Chapter 2

Theme: Life in Christ, Grace

• Paul continues with an exhortation,” 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” (v. 6)

• Emphasizing the phrase “just as you were taught”, Paul proceeds to warn them not to be taken “captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition… and not according to Christ.” (v. 8)

• Considering that the church mostly consisted of Gentiles, Paul addresses the issue of circumcision and salvation by works.

• He raises the question,“If in Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations– according to human precepts and teachings?” (v. 20-21)

– “these have indeed an appearance of

wisdom in promoting self made

religion… But they are of no value in

stopping the indulgence of the

flesh.” (v. 23)