The Fullness of Christ in Us
Colossians 2:8–12
We live in a world that is constantly asking for our allegiance. Everywhere you turn—news headlines, cultural movements, career demands, personal ambitions—each one is vying for your heart. Paul warns in Colossians 2:8 that there are “philosophies and empty deceits” that are not of Christ, but still seek to hold us captive.
The truth is, every person is captive to something. The question is: to whom or to what will we give ourselves? If we’re honest, most of us have at times been prisoners of our own desires, our own fears, or the endless expectations of others. But Paul reminds us that true freedom is not found in throwing off all authority—it is found in willingly being “held captive” by Christ. Why? Because when Jesus holds us, we are not shackled but set free. We are not diminished but made whole. To be “in Him” is not to lose life but to find it.
The Fullness of God in Christ
Paul makes a amazing claim in verse 10: “The entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by Him.”
Pause on that for a moment. The fullness of God—the Creator of galaxies, the sustainer of life, the holy and eternal God—dwelt in a man named Jesus. And when He ascended to heaven, He did not shed His humanity. He remains the eternal God-Man, radiant with glory, overflowing with life, filling eternity with His presence.
And here’s the wonder: Paul says you have been filled by Him. In other words, everything you need for faith, for life, for victory over sin and fear, has already been given to you in Christ. You are not empty. You are not without resource. The Spirit of Jesus, like living water, fills you until you overflow (John 7:37–39).
Think of that—if you belong to Christ, His Spirit is in you not just to comfort, but to overflow, to pour out His life through yours.
A Covenant of the Heart
To help us understand this new life, Paul takes us back to an old sign—circumcision. In Abraham’s day, circumcision was the outward sign of God’s covenant promise. It was meant to remind God’s people of His loyal love and their loyal faith in return. But the flesh has a way of failing. Israel’s history shows us that outward signs can become hollow when the heart is far from God.
So God promised something better—a circumcision of the heart (Jeremiah 31). A new covenant, not written in stone or marked in flesh, but sealed by His own Son. And this is what Paul declares in Colossians 2:11: “In Him you were circumcised… by Christ.”
How did He do this? Paul says it happened when we were buried with Christ in baptism. In baptism, we declare that our old self, with its fleshly loyalties and sinful patterns, has been put off. We are no longer bound by rulers or authorities, no longer chained by guilt or shame. Instead, we have been raised with Christ, alive through faith in the power of God.
Raised to Overflow
Think of baptism as more than a ritual. It is the new covenant sign, the outward reminder that Jesus has done something profound in our hearts. Just as Abraham’s circumcision marked him as belonging to God, our baptism declares that we belong to Christ. It is our way of saying: My life is no longer mine. I am His. My heart is His. My future is His.
And here is the miracle: the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in us. That Spirit cannot be contained. It overflows with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It overflows in witness to the world, because the fullness of God in us cannot help but spill into the lives around us.
For You Today
So what does this mean for us?
For the believer—it means learning to live from fullness, not emptiness. You don’t have to chase every philosophy or promise of fulfillment the world offers. In Christ, you already have everything. The question is: are you allowing Him to fill you, to overflow through you?
For the unbeliever—it means there is hope. You don’t have to keep trying to fix yourself, prove yourself, or free yourself. Christ offers to cut away the old heart of stone and give you a new heart, alive in Him. He offers forgiveness, freedom, and fullness. All He asks is faith—believing loyalty to Him.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that in You we are full, forgiven, and free. Forgive us for the times we run after empty promises. Teach us to rest in Your presence, to overflow with Your Spirit, and to live each day in the security of Your covenant love. For those still searching, draw their hearts to see the life only You can give. Make us a people who display Your fullness to the world. Amen.
