Latest revision as of 12:35, 30 May 2018

Learning Objectives

• Students will determine not to diligently follow the latest fad in religion but rather to follow Christ.

Text

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] 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. 11 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, 12 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. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities[b] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Introduction

• This devotion is meant to precede a game of capture the flag.

Main Idea

• What are some of the latest and greatest things you can think of?
• What makes these things so great?
• What captivates people today?

Transition

• It is easy to get captured by how amazing something new is. Do you know anybody that thinks the newest ... is the best ever but you disagree?
• Is it ever true that the latest and greatest is not always the best?

Main Body

• In Colossians 2:8 Paul warns the church to be careful of being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit. What are some examples of religious items that take people captive today?
  • Why are these items dangerous?
• According to the rest of the passage, how are Christians to avoid being taken captive?
  • Answer: by focussing on Christ.

Conclusion

• Today we are going to play capture the flag. But anybody who has played the game much, knows that the real name of the game should be "Don't get captured." The game is actually really boring for the people who get captured right away.
• Life is the same way, when we take our focus off of Christ and go after the latest and greatest we actually miss out on the best parts of life. A life lived for the glory of Christ.