Feb 8, 2026 // Pointed in the Right Direction

The congregation is invited to cultivate a faith that resists seductive, empty ideas and instead is rooted in the person and reign of Christ. Listeners are urged to recognize how cultural voices—some benign, some deceptive—confidently point attention elsewhere, and how that misdirection can “take captive” minds. The remedy is twofold: first, intentionally weed out influences that enslave thought and distort the gospel; second, actively water what remains by seeking the things above, fixing the mind on Christ’s sovereign rule and the present reality of union with him. The life of faith is not passive: being raised with Christ issues in persistent, habitual pursuit of heavenly truth so that sanctification can follow justification.

Paul’s warnings against “philosophy and empty deceit” are read as a call to vigilance. Not all sophisticated-sounding ideas are true; some are winsome vacuums that point away from the embodied truth of Jesus. The antidote is not merely defensive pruning but also the positive practice of theological devotion—studying Scripture, praying with expectant curiosity, and cultivating conversations that aim at knowing God more fully. This knowledge of God should overflow into worship: theology done rightly is doxology, a way of praising the God who is unfathomable in wisdom and mercies.

Practical assurance anchors the exhortation: Christ secures those given to him and promises to preserve and raise them. That security frees Christians to labor in sanctification without living under the tyranny of performance. The closing summons is concrete: identify the voices and habits that need removal, commit to persistent spiritual disciplines that water faith, and keep pointing fellow believers to the Word-made-flesh. The overall aim is fullness in Christ—walking in the truth embodied in the risen Lord so that believers live under his sovereign reign here and in hope of the glory to come.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Beware empty, winsome philosophies Empty-sounding wisdom can be persuasive precisely because it mimics spiritual language while substituting human traditions. When beliefs reframe Jesus or add layers to the gospel, minds become captive; discernment means refusing to grant rhetorical power to claims that lack biblical substance. Guarding the intellect is a spiritual imperative because ideas shape affections and actions. [36:41]
• 2. Fix eyes on Christ above Seeking “things above” is not an escape into heavenly curiosities but a disciplined reorientation to Christ’s sovereign rule and character. This posture shapes how believers interpret suffering, work, and relationships, because all are seen under his reign and promise. It reframes ambition and comfort so that present joys are anchored in his ultimate reality. [27:17]
• 3. Seek persistently, not passively The Greek imperative to “seek” implies ongoing, habitual effort—prayerful curiosity, repeated study, and communal conversation. Spiritual growth requires daily practices that rewire desires toward heavenly truths rather than instant fixes or viral opinions. Persistence in seeking is how justification becomes lived sanctification over a lifetime. [48:26]
• 4. Assurance rests in Christ’s hands The promise that the Father will not lose what he has given means security is derivative of Christ’s work, not human perfection. That assurance liberates believers to pursue holiness without fear of ultimate abandonment, enabling courageous obedience and steady hope. Confidence in salvation fuels sanctified living rather than complacency. [57:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [19:29] - Introduction and Personal Note
• [20:00] - Opening Prayer and Scripture
• [21:53] - Trolling Anecdote: Attention and Influence
• [27:17] - Main Thesis: Fix Eyes on Christ
• [31:13] - Weeding Strategy: Beware Deception
• [48:26] - Watering Strategy: Seek Persistently
• [57:43] - Assurance: Security in Christ
• [66:52] - Application, Prayer, and Benediction

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.

Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

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Observation questions

1. What two strategies does Paul give in Colossians 2:8 and 3:1 for resisting empty ideas and growing in faith?
2. According to Colossians 3:2, what are believers commanded to set their minds on, and what are they commanded to avoid?
3. What does it mean that "your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3)?
4. How does the sermon describe the danger of being "taken captive" by ideas? [33:26]

Interpretation questions

1. Why does Paul use the imagery of being "taken captive" (Colossians 2:8) to describe the effect of false teachings? What does this reveal about the power of ideas?
2. How does seeking "things that are above" (Colossians 3:1) differ from merely avoiding worldly things? What is the positive focus of this command?
3. In what ways can seemingly good-sounding ideas or philosophies actually point people away from Christ, even if they use spiritual language? [36:41]
4. How does the assurance that "your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3) provide freedom and security in the Christian life?

Application questions

1. What voices, influences, or habits in your life might need to be "weeded out" because they risk taking your mind captive or pointing you away from Christ? [41:34]
2. How can you actively and persistently "seek the things that are above" in your daily routine? What would it look like to cultivate a habit of setting your mind on Christ’s rule and character? [48:26]
3. Where have you encountered ideas or worldviews that sound compelling or even use Christian language but ultimately distort the gospel? How can you grow in discernment?
4. In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe that you are fully secure in Christ? How can fixing your eyes on His promises (e.g., John 6:37–39) reshape your daily fears or doubts? [57:43]
5. How can you incorporate "theological devotion"—such as prayerful curiosity, Scripture study, or Christ-centered conversations—into your life to know God more deeply and praise Him more fully? [54:15]
6. What would it look like to point others toward the truth of Christ in a world filled with persuasive but empty ideas? How can you encourage someone this week with the hope of the gospel?