No Man-made Remedy

The apostle proceeds to counteract the imposition of man-made ordinances prescribed by the false teachers by asserting the truth of what the Colossians already had in Christ, showing that their spiritual needs were not served by human inventions. Circumcision being part of that package of ordinances imposed by the false teachers, the apostle here sets out its true meaning and significance by stressing the importance of having the thing signified, in addition to showing baptism to be the replacement sign.

1. A new heart v11.
   Circumcision signifies the new birth and its effects, Rom 4:11 - Crucifixion with Christ and death of 'the old man'.

2. A new sign v12.
   Main contrast between the inward reality and the outward sign - Sign of regeneration also contrasted by circumcision being replaced by baptism - What baptism signifies, the meaning and the mode of it considered.

3. A new life v12.
   The effects of the Holy Spirit's work described as a resurrection - God's operative power - Salvation all of grace.

Lessons