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Anchored in Jesus: From Shadows to Substance

Colossians 2:16–3:4

Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn – Date: October 26, 2025

Tagline

Christ is the substance that gives reality and meaning to life—everything else is just a shadow.

Sermon Summary

This message explored Paul’s contrast between shadows and substance in Colossians 2:16–3:4. The false teacher in Colossae was promoting performance-based holiness—ascetic practices, mystical visions, and religious measurements that left people judged and disqualified. Paul reminds us that these things, even when once given by God, are only shadows of what’s now fulfilled in Christ. The call is to hold fast to the Head—to Jesus—who nourishes, unites, and grows His people from within.

We fall for the same shadow temptations today: comparing ourselves by others’ standards, trusting self-help fixes, or chasing worldly prizes. But none of these can bear the weight of our identity or transform the heart. Real change comes only by fixing our eyes on Jesus, our true life, who reigns at the right hand of God. As we set our minds on Him, we find freedom, unity, and joy—the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • Playful: If you could only pack one thing for a mysterious trip—a suit or a swimsuit—which would you choose, and why?

  • Meaningful: What’s something you once thought would fulfill you, but turned out to be only a shadow of what you truly needed?

Opening Prayer

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

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 2:16–3:4 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

1. God Revealed

The Old Testament rituals were shadows pointing toward Christ. How does Jesus bring those shadows into reality as their true substance? How might recognizing Him as the substance behind our worship change the way we approach it today?

2. Humanity Mirrored

The false teacher measured people by their performance and outward success. What are some modern “shadow pressures” that tempt us to measure ourselves—or others—by something other than Christ?

3. Gospel-Centered Vision

Paul contrasts “self-made religion” with life that comes from Christ. How does the gospel free us from performance-based spirituality and point us to transformation through union with Christ?

4. Transformed Living

“Set your minds on things above.” How do we practically do that in our daily routines, relationships, or struggles? How does seeing Jesus and above change how we see our lives and this world?

5. Sharing and Witness

How can you reflect the reality and substance of Christ to others this week? Who are you hoping to share the hope of Jesus with this week?

For Further Study

  1. John 15:1–5 – Jesus is the true vine; all growth flows from abiding in Him.
  2. Hebrews 8:1–6 – The old covenant was a shadow; Christ is the true High Priest.
  3. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 – Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom and transformation.
  4. Romans 12:1–2 – True worship means being transformed, not conformed.
  5. Philippians 3:7–11 – Paul counts everything loss compared to knowing Christ.
  6. Matthew 6:19–21 – Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
  7. Galatians 2:20 – We live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
  8. 1 John 3:1–3 – We are God’s children now; when Christ appears, we’ll be like Him.
  9. Ephesians 4:15–16 – The whole body grows as it holds fast to the Head, who is Christ.
  10. Hebrews 12:1–2 – Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

 

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