Sermon Notes and Discussion Questions 6-30-2024
June 30, 2024

Colossians (Part 10): From Shadows to Substance

Introduction: It is so much easier to exchange current challenges in your life for new challenges instead of tackling the challenges you currently have.


Because we have all we need in Christ, we don’t need:

  1. Old Testament Ceremonial Law (Col. 2:16-17, Heb. 4:9-11)
    These were shadows, not the substance.

  2. Spiritualism (Col. 2:18-19, Rev. 19:10)
    Spiritual experiences are difficult to rely upon because Satan is a liar, a deceiver, and a master at creating counterfeit experiences.

  3. Asceticism (Col. 2:20-23, 1 Tim. 4:1-4)
    Self-made religion can’t actually help you fight sin. All it does is create a system of pretending and performance without any real transformation.


Legalism depends on us. Grace depends on God. What you need is not something more than Jesus, but more of Jesus.

Small Group Discussion Questions

  1. The Appeal of “More” (Colossians 2:16-23) Pastor Josh mentioned that one of the reasons people fall for heresies is that people often seek new challenges rather than addressing current ones in their faith journey. Why do you think this tendency exists, and how does it relate to Paul’s warning in Colossians 2?

  2. Judgment and Legalism (Colossians 2:16-17): Discuss the dangers of judgment based on external practices like dietary rules or religious observances, as Paul mentions in verse 16. How can we avoid falling into the trap of legalism in our Christian walk?

  3. Spiritual Experiences vs. True Spiritual Growth (Colossians 2:18-19): Discuss the allure of spiritual experiences and their potential pitfalls. How can we pursue authentic spiritual growth without chasing after subjective experiences or practices?

  4. The Role of Grace in Transformation (Colossians 2:23): One of the emphases on this passage is relying on grace VS relying on legalism. How does grace enable true spiritual transformation compared to merely adhering to external rules or practices?

  5. Living Out True Religion (Colossians 3:1-17): Looking at the following passage in Colossians 3:1-17, how can we practically live out the imperatives of true religion (seeking things above, putting to death earthly nature, etc.) in light of Paul’s warnings in chapter 2?

  6. Application: As we interact with others in our families, workplaces, and communities, how can we demonstrate the grace we’ve received in Christ rather than judging others by external standards? What practical steps can we take to embody Christ’s love and grace to those around us?