Session 1

How do you know what’s true?

From NewSpring at Home: A Study on Colossians

Scripture

“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. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:8-15

Observation

Paul tells believers to be careful about what they accept as truth. Often, we’ll accept an idea or way of doing things because it sounds good or it’s what we’ve always done. 

Instead, Paul encourages us to place our trust in Christ and Christ alone. Jesus is the ultimate ruler and king of all, so He is the one we look to for truth and understanding. 

We can stand up to tradition, peer pressure, and any other “spirits of the world” because we have direct access to the Creator.

We see who God is through Jesus and through His Word. When we get still and listen, we can hear the quiet voice of the Lord. His Spirit illuminates the Scriptures as we read, revealing God’s promises and plans for our life. 

Application 

• Do you have a hard time telling the difference between God’s ideas and the world’s ideas? If so, why? 
  
• Did any philosophies or empty deceits come to mind as you were reading? How can you replace these ideas with God’s truth? 

Prayer

Father, I know your words are true. I know your voice is steady and constant when the rest of the world is not. Show me how to trust you and you alone. No matter how loud the world gets, continue to reveal yourself to me and guiding me in the right direction and protecting me from the captivity of the enemy. You are good and I love you.