Colossians: Anchored in Jesus

Anchored in Jesus; Abounding in His Love

Colossians 1:13–14

Alex Hogendoorn – September 14

Tagline

In a world clouded by darkness and confusion, only the cross of Christ can rescue, reframe, and reorient us in the love-filled kingdom of the Son.

Sermon Summary

Something is off. The world feels angrier, more divided, and more deceptive than ever—and the church has not been immune. Like a "moose in the shadows," we sense danger but can’t always see it or name it. That’s why Paul’s letter to the Colossians is so timely. He writes not with sterile theology but with raw urgency, warning a small church against a new and seductive heresy. Though the specific false teacher in Colossae is long gone, the spirit of Gnosticism he embodied—elitism, secrecy, spiritual posturing, and bypassing the cross—still echoes today in Christianized forms. Paul’s antidote? A simple, glorious gospel.

Colossians 1:13–14 offers a world-reframing lens: we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and forgiveness. These verses remind us of the cross’s power to break us free and replant us in a kingdom of love. In contrast to division, deception, and rage, the kingdom is filled with grace, peace, humility, and love. It’s not a solo journey, but a shared life where we shine like a beacon of hope. When the world gets darker, the Church must sing the song of the redeemed louder. Hold fast to the cross, memorize this gospel truth, and live as citizens of the kingdom of the beloved Son.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

• What’s a time you sensed something bad, like "a moose in the shadows", you couldn't exactly see it or name it, but you started "pumping the brakes" anyways?
• When have you felt the world shift in a way that made you stop and pay closer attention to your spiritual footing?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 1:13–14 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

God Revealed

This verse describes how God rescued us and established us in the kingdom of "the beloved Son." What do these verse show us about God's heart?

Humanity Mirrored

The domain of darkness is marked by hostility, arrogance, confusion, and division—even among people we agree with. Where do you see this darkness showing up in your own life or surroundings?

Gospel-Centered Vision

Why is Paul so emphatic that the cross (1:20) is the only way we’re redeemed and transferred? Why do false gospels so often try to bypass the cross?

Transformed Living (pick one)

How can we evaluate whether our lives and church community truly reflects 'kingdom of the beloved Son' characteristics versus our culture? 

How might our lives look different if we really lived as people of the kingdom of "the beloved Son"? How can the cross shape our habits, attitudes, or speech patterns as we engage our world?

Sharing and Witness

Who in your life feels trapped in confusion, anger, or deception? How could you gently offer them the clarity and hope of the cross this week?

For Further Study

1. Colossians 2:13–15 – Christ disarmed the powers through the cross, triumphing over them.
2. Galatians 1:3–5 – Jesus gave himself to deliver us from this present evil age.
3. John 3:16–21 – God’s love gives life and light, but many still choose darkness.
4. Ephesians 2:1–7 – We were dead in sin but made alive through God’s rich mercy.
5. 1 Peter 2:9–10 – We’ve been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.
6. Romans 6:6–11 – Through Christ’s death, we are no longer slaves to sin.
7. 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 – The message of the cross is foolishness to the world, but power to those being saved.
8. Philippians 2:5–11 – Jesus humbled himself to death on a cross and was exalted as Lord.
9. Revelation 14:1–5 – The redeemed sing a new song that no one else can learn.
10. Hebrews 12:1–3 – Fix your eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.