We live in a culture of "Jesus + Success" or "Jesus + Politics." Discover why adding anything to the core message dilutes its power and how to live from a place of total sufficiency.
Jeremy Haroldson takes us into the book of Colossians, a letter written to a community facing a crisis of dilution. They were being tempted to add things to the Gospel: Jesus + Philosophy, Jesus + Rituals, Jesus + Mysticism.
Jeremy argues that this is the same crisis we face today. We constantly feel the need to add "more" to feel secure. This teaching dismantles the "Jesus Plus" mentality and establishes the Supremacy of Christ as the only foundation strong enough to build a life on. If you feel scattered, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly chasing the "next thing," this message calls you back to the center.
The Colossian church was dealing with pressure to add intellectualism and legalism to their faith. Jeremy identifies the modern equivalent: "We try to add politics, social status, or career success to validate our faith."
The danger is simple: "Any time you add to the Gospel, you subtract its power." The central thesis of Colossians is that Christ is supreme and sufficient. "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." If you have Him, you have the source of everything else. You don't need to chase the byproducts (peace, purpose) when you have the Source.
Jeremy uses the powerful metaphor of changing clothes found in Colossians 3. Paul tells us to "put off" the old self (anger, malice, lying) and "put on" the new self (compassion, kindness, humility).
This isn't just about behavior modification; it's about identity alignment. You wouldn't wear dirty gym clothes to a wedding. Why would you wear the habits of your old life into your new destiny? "It is an active choice. You have to wake up and decide what you are going to wear today mentally and spiritually."
One of the most practical takeaways is the instruction on work: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."
Jeremy challenges the "quiet quitting" mentality. Whether you are a CEO, a teacher, or a mechanic, your boss is not your boss. "You are working for the King." This perspective shifts work from drudgery to dignity. Excellence becomes a form of worship. If you are cutting corners, you aren't cheating your employer; you are dishonoring your assignment.
We live in an information war. Colossians 2:8 warns: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit."
Jeremy warns against getting swept up in cultural trends that sound smart but are spiritually hollow. We must filter every idea through the lens of Truth. "If it doesn't align with the nature of Christ, it's a trap." Intellectual sounding arguments can often be cages for the soul.
You don't need a new strategy, a new self-help book, or a new spiritual fad. You need a deeper revelation of who you already have.
Jeremy closes with the reminder that "Christ in you" is the hope of glory. Not Christ plus your effort. Not Christ plus your perfection. Just Him. When you settle the issue of His sufficiency, you stop striving for approval and start living from overflow.
Perfect for:
It means He is not just a priority (top of the list); He is the paper the list is written on. Practically, it means every decision—financial, relational, professional—is filtered through His will and character. He isn't a compartment of life; He is the source of life.
It is an intentional mental act. Just as you choose clothes for the weather, you choose attitudes for the day. You wake up and say, "Today, I am choosing to wear patience," even if you feel impatient. It is acting according to your new identity until your feelings catch up.
It removes the ceiling on your potential. If you work for a human boss, you are limited by their budget and appreciation. If you work for the Lord, your reward comes from Him. It empowers you to give 100% effort even in toxic environments because your validation comes from a higher source.
Key Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:1-2, 23
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God... Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."