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. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (Colossians 2:8-10)

Paul warns the Colossians—and us—to be on guard. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, we’re told to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Philippians 4:8 tells us exactly what kinds of things we should dwell on. This passage echoes that call but with a sharp warning: do not let your mind be taken captive by the world’s wisdom.

The philosophies and deep thoughts of the world may sound enticing, but to God they are foolishness. Paul says they are “empty deceit”—void of true substance and full of lies. They are not according to Christ, and that alone should be enough for us to reject them without hesitation.

Why? Because we already have everything we need in Christ. The fullness of God dwells bodily in Him, and because He indwells us, His full authority rests over us. If Christ is our Head, then we are to submit our minds, wills, and lives entirely to Him. To submit them to the master of this world through deceptive philosophies, human traditions, or the elemental spirits is to willingly step under a rule that has no rightful claim over us.

The enemy is the father of lies, and he has no authority over the children of God. Therefore, we have no business dabbling in his “wisdom” or entertaining his ideas. Our focus must remain fixed on Jesus Christ—our Head, our Master, our God. He alone is truth, and He alone is worthy of captivating all of our heart and mind.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Paul begins this passage by reminding us of what happened when we first received Christ. The Greek word here for ‘received’ means “to join to oneself, to associate with oneself.” When we came to faith, we weren’t just agreeing to a set of beliefs—we were joined to Jesus Himself, becoming one with Him. Our identity is now in Jesus.

Because of that union, Paul commands us to walk—to regulate and conduct our lives—in Christ. The word “in” (en) here is beautiful. It denotes a fixed position, a place of rest, where we give ourselves wholly to Christ. It’s not like “with” (para), which means to be close beside. We are in Him, abiding and resting in that relationship.

Paul then describes three things God has done and is doing in us:

Rooted – This verb is in the perfect tense, meaning it’s a completed action with lasting effect. We have been firmly planted in Christ, our stable and unshakable foundation.

Built up – Present tense. God is actively building on that foundation in an ongoing, continual way.

Established – Also present tense. God is continually stabilizing and making us steadfast in our faith and fellowship with Him.

Also take notice that these three verbs are written in what’s called the passive voice in the Greek—meaning we are the receivers of the action, not the doers. God Himself is the One rooting, building, and establishing us. Our role? Abide.

And Paul ends with a command: be abounding in thanksgiving. The Greek means to overflow beyond measure, to excel in gratitude. This isn’t polite table-grace thankfulness—it’s an extravagant, overflowing response to God’s grace. The word thanksgiving (eucharistia) reminds us of the heart posture we are to carry daily: gratitude for the One who gave Himself so we could receive Him, be rooted in Him, and grow in Him.

We began by receiving Christ; we continue by resting in Him and letting Him do the work that keeps us stable, grounded, and overflowing in thanks. So continue to abide in Him, abounding in thanksgiving, and let God do that work!

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:1-5)

Paul had just finished explaining how he toils and struggles through the power of God to proclaim Christ and make disciples. Then, he shifts his tone in chapter 2 with a deeply personal note—he tells the Colossians of his struggle for them, using a word that implies deep, intense concern. He longed for their hearts to be encouraged, for them to be unified in love, and for their faith to be anchored in the full assurance of Christ. He wanted them to grow in maturity so they wouldn’t be deceived by persuasive arguments that sound good but lead away from truth.

That should make us pause and ask ourselves:

Do I have this kind of concern for others? Do I long for their encouragement, unity, and growth in Christ the way Paul did? Or am I too quick to critique immaturity instead of stepping into the loving work of building others up through grace and truth?

If we want to love people like this—to see them as God sees them—we have to examine my own hearts first. Pride and self-focus are subtle but powerful barriers. They keep us from humbly loving, from listening, from lifting others above ourselves. But the good news is, this kind of love isn’t something we have to muster on our own. Just like Paul said in Colossians1:29, this struggle is done with God’s energy, which He powerfully works within us.

So, let’s return again to the instruction: Abide in Christ. Remain in Him. Let Him do the work in you and through you.