Lie✨ Our Debt Is Unpaid

Lie: Our Debt Is Unpaid

Three Losers At The Cross

1) Death

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him…” (Colossians 2:13a ESV)

When our eyes are opened to what Jesus has done, it can be easy to fall into the lie that our primary job is now to "pay Him back." While living in obedience should be our aim, our motivation must be to glorify Him, not to repay a debt we could never cover. Jesus defeated death through His miraculous resurrection, and as a result of His finished work, we no longer need to live in fear!

2) Sin

“...having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13b-14 ESV)

The Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), meaning that based on our own actions, we owe a debt we cannot pay. Incredibly, Jesus, the only one who has never sinned, allowed the punishment and penalty to fall on Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21)

So that we would not have to endure it. No matter what you have done in the past or what struggles you face tomorrow, complete forgiveness is found in the blood of Jesus Christ.

3) Rulers & Authorities

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15 ESV)

The “rulers and authorities” Paul references are the demonic forces that work against God's kingdom and drove people to crucify an innocent man. Scripture shows us that angels and demons are real beings; angels serve as God’s messengers, while demons are fallen angels that rebelled out of pride.

Through the cross, the ultimate power of these darkness-driven forces was broken, and everyone who trusts in Jesus is delivered from their authority!

Big Idea✨

At the cross, Jesus completely disarmed the enemy by conquering death, canceling our record of sin and breaking the power of evil. Our debt has been paid in full, freeing us to serve God out of joyful gratitude rather than a need to earn His favor.

Let’s Think About This:

Question #1) Why do you think so many Christians fall into the trap of trying to "pay God back" for their salvation instead of serving Him out of love?

Question #2) Colossians 2:14 says that God canceled our record of debt by nailing it to the cross. How does knowing your past, present and future sins are forgiven change the way you approach God daily?

Question #3) How does knowing that Jesus has already disarmed evil spiritual forces give you confidence when facing fear, temptation, or anxiety?