AUG 11

Colossians 2:8
Memorise Colossians 2:8
“…philosophy and vain deceit…”

WHAT WISDOM DO WE FOLLOW?

Paul warns in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ”. He was very afraid that those false teachers would come with their worldly philosophies and vain deceits, and draw them away from Christ and towards the world. The word philosophy is from the Greek word “philosophia” which literally describes a love of wisdom. We know that here it is certainly not describing godly wisdom, but man’s worldly wisdom. It is vain deceit (‘empty deception’) - men thinking they are wise, but in reality deceiving themselves (1 Corinthians 3:18). They do not teach the things of Christ, but derive their understandings from man and the world. Thus Paul was warning them to beware of these things, and not let anyone ‘spoil’ (meaning to plunder or rob) them of their relationship to God through these things. More specifically, Paul was warning them against the unbiblical teachings of the Judaistic philosophers. They followed Jewish traditions (also Mark 7:8) and religious ceremonies (Colossians 2:16, Galatians 4:1-3, 9). These philosophers added to the salvific work of Christ by making these ceremonies mentioned in Colossians 2:16 compulsory for all Christian believers as well. These Jewish ceremonies like circumcision were observed in the OT, but these are only “rudiments” or logical elements, “a shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:17). For non-Jews these are no longer necessary because one realizes the full truth of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Today, we also have many worldly philosophies and teachings to be wary of. In school, Christian youths are introduced to a whole range of different teachings. They are also influenced and guided by their friends and peers around them. Through various forms of media (TV, movies, internet, and social media), they are exposed to all sorts of influences. Whilst not all of these teachings and influences are bad, we must also realize that they are often very bad, negative influences. As a Christian, we must beware! Be very watchful and discerning about the types of philosophies and mindsets that the world has, for they can often lead you astray. Studies itself may not be bad, but if they are allowed to become your idol, then it is sin. Likewise many forms of entertainment may seem like just harmless fun, but if we allow them influence our thoughts and actions away from Christ, then it is something we must beware of! The only true source of wisdom in this world is from God and His Word. That alone is our guide in life and the source of all truth.

Thought: Am I that arrogant to think I can handle the philosophies of the world?
Prayer: May I never look to any other moral guide than the Word of God.