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Anchored in Jesus: Standing in His Power

Colossians 2:6–15
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn – October 19, 2025

Tagline

Stand still and stand tall in the peace and power of Christ, who has triumphed over every power through the cross.

Sermon Summary

In this message, Pastor Alex unpacked Paul’s teaching in Colossians 2:6–15, showing how faith in Christ frees us from spiritual anxiety and superstition. The false teachers in Colossae promised protection through rituals and secret knowledge, but Paul reminded the church that all fullness—the very presence of God—dwells in Christ. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has already triumphed over every ruler and power. We don’t need charms or deals with God; we need to rest in what Christ has already completed.

Pastor Alex illustrated this with a personal story about searching for a lost paper and realizing he was treating God like a genie. The heart of faith, he said, is not trying to move the hand of God but being moved by it. When we feel overwhelmed—by finances, health, culture, or fear—we are called to stand still in Christ’s peace and tall in Christ’s power. Baptism and faith unite us to the One who disarmed every power and erased our record of sin. Standing in that victory, we can follow Christ into a life of peace, power, and mission.

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • Playful: If you had a ‘lucky charm’, what was it—and what made you think it would work?
  • Meaningful: What’s a “bargain” you’ve ever tried to make with God?

Opening Prayer

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

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 2:6–15 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

1. God Revealed
Paul says we must hold fast to the faith as we were taught in Christ. What does this passage tells us about who Christ is and what he's done in verse 9-15? 

2. Humanity Mirrored
Paul warns against trying to control God through “human tradition” or superstition (even by using things he gave us.) What are some modern ways people—even Christians—try to control God and not simply trust in Christ?

3. Gospel-Centered Vision
How does the cross of Christ fulfill every human attempt to earn God’s favor or overcome spiritual powers? How did it take care of our record of debt? How did the cross put the powers to open shame?

4. Transformed Living
Pastor Alex said, “It’s not us that moves the hand of God—it’s the hand of God that moves us.” What would it look like this week for you to stand still and tall in the peace and power of Christ before acting or reacting?

5. Sharing and Witness
God is planning on using you this week. How has he been using you in the last week? How will standing in his peace and presence help you follow him this week?

For Further Study

  1. Romans 6:3–5 – Baptism unites us with Christ’s death and resurrection.
  2. Galatians 2:20 – We live by faith in the Son of God, who gave himself for us.
  3. Ephesians 1:19–23 – Christ is exalted above all powers and fills his Church.
  4. Philippians 4:6–7 – The peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
  5. John 15:4–5 – Apart from Christ we can do nothing; in him we bear fruit.
  6. Romans 8:31–39 – Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
  7. 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 – The cross is God’s power and wisdom, not human strength.
  8. Colossians 3:1–4 – Set your mind on things above, where your life is hidden with Christ.
  9. 2 Corinthians 2:14–17 – God leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession to spread his fragrance.
  10. Matthew 28:18–20 – The risen Christ, with all authority, sends us to make disciples of all nations.
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