Colossians 2:8 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 thief, satan, has infiltrated the world with various forms of deceptive empty philosophies, human traditions and superstitious beliefs. Even many churches and Christians have mixed fictitious ritualistic practices in their worship. “New Age” is one such deceptive philosophy that has incinerated the truth. “New Age” movement includes belief in reincarnation, astrology, psychics and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects like mountains or trees. Any ‘add-ons’ in the form of a tradition, ritual or custom, to the scriptures are pollutants from the diabolical realm.
The church of Colossae was contaminated by a group of intellectuals who were called Gnostics. Gnosis is mystical or obscure knowledge based on direct participation with the divine. They were considered as scholars who had divine revelation and spread a polluted theory that the world was not created by God. They propagated, ‘A good God could never create an evil world. Gnosticism was a second and third century “heresy that denied the deity of Christ, excused evil conduct on the supposition that the body is evil, encouraged asceticism, limited the sufficiency of redemption through Christ, and gave rise to ritualism, speculation, and low standards of righteousness” (Russell Bradley Jones, Survey of the Old and New Testaments, p. 332). Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians from a Roman prison with the burden to deliver the newly birthed church from being poisoned by wrong theologies.
The devil is still a subtle snake who creeps into our life, churches and communities as ‘deceptive religious philosophies’ and ‘human traditional practices’.
Beware of empty philosophies:
1. Mystic: Any mystic belief cannot be condoned. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you (Colossians 2:18). Even educated and well informed people are fooled by false propaganda and fake fallacies. But even if we, or an angel from Heaven, preach to you any other gospel than that which we have preached, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8). Beware of mystical misinformation.
2. Ritualistic: Religion does not take us to heaven, only the relationship with the Risen Saviour does. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day (Colossians 2:16). The Gnostics had suffocated the Colossians believers with laborious traditions, food restrictions and astrology. Beware of ritualism and legalism.
3. Occult: Occultism is nothing but controlling the circumstances and consequences by engaging with the demonic spiritual forces. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic (James 3:15). It is dangerous to dabble with the demonic realm. Destructive demonic fun-games such as weegee-board, crystal balls and Ouija games have penetrated into society as exciting entertainment. Beware of any creepy occult practices.
The thief permeates into our homes and hearts through mystic philosophies, ritualistic practices or occult fun games. Beware of the mind polluting thief.
Colossians 2:23b they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Prayer: Jesus my Risen King, you are the only way the truth and the life. May I never be captivated by false philosophies or twisted theologies. Amen.
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