Fred's Devo 13:10 "Are You a Prisoner of Christ or Something Else?

Key Verses: "...Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,continue to live in him...See to it that no one take you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy..." Colossians 2:6 and 8a NLT

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossiams 2:6-8 - NIV

The Apostle Paul is pleading with the Colossian saints to continue to live in the Christ they have received. He wants them to become strong in their faith by being "rooted and built up in Christ". Big Brother Paul warns the saints at Colossae not to be taken captive by deceptive human philosophies which are human or worldly in origin. Instead, he wants them to be taken captive by Christ! In fact Paul declares in a letter to another group of believers that he himself is a prisoner of Christ! (Philemon 3:1)

The only thing that should hold a Christian captive is his allegiance to Christ!

What is holding you captive today? Money? Fear? People? Worldly Philsophies? Human Traditions? Lusts? Religion devoid of the life of Christ? Other things? If you are being held captive by anything other than your total commitment to Jesus Christ, get yourself free. You can begin by praying this prayer below and taking the steps after the prayer?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this challenging word today! I renew my commitment to Jesus Christ today! Help me, by your grace to be strong in my faith, being rooted and built up in Jesus Christ alone! Show me the things which hold me in bondage. Forgive me for the times when I allow vain human philosophies, traditions, principles, people or things to take me captive. I admit that there are times when I fear what other people may think more than I fear you! By the power of Jesus Christ that lives in me, I renounce my allegiance to all of the things which hold me in bondage! ((name those things and let them go). In the name of Jesus I declare that Jesus Christ is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord!
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Prayerful Reflection Questions: Lord, how should my actions and practices change as a result of my new commitment?
Where can I find Christian community and accountability that will help me to live out my new commitment?