions, and regulations in the Christian life? Why do such things have an appearance of wisdom even though they are clearly additives to God’s Word? Pray that you will remain firm in your faith in Christ as you find Him in Scripture alone.
For Further Reading: Matthew Barrett, God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture (Zondervan, 2016)