Colossians 3:18- 4:1
3:18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. 22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
4:1 1Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven
Observations:
· Here, as in Eph. 5 and 6, Paul deals with various human relations, giving clear instructions. Let’s read this Scripture again and see if it won’t improve both our understanding and our relationships.
· Husband and wife: In both Scriptures wives are mentioned first, not because they have a greater responsibility but probably because their attitude and action so greatly influence their husbands and their homes. Wives are to respect and submit to their husbands and husbands are to love and not be embittered against their wives. Wives are not told to love their husbands, nor are husbands told to submit to their wives. This is God’s order. This is the way marriage works.
· Children are to be obedient to their parents in all things. If children expect to be blessed as family members, they must accept their responsibility as family members.
· Fathers must not exasperate (frustrate, infuriate) their children, causing them to lose heart.
· Slaves are to obey their masters with sincerity of heart. (Perhaps this could now be applied to employees).
· Masters are to treat their subordinates with justice and fairness.
· No matter who you serve, you are serving the Lord, who will see that “he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done.”
Remarks:
· How can a wife be subject to a husband who is angry, demanding and cruel?
· How can a husband love a wife who is neglectful, controlling and cold?
· How will children learn to obey their parents if they are not nurtured in a loving home?
· How can a child grow up to have a good life and family of his or her own if he or she is unruly and demanding?
· Is there anyone more cruel that a father who exasperates and intimidates his child?
· Everyone, not just masters, should be just and fair with those under his authority.
· I just felt like asking questions today; I’ll leave it to my readers to answer them. I’ve had my share of doing things wrong and receiving the consequences of the wrong which I have done. What I want to do now is to admonish and exhort others to live close to the Lord, to avoid pitfalls and to make the most of their time.It is one thing to learn these principles of human relations and another thing to practice them. I suggest that all learn these principles thoroughly, and when there is a situation that calls for specific action, let them be aware of what they are doing. Isn’t it strange how people are so careful about following instruction in every area of life and in the use of every product, but so careless in following God’s instructions regarding human relations?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Putting On the New Self
The new self that a Christian must put on cannot be realized until the old self is put off. One doesn’t put clean clothing over dirty clothing.
Colossians 3:1-17
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amount to idolatry. 6For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- 11a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 4Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Observations
· “Raised up with Christ” means that believers were in God’s scheme of redemption and grace when Jesus gave His life a sacrifice for their sin, and when they understood this, they participated in a re-enactment of His death, burial and resurrection by being buried in water and raised up to live a new life (Rom 6:1- 11; Col. 2:12-14). Baptism is not a ritual cleansing of the body (I Per. 3:21) but a participation, a sharing with Jesus in His death and resurrection, as in the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10:16).
· This experience marks the end of the old self and the beginning of a new life in Christ. When you died, you were hidden with Christ in God. From that time on, new things have been required of you. (1) Keep seeking the things above. (2) Set your mind on the things above. (3) Consider the members of your earthly body dead to immorality and (4), “put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of its Creator. This renewal results in a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience unity and love.
· The way to worship God is to “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, (that is, within your midst or among you), as you give thanks to God with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. A parallel passage says, “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
Remarks
· Those who question or deny that Christians can be filled with the Spirit are grieving the Spirit rather than allowing Him to move them in worship. Those who use this precious scripture to condemn the use of instrumental music in worship are also in error by claiming that this verse prohibits something it doesn’t even mention. Why do people complicate, reject, deny and otherwise modify God’s system of redemption and manner of worship? All He asks is that we “put off” the old immoral self and put on a new nature which is modeled after our Lord. We begin, maintain and cultivate this nature by participation in the life of Christ. This life-style is new in every respect. Think about it! We have a perfect Model, along with all the support and encouragement we will ever need. God hears our prayers and accepts our collective praise when we are filled with the Spirit and worshiping Him in songs of praise. Our greatest problem has been the way we have distorted God’s gifts and requirements. Could He have spelled it out any clearer?
Colossians 3:1-17
1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amount to idolatry. 6For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- 11a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 4Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Observations
· “Raised up with Christ” means that believers were in God’s scheme of redemption and grace when Jesus gave His life a sacrifice for their sin, and when they understood this, they participated in a re-enactment of His death, burial and resurrection by being buried in water and raised up to live a new life (Rom 6:1- 11; Col. 2:12-14). Baptism is not a ritual cleansing of the body (I Per. 3:21) but a participation, a sharing with Jesus in His death and resurrection, as in the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10:16).
· This experience marks the end of the old self and the beginning of a new life in Christ. When you died, you were hidden with Christ in God. From that time on, new things have been required of you. (1) Keep seeking the things above. (2) Set your mind on the things above. (3) Consider the members of your earthly body dead to immorality and (4), “put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of its Creator. This renewal results in a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience unity and love.
· The way to worship God is to “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, (that is, within your midst or among you), as you give thanks to God with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. A parallel passage says, “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).
Remarks
· Those who question or deny that Christians can be filled with the Spirit are grieving the Spirit rather than allowing Him to move them in worship. Those who use this precious scripture to condemn the use of instrumental music in worship are also in error by claiming that this verse prohibits something it doesn’t even mention. Why do people complicate, reject, deny and otherwise modify God’s system of redemption and manner of worship? All He asks is that we “put off” the old immoral self and put on a new nature which is modeled after our Lord. We begin, maintain and cultivate this nature by participation in the life of Christ. This life-style is new in every respect. Think about it! We have a perfect Model, along with all the support and encouragement we will ever need. God hears our prayers and accepts our collective praise when we are filled with the Spirit and worshiping Him in songs of praise. Our greatest problem has been the way we have distorted God’s gifts and requirements. Could He have spelled it out any clearer?
Friday, March 13, 2009
No One is to Act as Your Judge
Colossians 2:16- 23
16Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. 20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22(which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Observations
· “No One is to act as Your Judge” means that you should live in such a way that no one will have an occasion to judge you. Since this letter was written to Christians, we must understand that Paul is instructing us how to live and not how to control our critics. He says in verse eight, “See to it than no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit.” In these verses he continues with three additional prohibitions. (1) The first is against ordnances and practices of the Law of Moses which were merely shadows of things to come in Christ (vs. 16-17). (2) The second is against false humility, worship of angels, standing on visions, and inflation of the fleshly mind (v. 18). (3) The third is against handling, tasting (eating) and touching, according to the commandments and teachings of men (v. 21, 22). These, no doubt, refer to pagan rules that were infiltrating the Colossian church.
· All of these prohibitions are against the flesh, which is not to have any place in the church. Nevertheless, they were brought in, elevated above the Word, and became acts of worship, even though they “are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” If you doubt this, do a little study of today’s New Age and Progressive Church Movements. Deliverance from these sins of the flesh can be realized only in Christ, and freedom can be maintained only by “holding fast to the Head,” which is Christ. True believers died to these shallow, sinful and perishing things—these human things, when they died with Christ.
Remarks
· When I was a young preacher, I was always concerned about the disinterest and dullness of my people. One day I spoke to a highly respected old preacher about this. He gave me a simple reply that I have never forgotten. He said, “Don’t ever underestimate the ignorance of your audience.” And Jesus said, “He that has ears to hear let him hear.” If you and I, my brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t stand up for Jesus who is going to do it? And if we don’t stand for Christian doctrine rather than imaginary and fleshly things, who is going to take a stand? If you are standing on the Solid Rock, may God give you power through your faith.
· Those who truly believe must help unbelievers and doubters to understand these things and to take a stand for Jesus in this unbelieving generation. Paul is saying that we must not give others an occasion to judge (condemn) us, nor should we judge others. Everyone dislikes a critical, judgmental person. We must live as examples before others and leave the judgment to the Judge; otherwise we will be known as critics rather than as witnesses for Christ. After years of training and preaching as a critical minister, this has been a hard lesson for me to learn. But I am learning it, and so are you if you are trying. And you must try.
16Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. 20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22(which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Observations
· “No One is to act as Your Judge” means that you should live in such a way that no one will have an occasion to judge you. Since this letter was written to Christians, we must understand that Paul is instructing us how to live and not how to control our critics. He says in verse eight, “See to it than no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit.” In these verses he continues with three additional prohibitions. (1) The first is against ordnances and practices of the Law of Moses which were merely shadows of things to come in Christ (vs. 16-17). (2) The second is against false humility, worship of angels, standing on visions, and inflation of the fleshly mind (v. 18). (3) The third is against handling, tasting (eating) and touching, according to the commandments and teachings of men (v. 21, 22). These, no doubt, refer to pagan rules that were infiltrating the Colossian church.
· All of these prohibitions are against the flesh, which is not to have any place in the church. Nevertheless, they were brought in, elevated above the Word, and became acts of worship, even though they “are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” If you doubt this, do a little study of today’s New Age and Progressive Church Movements. Deliverance from these sins of the flesh can be realized only in Christ, and freedom can be maintained only by “holding fast to the Head,” which is Christ. True believers died to these shallow, sinful and perishing things—these human things, when they died with Christ.
Remarks
· When I was a young preacher, I was always concerned about the disinterest and dullness of my people. One day I spoke to a highly respected old preacher about this. He gave me a simple reply that I have never forgotten. He said, “Don’t ever underestimate the ignorance of your audience.” And Jesus said, “He that has ears to hear let him hear.” If you and I, my brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t stand up for Jesus who is going to do it? And if we don’t stand for Christian doctrine rather than imaginary and fleshly things, who is going to take a stand? If you are standing on the Solid Rock, may God give you power through your faith.
· Those who truly believe must help unbelievers and doubters to understand these things and to take a stand for Jesus in this unbelieving generation. Paul is saying that we must not give others an occasion to judge (condemn) us, nor should we judge others. Everyone dislikes a critical, judgmental person. We must live as examples before others and leave the judgment to the Judge; otherwise we will be known as critics rather than as witnesses for Christ. After years of training and preaching as a critical minister, this has been a hard lesson for me to learn. But I am learning it, and so are you if you are trying. And you must try.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Christ and Empty Deception
The way to “built up” yourself in Christ (v. 7) is to avoid “philosophy and empty deception” (v. 8).
Colossians 2:1- 15
I. “Built up in Christ “(2:1- 7)
1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 6Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
Observations
What a “great struggles” Paul endured for the sake of Christ and his saints! How much would we be willing to endure? How much do we endure? There’s nothing to be gained by feeling guilty; let’s just look for opportunities to serve without worrying about how we have failed or what it will demand of us.
Hearts are “encouraged and knit together in love” because of the love we show them and the effort we apply to their needs. Nothing is more rewarding than this. Blessing others is far better than being blessed. I once saw a cartoon, a tramp sitting on a park bench saying, “I know it’s more blessed to give than to receive, but receiving is good enough for me.” I think there is a lesson here.
Beyond physical blessings and heart-unity, there is the “wealth that comes from full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Any price we pay to introduce a person to Christ is rewarded, both in having a new brother or sister and also in gaining a deeper walk with Christ. Such experiences knit our hearts to Christ as well as to one another; and we rejoice in the discipline and stability of faith in Christ. “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”
Remarks
Its one thing to read Scriptures like this and take for granted that we understand them; it’s quite another to experience them in our hearts and lives. That’s why we should study great passages like this and allow them to mold and shape our minds until we have the mind of Christ.
Think of what Christ did for you; show your gratitude and love by helping others to understand what you have experienced.
Doesn’t it add depth to your faith and understanding when you study an important Scripture this way? Give it all you’ve got and it will give you all it has to give. This is the way to be built up.
II. Avoid “Philosophy and Empty Deception” (2:8- 15)
8See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 9For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
Observations
Philosophy, even religious philosophy in the form of speculative theology, is deceptive and will captivate one’s mind. Those who present these systems are deceived and deceivers who are not grounded in Christ but live “according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world.” They will take the saints captive as in war, and will plunder and spoil their possessions. We must be knowledgeable enough and strong enough to avoid their “empty deception.”
In our Lord dwells “the fullness of Deity in bodily form.” He is the head over all rule and authority. And He has disarmed all rulers and authorities and exposed them for what they were by making a public display of them in His triumph. It is foolish to allow philosophers, theologians and other deceivers to control your mind and life. Jesus won a great victory for you and set you free; walk in that freedom proudly and worship your King!
In Christ we have been made complete. We are alive with Him, having died to sin, been buried with Him in baptism, and raised up with Him through faith to walk a new life. He canceled your sin debt when He took your sins with Him to the cross.
Remarks
After a revival meeting years ago, I had a heart to heart talk with a woman, who had been very sinful, and her son of sixteen. Knowing that I would not have the opportunity to teach them further, I presented a vivid picture of Jesus being nailed to the cross for our sins. The woman cried and confesses her sins when she saw the justice of God, freely giving His Son for her sins. Her son got angry and said in a strong voice, “Wasn’t there anyone there to stick up for Him? I wish I had been there! He saw only the injustice of a Roman Mob taking the life of an innocent man. What do you see and how do you react when you see your righteous Savior nailed to a cross as a common criminal for your sins?
Avoid philosophy and empty deceit. This is the faith and practice of masses that live outside of God’s will under the traditions, taboos and imaginations of men. There were many cults in Paul’s day that lived this way, and many of their pagan views have become a prominent part of the New Age and Progressive church movement of our day. Understand what people are saying and don’t be misled by philosophy and empty deception.
Avoid your own church’s doctrine and practice if it has been elevated above the doctrine of Christ. Every time a sect or cult departs from the Word, it diminishes the Word, while elevating its human philosophy. After a time people don’t know what is in the Bible and what comes from the speculative mends of their teachers.
Avoid personal bias and judgments that are contrary to the Lord’s will. Let Christ be your only guide.
Colossians 2:1- 15
I. “Built up in Christ “(2:1- 7)
1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 6Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
Observations
What a “great struggles” Paul endured for the sake of Christ and his saints! How much would we be willing to endure? How much do we endure? There’s nothing to be gained by feeling guilty; let’s just look for opportunities to serve without worrying about how we have failed or what it will demand of us.
Hearts are “encouraged and knit together in love” because of the love we show them and the effort we apply to their needs. Nothing is more rewarding than this. Blessing others is far better than being blessed. I once saw a cartoon, a tramp sitting on a park bench saying, “I know it’s more blessed to give than to receive, but receiving is good enough for me.” I think there is a lesson here.
Beyond physical blessings and heart-unity, there is the “wealth that comes from full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Any price we pay to introduce a person to Christ is rewarded, both in having a new brother or sister and also in gaining a deeper walk with Christ. Such experiences knit our hearts to Christ as well as to one another; and we rejoice in the discipline and stability of faith in Christ. “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.”
Remarks
Its one thing to read Scriptures like this and take for granted that we understand them; it’s quite another to experience them in our hearts and lives. That’s why we should study great passages like this and allow them to mold and shape our minds until we have the mind of Christ.
Think of what Christ did for you; show your gratitude and love by helping others to understand what you have experienced.
Doesn’t it add depth to your faith and understanding when you study an important Scripture this way? Give it all you’ve got and it will give you all it has to give. This is the way to be built up.
II. Avoid “Philosophy and Empty Deception” (2:8- 15)
8See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 9For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
Observations
Philosophy, even religious philosophy in the form of speculative theology, is deceptive and will captivate one’s mind. Those who present these systems are deceived and deceivers who are not grounded in Christ but live “according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world.” They will take the saints captive as in war, and will plunder and spoil their possessions. We must be knowledgeable enough and strong enough to avoid their “empty deception.”
In our Lord dwells “the fullness of Deity in bodily form.” He is the head over all rule and authority. And He has disarmed all rulers and authorities and exposed them for what they were by making a public display of them in His triumph. It is foolish to allow philosophers, theologians and other deceivers to control your mind and life. Jesus won a great victory for you and set you free; walk in that freedom proudly and worship your King!
In Christ we have been made complete. We are alive with Him, having died to sin, been buried with Him in baptism, and raised up with Him through faith to walk a new life. He canceled your sin debt when He took your sins with Him to the cross.
Remarks
After a revival meeting years ago, I had a heart to heart talk with a woman, who had been very sinful, and her son of sixteen. Knowing that I would not have the opportunity to teach them further, I presented a vivid picture of Jesus being nailed to the cross for our sins. The woman cried and confesses her sins when she saw the justice of God, freely giving His Son for her sins. Her son got angry and said in a strong voice, “Wasn’t there anyone there to stick up for Him? I wish I had been there! He saw only the injustice of a Roman Mob taking the life of an innocent man. What do you see and how do you react when you see your righteous Savior nailed to a cross as a common criminal for your sins?
Avoid philosophy and empty deceit. This is the faith and practice of masses that live outside of God’s will under the traditions, taboos and imaginations of men. There were many cults in Paul’s day that lived this way, and many of their pagan views have become a prominent part of the New Age and Progressive church movement of our day. Understand what people are saying and don’t be misled by philosophy and empty deception.
Avoid your own church’s doctrine and practice if it has been elevated above the doctrine of Christ. Every time a sect or cult departs from the Word, it diminishes the Word, while elevating its human philosophy. After a time people don’t know what is in the Bible and what comes from the speculative mends of their teachers.
Avoid personal bias and judgments that are contrary to the Lord’s will. Let Christ be your only guide.
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