Alive in Christ – Colossians 2:11-15 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 2:11-15 (ESV)
"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.
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, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Introduction: From Death to Life
Paul continues his warning against false teachings by reminding the Colossians of a crucial truth: In Christ, they are already made alive and fully forgiven.
Religious traditions, extra rules, and legalistic systems cannot add anything to what Jesus has already done. Their faith, and ours, is based on His finished work, not our own efforts.
Paul uses three powerful images to describe what Christ has done for us:
Spiritual circumcision – Cutting away the old life
Burial and resurrection – Dying to sin and rising in new life
A legal victory – Our sins are canceled, and the powers of darkness are defeated
This passage reminds us that we don’t have to strive for salvation because it is finished. Let’s break it down.
1. The Spiritual Circumcision of the Heart (v.11-12)
"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."
"Circumcised without hands" – In the Old Testament, circumcision was a physical sign of belonging to God’s covenant. But Paul says Christ has done something greater. He has circumcised our hearts. This means the cutting away of our sinful nature.
"Buried with him in baptism, raised with him through faith" – Baptism is a picture of our union with Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus, we die to sin and are raised to new life, just as He was raised from the dead.
Reflection:
Are you still trying to earn your place with God, or do you trust that you are already His?
Is your life a reflection of someone who has died to sin and been raised in Christ?
2. Forgiven and Made Alive in Christ (v.13-14)
"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, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
"You were dead" – Before Christ, we weren’t just struggling. We were spiritually dead. Dead people can’t revive themselves. We needed God to make us alive.
"Having forgiven us all our trespasses" – Every sin, whether past, present, or future, has been fully forgiven.
"Canceling the record of debt" – In Roman times, legal debts were recorded on a written document. Paul says our record of sin has been wiped clean—completely erased.
"Nailing it to the cross" – When someone was crucified, their crimes were written and nailed above them. Jesus took our list of sins and nailed it to the cross, paying the price in full.
Reflection:
Do you still carry guilt for sins that Jesus has already canceled?
Are you living as someone who has been made alive in Christ, or do you still act like you’re spiritually dead?
3. Christ’s Victory Over Darkness (v.15)
"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
"Disarmed" – The demonic forces of evil had power over us because of sin, but through the cross, Jesus stripped them of their power.
"Put them to open shame" – In Roman military victories, defeated enemies were often paraded through the streets as a public humiliation. Paul says Jesus has done the same to Satan’s kingdom.
"Triumphing over them" – The cross wasn’t a defeat for Jesus. It was a public victory over every force that opposed God.
Reflection:
Do you live like someone who is free from the power of sin and darkness?
Do you fully trust that Jesus has already won the victory?
Final Thoughts: Live in the Freedom of Christ
Paul’s message is clear: You are fully forgiven, spiritually alive, and victorious in Christ.
🔥 Stop striving for what Jesus has already secured.
💧 Remember your identity—you have been buried and raised with Christ.
✝️ Live in freedom—your sins are nailed to the cross, and you are no longer bound by them.
💪 Walk in confidence—Jesus has already defeated every power that stood against you.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I still holding onto guilt that Jesus already nailed to the cross?
✔️ Am I living like someone who has been made alive in Christ?
✔️ Do I truly believe that Jesus won the victory over sin and darkness?
Tomorrow, Paul will continue teaching how to stay free from legalism and empty religious rules.
