Colossians 2:6-10

Colossians 2:6-10


There are numerous ways of studying God's word... both the good and the bad practices. The most important aspect of studying scripture is to derive from it what was intended. It is to nurture our spiritual growth and help us become all that God intends for us to be. It is to help us understand God, His standards and expectations. It is to help us understand humanity's spiritual weaknesses in our self and also in others. And it is to be understood within the presented context, and within it's historical framework.

The following example of breaking down a verse is one of the simplest and most basic ways for a believer to begin a bible study. As one becomes accustomed to this approach, he or she can grow and learn several other equally valid methods of getting into God's word.


6 Therefore, (Let's grow and move forward... based on God's word)
 as you (All who are in Christ, including myself)
  received (Offered to me and I accepted)
   Christ Jesus the Lord, (Jesus only... no other religious teacher, guru, or charlatan)
    so walk in Him, (My actions, thoughts, desires, efforts are grounded in Him)
7 rooted (That which holds me in place, balances me, gives me strength, and sustains)
 and built up in Him (He is the potter... I am the clay)
  and established in the faith, (Many world systems and philosophies, but my purpose is in Christ's gospel)
    just as you were taught, (Not my education from other sources, but that from sound biblical teaching)
      abounding in thanksgiving. (Always thankful for what Christ has done, giving Him praise and glory)
8 See to it (My effort, not God's or anyone elses)
 that no one (It doesn't matter who it is, how great, mighty, or attractive they might be)
  takes you captive (Loss of freedom... once caught, I am trapped and unable to escape)
   by philosophy (Man's best thinking and deepest thoughts, no matter how appealing they might seem)
    and empty deceit, (Not beneficial to my spiritual purity, but that which tricks me into putting my Christ-centeredness aside)
     according to human tradition, (Man's great teachings passed down through the generations)
       according to the elemental spirits of the world, (The most basic, seemingly normal and commonly encountered spiritual teachings)
         and not according to Christ. (If it doesn't stack up with Christ's teachings and example, then it's harmful and incorrect)
9 For in Him (Nothing outside of Christ, but only that which is Him alone)
 the whole fullness (Complete and not lacking for more)
  of deity dwells bodily, (If I want to see God... just look at Jesus. He alone is God-in-man)
10 and you  (All who are in Christ, including myself)
  have been filled  (Filled means all the way to the top, not just part way)
    in Him,  (Jesus only... no other religious teacher, guru, or charlatan)
     who is the head  (The boss, the top dog, the one in charge, the one to be obeyed and listened to, the one who makes the rules)
       of all rule and authority.  (At the very top, doesn't get any higher than this, my ways and desires submit to His)