What's Pulling You Away From Jesus? - Pastor Josiah Jobe

Devotional

Day 1: Gum Under the Table

A child crawls under restaurant tables, hunting for discarded gum to satisfy his craving. His family watches in horrified disbelief as he pops the filthy prize into his mouth. Like this boy, we scavenge for scraps of fulfillment in grimy places—relationships, achievements, thrills—while Jesus stands ready to give us fresh, abundant life. [00:33]

Jesus sees our misguided hunger. He watches us trade His banquet table for garbage, yet never stops calling us to something better. The enemy whispers that satisfaction hides in shadowy corners, but those lies only leave us emptier.

What sticky substitutes have you settled for this week? Name one area where you’ve prioritized quick fixes over Christ’s lasting nourishment.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
(Colossians 2:8, ESV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to expose one “discarded gum” habit you’ve normalized but that disgusts His heart.
Challenge: Throw away one physical item (gum, snack, app) that represents misplaced cravings today.

Day 2: Target Parking Lot Vigilance

A woman scans the parking lot, keys clenched between her fingers, alert to potential threats. Paul urges this same wartime awareness against spiritual kidnappers—smooth-talking lies that promise fulfillment but enslave. Social media scrolls, comparison traps, and “follow your heart” mantras stalk us daily. [08:27]

Demons don’t attack head-on. They masquerade as harmless advice or cultural wisdom, inching closer until their fangs sink in. The Colossians faced “Jesus-plus” heresies; we battle algorithms selling emptiness as enlightenment.

What voice have you allowed to whisper unchecked this month? Identify one trending idea you’ve absorbed without testing it against Scripture.

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.”
(Colossians 2:9-10a, ESV)

Prayer: Confess one lie you’ve tolerated, then declare aloud: “Christ is my fullness.”
Challenge: Write down three messages from your feeds today and circle any contradicting God’s Word.

Day 3: Beef Treats and Running Dogs

A runaway Shih Tzu fixates on a meaty bribe, unaware the treat dangles her toward captivity. So the enemy baits us—innocent indulgences that inch us toward addiction, “harmless” compromises that leash us to shame. [13:58]

Satan studies your cravings. He knows which temptations make you salivate—the flirtatious coworker, the credit card’s swipe, the fifth Netflix episode when tomorrow’s sermon awaits. Each nibble trains you to obey his voice over your Shepherd’s.

What treat is the enemy using to reel you in? Where have you ignored the leash tightening around your ankles?

“In Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”
(Colossians 2:10, ESV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus for specific ways He’s already satisfied your deepest hungers.
Challenge: Fast for one hour from a baiting habit (snacking, scrolling, complaining) to reset your cravings.

Day 4: Jewel Parking Lot Confession

A man sobs outside a grocery store, choking on the emptiness of money, drugs, and success. He’d tried Christian routines but never Christ Himself. Like the Colossians, he’d reduced Jesus to a religious accessory instead of the oxygen sustaining every breath. [21:11]

Religion checks boxes. Relationship transforms cravings. When we mistake church attendance for communion with the Living God, we’re like diners licking menus instead of eating the meal.

What spiritual habit have you performed mechanically this month? Where are you holding Jesus at arm’s length?

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live…I live by faith in the Son of God.”
(Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Prayer: Surrender one area you’ve managed through willpower instead of Christ’s indwelling life.
Challenge: Spend 7 minutes in silence today, repeating: “Jesus, You are my enough.”

Day 5: Downtown Demon Screams

A six-foot-five man snarls Luciferian threats until two believers roar Christ’s name—and hell retreats. The same power that toppled strongholds in Colossae now courses through every blood-bought saint. We carry nuclear authority against addiction, anxiety, and attack. [30:47]

You don’t need crucifixes or chants. The demonic realm recognizes your adoption papers. When you speak, Christ’s victory echoes. When you stand, heaven’s armies flank you.

What stronghold have you cowered before instead of commanding in Jesus’ name?

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7, ESV)

Prayer: Rebuke one fear or habit aloud: “[Name], in Jesus’ name, I break your assignment over me.”
Challenge: Text someone: “I’m praying for you right now—what specific burden can I rebuke in Jesus’ name?”

Sermon Summary

Paul names the hunger: people want to be full, alive, and overflowing, yet the chase for “more” often heads to the wrong table. The red convertible, the promotion, the relationship are not evil, but the heart treats them like sources, not gifts, and they cannot deliver what only God gives. The text in Colossians 2:8 calls this misfire a captivity. “Hollow and deceptive philosophy,” dressed up in tradition or trendy “elemental spiritual forces,” kidnaps disciples by saying Jesus needs a plus. The captivity feels harmless on approach, like a little dog lured by a beef treat, but the pull is to snatch and enslave. The lie says, “Follow your heart,” or “Do whatever feels right,” and a flood of algorithm-shaped counsel amplifies it. Paul’s command is watchfulness. The Spirit’s word is wake up. Deception promises fullness and leaves emptiness.

Paul then lifts Jesus high in verse 9. “All the fullness of deity” dwells in Him “in bodily form.” Jesus is not a part-time god, not an upgraded angel, not a spiritual force among many. He is fully God and fully man — the incarnate Son, the same yesterday, today, and forever. If He is fully God, then He is fully enough. The ache beneath the career climb or the secret self-medication is not for a practice, a crystal, or even a stack of religious habits. It is for a Person. Trying churchy boxes is not the same as knowing Jesus. When the heart meets Him, the search shifts from “try harder” to “He is here,” and nothing else satisfies like He does.

Paul completes the line in verse 10. Those in Christ “have been brought to fullness.” Union with Christ is not partial status. It is complete forgiveness, adoption, indwelling, and a fixed place in the family. Fullness is possible because the Full One fills. And His reign matters on the street level. He is “head over every power and authority.” Demons tremble at His name. Spiritual oppression yields to His word. Believers belong to the Highest, so fear does not get to run their story. Jesus and Satan are not arm-wrestling equals; the King commands and the powers fall silent. The old emptiness does not need more chasing. The heart that has Him bears a different confidence, lives free, and overflows.

Key Takeaways

1. Watch for lies that kidnap Deception often sounds wise, looks harmless, and promises a quick fullness, yet it lures disciples close enough to snatch them. Paul names hollow ideas and traditions that pull hearts from simple, whole devotion to Christ. Vigilance is not paranoia; it is love guarding freedom. Freedom is easier to keep than to recover after capture. [08:44]
2. Jesus holds all divine fullness If all the fullness of deity dwells in Jesus, lack does not live in Him and does not have to rule those in Him. A lesser Jesus cannot save, satisfy, or sustain. The biblical Jesus — fully God, fully man — is not an accessory to add but the center to trust. Fullness flows from union, not from upgrades. [19:54]
3. Religion can’t replace knowing Jesus Boxes checked and disciplines tried may still leave a soul empty if the heart has not met the Lord Himself. Practices point; a Person fills. Real encounter reorders desires and turns “try harder” into “abide deeper.” Where religion exhausted, Christ Himself satisfies. [22:16]
4. Christ’s authority ends spiritual fear Jesus is head over every power and authority, so dark pressure is not ultimate and does not get the last word. Demons know His name and yield to His command. Belonging to Him gives courage to stand, speak, and resist without bravado. Confidence rests in position, not performance. [31:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Chewed gum and chasing more
[02:02] - Good gifts that cannot fill
[03:58] - God fills and frees
[05:38] - Colossians 2:8 warning
[07:59] - Kidnapped by hollow ideas
[10:12] - Popular lies unmasked
[12:11] - Algorithms that disciple
[13:28] - Treats that lure to capture
[16:17] - Wake up and break free
[17:22] - Fullness of deity in Christ
[21:36] - Trying religion vs knowing Jesus
[24:22] - Brought to fullness in Christ
[27:14] - Head over every power and authority
[32:37] - From empty to overflowing in Him

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Colossians 2:8-10 (ESV)
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Observation Questions

What specific dangers does Paul warn believers about in Colossians 2:8, and how are they described?
According to Colossians 2:9, what does it mean that “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” in Jesus?
What two truths about Jesus’ authority does Paul emphasize in Colossians 2:10?
In the sermon, what example was used to illustrate how deceptive ideas can seem harmless but lead to captivity? [13:28]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul compare false teachings to being “taken captive” (Colossians 2:8)? How does this imagery connect to the idea of losing spiritual freedom?
How does the claim that Jesus is “head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:10) challenge common fears or struggles with spiritual oppression?
The sermon mentioned that “trying religion” is not the same as “knowing Jesus.” What might this distinction look like in someone’s daily life? [22:16]
Why might the lie “follow your heart” (referenced in the sermon) be especially dangerous in light of biblical teachings about the human heart?

Application Questions

What is one area of your life where you’ve been chasing “more” (e.g., success, relationships, validation) to fill an emptiness? How could you intentionally redirect that pursuit toward Christ?
The sermon warned about being “discipled by algorithms” through social media. [12:11] What practical step could you take this week to guard your heart from hollow ideas that compete with biblical truth?
How would your daily decisions change if you fully believed Jesus’ authority over “every power and authority” includes the struggles you’re facing right now?
The sermon described religious practices as “boxes checked” versus encountering Jesus. [22:16] Is there a spiritual habit (e.g., prayer, Bible reading) that has become routine for you? How could you approach it with fresh focus on knowing Christ personally?
When have you felt tempted to believe Jesus “needs a plus” (e.g., Jesus + career success, Jesus + others’ approval) to satisfy you? What truth from Colossians 2:9-10 could you cling to in that moment?
The sermon shared a story about rebuking spiritual oppression in Jesus’ name. [31:32] How could you grow in confidence that your identity in Christ is stronger than any fear or spiritual battle you face?

Sermon Clips

38s

“``When you put your faith in Christ, you become in Christ and what he says is you get brought to fullness. This is the idea. Listen. This is the idea of being made complete or full. Paul is saying is when you put your faith in Christ, you weren't kinda forgiven. You weren't half a child of God. You became completely forgiven. You became completely filled with the Holy Spirit. You became completely a son or daughter. You became completely washed of your sins. You became completely given a place in eternity. The he he's not saying you kinda got a little bit of God. He's saying you were made complete.”

39s

“We don't have to be empty anymore because listen, everything we need is in Christ. The forgiveness, the power, the peace. I can go on and on here, but let me say this one, and the protection. Listen to what he says. He finishes by saying, and Jesus is the head over every power and authority. Can I tell you friends that's good news? Jesus is the head over every power and authority.”

32s

“You may say that you're a Christian but that is not the God of the Bible. That is not the Jesus of the scriptures. That is your own created image of what Jesus is, but Jesus is not less than the father. He's one with the father. And this is important for us to understand that Jesus is completely divine having all the attributes, powers, and qualities of God. You know why this is so important? Because if Jesus is fully God, then he is fully enough.”

31s

“And if you have and you say, I've been in religious things, I want you to get on your knees today and I want you to come before and say, I humble myself. Jesus, if you're real, make yourself evident to me. Come into my heart. Open my eyes to be able to see you because when you encounter Jesus, you can try religion and have no life change. But when you try Jesus, you will never be the same. Your life will never be the same.”

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What's Pulling You Away From Jesus? - Pastor Josiah Jobe - Colossians 2:8-10