See 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. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; [Colossians 2:8-10 NASB]
Paul is beginning to directly address the heresies being taught in Colossae and the surrounding area, including Laodicea. The teaching took the Christian truth, and combined it with a mixture of Jewish and pagan philosophy.
There is a pattern in heretical teaching. It is nearly always aimed at the church rather than the world; it nearly always contains a kernel of truth in it; and it nearly always involves a human philosophy or tradition which is counter to God; and the simple truth of the gospel becomes perverted.
Self-denial get turned into asceticism. Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." [Matthew 16:24 NASB] The means we must deny the sinful pleasures of the flesh, and walk in the spirit. Paul said;
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [Galatians 5:19-21 NASB]
Asceticism would take this to another level, and deny all forms of pleasure. They would impose rules that deny the eating of sweets or meats, dancing, music, entertainment, or even a soft bed. Extremes of this would embrace self-flagellation, that is literally flogging the flesh in an attempt to achieve holiness,.
On the other extreme, some turn God's grace into licentiousness. Some take the idea of Christian freedom and live a lifestyle based on adultery or fornication. I know professing Christians who also embrace eastern mysticism through the use of feng shui, healing crystals, or "meditation".
These and other examples of divisiveness, drunkenness and carousing all have one thing in common. The "Christians" who practice these things are all convinced that they can do whatever they want now, and God will forgive them later. But remember what Paul said, "that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
As Christians, we are not under the law, nor any defined set of rules, but are free to be led by the Holy Spirit. Paul said,
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. [Galatians 5:16 NASB]
There are other examples. Separation from the world becomes hermitage. The priesthood of all believers becomes a priesthood of an elite few. Service for the Lord becomes salvation by works.
They all have the appearance of holiness, or the appearance of grace, but they are based on human philosophies and traditions, and are counter to the word of God.
The church in America has lost its way. Because we care more about the philosophies of men than we do the word of God, sexual perversion is not only allowed, but is actually being endorsed by many churches. All of the traditions and rituals that the church has added to its "worship" services only detract from the pure worship of Him "in spirit and in truth"
As followers of Jesus, we don't follow a human philosophy. We don't adhere to human tradition. We follow Jesus because He is God. We are complete in Him, therefore philosophy and tradition can add nothing to Him.
Father, please forgive us of our sins. We have followed the world and the tradition of men, in opposition to You. Please help us to be the church that we were meant to be; one that glorifies Your name.
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