He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation for by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through him and for Him, and He is before all things. And in him all things hold together.
He said, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit. According to the human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ, or in him the whole fullness of the deity dwells in him bodily.”
Colossians 1:15-17 & Colossians 2:8-9
Q & A：
- Discuss what Gnosticism, heresy, false doctrine or teaching would do to church and how sincere Christians would know the doctrine teaching or theology is solid, sound and upholds the truth. Explain how people may be misled to worship angels including elect and guardian angels, who are God’s instruments and fallen angels, who are demonic spirits today.(Col 2:8-9; Gal 2:21; John 7:17; Col 2:18; Psa 34:7)
- Discuss what you know about the person of Jesus, including the pre-existence form in the beginning as the Word, being the first and the last, the same God-man yesterday today and forever who upholds the universe by the word of His power, and as a human being on earth.(John 1:1-3; Rev 1:17; Heb 13:8; Heb 1:3)
- What was the purpose of Jesus’ death by referring to salvation, redemption and reconciliation of mankind? Discuss what was accomplished when Jesus said “it is finished”, died on the cross and was raised from the dead by referring to disarming principalities and powers and triumphing over the devil. (Col 1:13-14; Col 1:20, 22; Col 2:14-15)