A note from our Pastor’s Desk:

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Colossians 2:15

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse for this week is Colossians 2:15. This verse provides the third and final portion of a thought that begins in Colossians 2:13. In this setting, we examine one verse at a time, but to see the full meaning, it is necessary to consider all three verses together. In our study this week, we will consider both the larger context and the specific meaning of Colossians 2:15.

The Apostle Paul begins his thought with a problem statement. The child of God was dead in trespasses and sins (Colossians 2:13). The individual, being dead naturally or spiritually, cannot change their status. The solution to this problem is the quickening, or life-giving, power of God.

The sins of the child of God without a counteraction of forgiveness held the power of death over each of the elect. The act of forgiveness necessary to cancel the sin debt and override the authority of death was completed by Christ on the cross (Colossians 2:14). The blotted out debt was nailed to the cross in completion of his work.

This leads to the message in Colossians 2:15. The devil and his demons are the principalities and powers referenced. Their power, before the death of Christ, was holding the sin debt of the child of God over them. The eternal death sentence was a powerful tool, but with the sins forgiven by God Satan loses all power.

Finally, the Apostle tells us through the imagery in this verse that his victory was not accomplished in private. In Roman times, when a military leader won a great battle he paraded the defeated enemy through the streets to demonstrate his dominance. Christ did not need a parade, but when he appeared to many during the 40 days between his resurrection and his ascension it provided a public demonstration of his victory. This public demonstration allows believers today to have confidence in the hope that is in our hearts. 

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah