May 16, 2025

WE ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Colossians 2:8-15 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul warns the Colossians—and us—not to be fooled by ideas that sound spiritual but come from human thinking or dark spiritual influences. Every generation has false teachings that sound wise but pull us away from Jesus.

So, Paul brings us back to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done. He gives us six powerful truths that anchor our faith.

1. Christ is Fully God (v.9)

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.”

Jesus isn’t just a good teacher or a prophet. He is God in human form. Everything about God’s nature and power is found in Him. You don’t need anything added to Jesus—He is enough.

2. You Are Complete in Christ (v.10)

“You also are complete through your union with Christ.”

When you belong to Jesus, you don’t lack anything spiritually. The Holy Spirit lives in you. God has made His home in you—you are not alone, and you are not missing anything.

3. You’ve Been Made Spiritually New (vv.11–12)

“Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.”

This means that your old, sinful nature was cut away when you gave your life to Christ. You were also buried with Him in baptism and raised to a new life. Baptism is a public picture of your spiritual reality—your old self is gone, and you are brand new in Christ.

4. Your Heart Has Been Changed (v.13)

“You were dead because of your sins… Then God made you alive with Christ.”

Before Jesus, we were spiritually dead separated from God. But now, we are spiritually alive. This transformation didn’t start on the outside (like physical circumcision), it started in your heart. Real change begins within.

5. Your Sin Has Been Canceled (v.14)

“He canceled the record of the charges against us… nailing it to the cross.”

Think of a long list of every sin and mistake you’ve ever made. God took that list, nailed it to the cross, and said, “Paid in full.” You don’t owe that debt anymore. You are forgiven.

6. Satan Has Been Defeated (v.15)

“He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities… by His victory on the cross.”

The cross didn’t just free us from sin—it also defeated every demonic power. Satan has no authority over you. His weapons are powerless against a believer filled with the Spirit of God.

You are complete in Christ, forgiven, free, and victorious. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don’t be distracted by teachings that sound deep but lead you away from Him. Everything you need is found in Him.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, thank You for the finished work of Jesus. Help me walk in the freedom, power, and completeness I have in Christ. Let my heart stay focused on Him alone. Amen.

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