Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. I. WAS OVER THE POWERS OF EVIL. 1. The existence of evil is a painful fact, we meet with it everywhere. 2. Evil is embodied in invisible and potent personalities, called — (1) Principalities, because of their excellency, knowledge, and station. (2) Powers, because of the mighty influence they wield and the terrible havoc they work. They exist in vast numbers (2 Peter 4:2; Jude 1:6), and are the bitter foes of man (Ephesians 6:12). II. WAS ACHIEVED AFTER SEVERE CONFLICT. The conflict was — 1. Continuous from the Fall to the Cross. 2. Fierce. 3. Deadly (Luke 22:53; John 12:30). III. WAS SIGNAL AND COMPLETE. Lessons: 1. Christ has conquered the powers of evil. 2. To the believer ultimate victory is certain. 3. Keep up a brave heart in the fiercest conflict. (G. Barlow.) Parallel Verses KJV: And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. |
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