COLOSSIANS 2:8-10: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” NKJV
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OBSERVATION: Beware! The enemy of our souls is always trying to dilute our faith and move us from a life that is Christ-centric. Beware! Marketers, even Christian marketers, are always looking for the next “new thing” to sell their wares. Beware! We are always one step away from being led astray.

Paul cries out to the believers in Colossae – “Beware”! The church in Colossae was being infiltrated with false teaching. It was very appealing to the Colossians because it was filled with popular philosophy and the current popular traditions of of men. It was – Jesus Christ 2.0. And, it was slowly moving this new church away from their simple and pure devotion to Jesus Christ.

Recently, I was flipping through the channels on my TV. I came across a program on a Christian station. The host was interviewing an author about his new book. It was a book that purported to bring a new revelation on how to deal with the myriad of problems we face in life. As I listened it seemed to make sense. The crowd in the studio cheered as the author shared testimony after testimony of success. Yet, something bothered me.

I have to admit, I was intrigued by the concept the author shared. You see, it seemed to fit a deep need that I currently am facing in my life. Yet, something was tugging at my heart saying – “Not so fast!” I knew something was wrong. It was time to pray and seek the Lord and His Word. As I did, I realized what was wrong with the concepts that were being shared. They did not focus on Jesus Christ. They focused on a new system that sounded good but was actually a return back to legalism. If you did not follow the steps exactly, if your did not pray the prayers that were given, your breakthrough would not come!

False teaching does not have to be blatant. It only has to be a minor twist that turns us from trusting in Jesus Christ alone. It is a slight nudge from the simplicity of faith in Christ to another system of works righteousness. It can be clothed in outward humility and religious words. However, the end is that it moves us always from the fullness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Whenever we trust in something or someone more than Christ we are in error!

• “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using— according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” Colossians‬ ‭2:20-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

These “new teachings” have an appearance of wisdom and spirituality, but they are really ineffective in helping us overcome our old nature. They have no power to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ. This is a sovereign work of God through the Holy Spirit. It takes place when we put Jesus Christ first in everything. It happens when we trust in Him alone. It happens when we abide in Christ and in His Word. It happens when we return to the simplicity of our faith – in Christ alone!

Heavenly Father, there are so many voices calling to us each day. We all can be easily dissuaded from trusting in Christ alone. I pray for discernment and wisdom for my life and all those who name the name of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. I pray for those who have once again fallen into a web of legalism, that You will set them free. And, I pray that You would draw us ever closer to Jesus Christ through Your precious Holy Spirit!

• “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”

In Jesus Name!