Imagine a high school football team in the 1970s, torn apart by racial tensions and forced to integrate. In the movie “Remember the Titans”, based on a true story, black and white players start as bitter rivals, opponents both on and off the field, filled with hostility and alienation. But under Coach Herman Boone’s leadership, they endure a tough training camp, confront their prejudices, and learn to work as one team. What began as foes clashing in chaos turns into a championship team, united in purpose and victory. Just like those players, we once stood as spiritual opponents to God, but Christ’s work of reconciliation turns enemies into a winning team.
The Apostle Paul wrote Colossians around AD 60-62 while imprisoned in Rome, addressing a young church in Colossae threatened by false teaching that mixed Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mysticism. These heresies diminished Christ’s supremacy, suggesting “secret knowledge” or ascetic practices were needed beyond the gospel. In chapter 1, Paul exalts Christ as the image of the invisible God and Creator of all things (vv. 15-20), then pivots to personal application in vv. 21-23. Here, he reminds believers of their dramatic shift from alienation to reconciliation, urging them to stay grounded in the simple, proclaimed gospel rather than human inventions. This passage underscores that Christ’s death is sufficient for victory, turning cosmic and personal hostility into peace and stability.
Through Christ’s victory on the cross, we are transformed from spiritual foes, who are alienated from God and hostile in our thoughts and actions, into unified teammates in His eternal formation. This reconciliation deeply grounds us in the gospel. As a result, it prepares us for a victorious season of faith where we remain holy, blameless, and steadfast.
Paul begins by describing our former state as spiritual foes: “And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds” (Colossians 1:21). Before Christ, we were like players on the opposing team, separated from God’s playbook, rebellious in our thoughts, and destructive in our actions. This isn’t just a minor disagreement; it’s outright hostility because sin turns us into enemies of God’s holiness. In football terms, we’re not neutral spectators; we’re tackling against His purposes. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1–3, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world… and were by nature children of wrath.” We must recognize our pre-Christ state to appreciate the gospel’s power. Don’t downplay sin as a “fumble”; it’s full-on opposition leading to defeat.
We are reconciled through Christ’s victorious work: “…he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death” (Colossians 1:22a). Christ’s death is the ultimate game-winning play, absorbing the penalty, bridging the divide, and bringing peace where there was war. This divine cosmic play shifts the momentum forever. In Romans 5:10, Paul writes, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more… shall we be saved by his life.” God didn’t wait for us; He came to us. Embrace Christ’s work as a personal victory. A victory not earned by our performance but gifted through sacrifice, transforming foes into family. Tim Tebow shares, “Regardless of what happens, I still honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because at the end of the day, that’s what’s important, win or lose.”
Believers are now positioned in God’s holy formation: “…in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” (Colossians 1:22b). We are set apart, forgiven, and unaccusable, like a team in perfect formation, ready for the snap, advancing God’s kingdom without past burdens. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, we read, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself… not counting their trespasses against them.” Live out this new identity, stepping into the huddle of grace. Tony Dungy notes, “Football is oneness in action… unity on display. Players come from different races and backgrounds,” even more true for believers in Christ.
Reconciliation requires perseverance: “if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel…” (Colossians 1:23). Like a team drilling fundamentals, stay grounded amid false teachings. In Ephesians 2:16, we read that Christ reconciles us “in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” Root yourself daily in Scripture, prayer, and community. Treat faith like you want to win.
Consider Jordan Kunaszyk’s testimony. Once idolizing football, he found true victory in Jesus, saying his life changed when he realized “football was my god—until I found Jesus.” Like switching teams mid-season, he went from foe to formation. We can as well.
If Christ can reconcile a divided locker room or a hostile heart, He can form you into His winning team. Step off the opponent’s sideline, ground yourself in the gospel, and run the race to victory! After all, through Christ’s victory on the cross, we are transformed from spiritual foes, alienated from God and hostile in our minds and deeds, into unified teammates in His eternal formation. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!