Nothing Takes Us Captive

Minister Joaquin Chavez

Colossians 2:8-10

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

1.        No one takes you captive

-              Teachings at that time were taking away people from the true gospel

-              Paul talked about this over and over

Galatians 4:8-9

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

2.        You have been filled in him

-              The false teachers are proclaiming a doctrine and demanding practices that do not depend on Christ

-              These things that enslave us are not more powerful than Jesus

-              When we choose them, we are opening the doors to let the robbers in

3.        Be your best ally

If it feels hard for you to give up the things that are bad for you, that is an indicator that you are enslaved by it. It should bring you joy fighting it because you know Jesus is going to help you and the freedom you will receive will be so much better for you.

Slaves to 

The clock

Our fears

Others’ opinions 

Doubts

Criticism 

Cultural norms

Social groups 

Insecurities 

Money

Desires

Jealousy

Loneliness

Rejection

Romans 7:21

21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. 

Galatians 6:1-2

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

1 Corinthians 6:12

12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything

John 10:10-11

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Applications 

1.        List out the ways you have failed to live the way you were supposed to. Try to identify all the actions that led to you making that mistake. Keep thinking until you find what started the temptation.

2.        Make a plan for a future reoccurrence of that situation/temptation to help fight it when it is at its weakest strength. 

3.        If you fail again, find someone to help you find new ways to prevent another failure and help you stay accountable.

4.        Share with a friend what you struggle with so they can help you be accountable and ask them if there is anything you can do for them. Don’t keep trying to fight alone and keep failing. 

5.        Pray until something happens. Seek Jesus strength and protection to ensure you don’t get held captive.

Questions

1.        What are some popular teachings now for how to live your life that threaten to take you back to your old self? (Ex. You have to look out for yourself because no one else will)(more money gives you more security and peace of mind)

2.        What are some things you do that add no spiritual value to your life? 

3.        How are you trying to resist doing the things that could hurt your faith and take you away from God?