Beware Philosophy and Vain Deceit Colossians 2 8

Beware Philosophy and Vain Deceit: Colossians 2: 8 November 20, 2016

Colossians 2: 8 KJV 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.

Colossians 2: 8 NIV See to it that no one takes you captive Through hollow and deceptive philosophy, Which depends on human tradition And the elemental spiritual forces of this world Rather than on Christ.

The Bible Warns Us About Any Philosophy That Is Not Based on Christ • There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties: a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. • But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful, and while it pleases men, it hinders their faith. These are curious speculations about things above us, or things that are no concern to us. Paraphrased from Matthew Henry Commentary

Paul Used the Word “Philosophia. ” This Is Not the Philosophy We Know Today. • The Greek word philosophia means a lover of wisdom. • In Paul’s day, philosophia meant skill in any art, science, or branch of knowledge. It could mean religion, speculation, or investigation. (Equip. org) • The word is used once in the Bible to refer to certain Jewish Christian ascetics. They focused on speculation about angels, rituals of the Mosaic law, and Jewish traditions about practical life. (Blue Letter Bible)

Paul Sometimes Used Philosophy, and He Used It Appropriately • In Acts 17 Paul demonstrated a solid understanding of Greek religion and philosophy. • In Acts 17: 28 Paul even quotes a Stoic philosopher, Aratus: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. ” • Paul uses philosophy as a tool, but he keeps his focus on Christ.

The Book of Colossians Addresses Heresies • Gnosticism, a pagan belief that stressed secret knowledge as a means of salvation and which encouraged the worship of angelic beings (Col. 2: 18). • Legalism, an emphasis on circumcision (2: 11), Mosaic Law (2: 14), diet and holy days (2: 16). • Asceticism, which emphasizes abstinence from food, drink, and pleasure (2: 20 -23).

These Are Vain Deceits: Gnosticism • God encourages us to see wisdom: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4: 7 • Paul is warning us against vain deceits and false doctrines that depend on man, rather than on Christ.

Legalism: We Respect the Law, But We Are Saved by Faith • Legalism in Colossians: Paul cites circumcision (2: 11), Mosaic Law (2: 14), diet and holy days (2: 16). • For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2: 8) • Legalism is a sin: Mark 7 describes how upset Jesus got by outward shows of religion (washing of hands). • Jesus even provoked legalists by healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3: 1 -6, Luke 6: 6 -11, Matthew 12: 10 -15)

Asceticism • We do not walk after the flesh, but severe treatment of our body can be used to impress others, creating pride (2: 23). • This focuses on our own willpower and our own righteousness. • Instead, we need to rely on God to harness our sinful nature…

Five Reasons Why Willingness Is Better Than Willpower (Elizabeth Esther) 1. Willpower relies on us; willingness relies on God. 2. Stress erodes our willpower; God’s strength does not depend on circumstances. 3. Willpower eventually runs out; God’s grace does not. 4. Failure leads to guilt; God offers grace. 5. Willpower isolates you; willingness connects you.

Review • We seek Godly wisdom. • We are saved by faith. • We rely on God to control our appetites. • In all these things the emphasis is on God, not man.

Heresy Leads to Mistakes, For the Colossians Yesterday and for Us Today 1. Instead of Godly wisdom, we seek our own wisdom. 2. Instead of respecting God’s law, we make up our own laws. 3. Instead of relying on God to control our appetites, we rely on willpower. Let’s talk about willpower for a minute…

Three Ways that We Rely on the Government to Save Us • Knowledge: Do we seek Godly wisdom or human knowledge? How does this affect government? • Laws: Instead of respecting God’s law, do we make up our own laws? Will government laws save us? • Asceticism: Instead of humbling ourselves before God, we make a show. Both patriots and ascetics make a big deal out of their outward display. One loves God and one loves country. Where is the heart?

When Willpower Fails and Government Fails • There are times when our willpower will fail us. • There are times when the people around us will fail us. • And there are times when the government will fail us. • There are times when you have a problem that only God can solve. • One example is chronic pain, or a “thorn in the flesh…” (as we discussed last week).

2 Corinthians 12: 9 A Thorn Can Humble You and Glorify God And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: For my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather Glory in my infirmities, That the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Lord, please help us to avoid heresies that take us away from Jesus. Keep us away from relying on human knowledge, laws, and our own obedience and sacrifice. Help us to rely on you, Jesus. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Galatians 3: 28 KJV Gálatas 3: 28 RV 1960 There is neither Jew nor Ya no hay judío ni griego; Greek, there is neither No hay esclavo ni libre; Bond [slave] nor free, No hay varón ni mujer; There is neither male nor Porque todos vosotros female: or ye are all one in Sois uno en Cristo Jesús. Christ Jesus.

How to Connect With Us • www. Galatians 328. com: This has links to our weekly message, as well as podcasts of our phone discussions. Our Weekly Conference Call • We host a conference call every Sunday from 3: 00 to 4: 00 p. m. Eastern Time. The phone number is (712) 770 -8086 and the access code is 735 -765. • We have preaching, prayer, and discussion, and we take comments and questions from callers. You can join in or remain anonymous—it’s up to you.