Nov 17

Colossians 2:49
Memorise Colossians 2:49
“…in a voluntary humility…”

Paul specifically attacks the Gnostics in Colossians 2:18 “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” The Gnostics worshipped angels as they assume angels (being God’s messengers) possess hidden knowledge from God, which is what Gnostics seek. They also claim that God is too great to be approached directly for this knowledge, and thus they worship angels for being mediators between them and God. This worship of angels beguiles men by the temptation of being an apparently privileged, superior Christian for possessing this hidden knowledge, and he becomes “vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind”, instead of having a spiritual mind that is humbly dependent on the Holy Spirit to give understanding. Desiring such hidden knowledge is tantamount to “intruding” into God’s secrets, into things God deliberately ensures man “hath not seen” i.e. not visible to the eye of mortals, compared to what God openly wants you to discover. The words beguile and reward are actually one word in Greek, meaning defrauding of one’s prize. Some who are thus beguiled are deprived of salvation, when they believe in a false gospel that hidden knowledge saves rather than Christ alone. The false teachers will use “voluntary humility”, or intentional modesty, giving the false impression of great reverence for divine things eg. that the Great God can only be approached through angels. This false humility will all the more beguile men into believing these false teachers, making these teachers extremely dangerous to the flock.

Are you easily fooled by false humility? Remember that not every one that appears humble is truly humble, for they may be deprecating themselves solely to gain your admiration that such a gifted individual is not puffed up. I remember one such very rich individual who volunteered to serve in the visitation ministry, and condescended to visit various members in spite of the fact that his time was valuable. In so doing he earned admiration from many for his apparent selflessness. It was only later he was revealed as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, as someone who only appeared humble in order to gain favour and praise from others. When a problem arose in the church, he had fooled enough members to stand by his side to go against the church!

Thought: Is it surprising that false teachers would put on false humility?
Prayer: May I learn not to be fooled by false humility.