II.
[4.
Special Enforcement of Doctrinal Teaching (Colossians 2:1 to Colossians 3:4).
(1) EXHORTATION TO STAND FAST IN THE FAITH, dictated by special anxiety for them and the sister churches, urging them to seek all wisdom in Christ alone, and to keep to the old simplicity of the gospel (Colossians 2:1-7).
(2) WARNING AGAINST SPECULATIVE ERROR, turning them “to philosophy and vain deceit” from Christ.
(a)
For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead.
(b)
In Him they have the true spiritual circumcision of the New Covenant.
(c)
From Him, and from Him alone, can they receive justification from sin, and the new life of grace (Colossians 2:8-15).
(3) WARNING AGAINST PRACTICAL SUPERSTITION.
(a)
In relation to obsolete Jewish ordinances (Colossians 2:16-17).
(b)
In worship of angels, sinning against the sole Headship of Christ (Colossians 2:18-19).
(4) DECLARATION OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN STATE.
(a)
As dead with Christ, and so dead to all the vain and carnal ordinances, which have a show of wisdom but no reality (Colossians 2:20-23).
(b)
As risen with Christ, and so bound to seek the things above, and have a life hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-4).]