A look at the gift that helps believers recognize what is from the Holy Spirit, what is of the human spirit, and what is influenced by the enemy. Scripture, practical examples, and real-life scenarios show how discernment protects the church, strengthens ministry, and keeps people grounded in truth.

Paul’s opening words in Colossians set the tone for the whole letter: identity rooted in Christ, not in role, achievement, or spiritual performance. Even in two short verses, Paul reminds the church that grace and peace come from God—not from striving—and that believers are “saints” because they’ve been set apart by Him, not because they’ve earned a title. The session highlights Paul’s humility in introducing himself simply as “Paul, an apostle,” keeping function and identity distinct, and modelling a way of ministry that resists status and embraces servanthood. It also places the letter in its context—Colossae facing subtle, blended influences that threatened to nudge believers off course by only a degree or two. In a world full of “designer spirituality,” Paul’s introduction quietly calls the church back to the clarity, authority, and sufficiency of Christ from the very first line.

Paul’s words in Colossians 2:6–15 remind believers that the Christian life is a journey walked the same way it began—by trusting wholly in Christ’s finished work, not slipping back into self-effort. This session highlights four pictures Paul gives for healthy discipleship: being rooted in Christ, built up over time, established through years of steady faithfulness, and overflowing with thanksgiving. From there, the teaching warns the church to stay alert, refusing to be “kidnapped” by philosophies, traditions, or spiritual influences that sound wise but pull believers away from the simplicity of Christ. The heart of the passage, however, is Paul’s sweeping reminder of who believers are in Christ—spiritually circumcised, buried and raised with Him, forgiven completely, and made alive by God Himself. The session ends with Paul’s triumphant vision of Christ’s cross: every accusation canceled, every spiritual enemy disarmed, and the believer invited to live from victory rather than striving toward it.

Paul exposes the heart of the threat facing the Colossian church by pulling back the layers of the so-called “philosophy” that promised deeper spirituality but ultimately pulled believers away from Christ. This mixture of rigid Jewish regulations and mystical pagan practices looked impressive on the surface, yet it replaced the substance of the gospel with shadows that could never give life. Paul reminds the church that Christ is the Head, and anything—visions, angel-worship, or human rules—that distracts from Him is spiritually dangerous. True growth comes from staying rooted in Christ, not in chasing experiences or tightening man-made restrictions. At its core, the passage calls believers to discern the difference between religious pressure and genuine life in Christ, and to guard the unity and simplicity of the gospel.

Text: Revelation 3:1-6

Moving forward with God begins by being painfully honest.