All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge
COLOSSIANS CHAPTER 2
As Paul was writing to the church in Colossae, he was encouraged by their discipline and their stability of faith in Jesus. But he warned them about man's empty philosophies. He said do not be deceived, beware of persuasive words, vain philosophies, legality, and asceticism. These are all about man's wisdom, man's traditions, and they are temporary and elementary.
Paul struggled to the point of weariness to encourage their hearts in the Lord and in a love for each other and an understanding of God's mystery, that is Jesus Christ. For in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. They were firmly rooted and built up in Him and established in their faith and full of gratitude for what Jesus had done for them. Yet, Paul said, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophies and empty deception, according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." They were firmly rooted, but they could still fall away from the Lord.
This is a strong warning for us today! Because of technology and the media, we are being bombarded by deception in every area of our lives. It can be overwhelming. Be very careful about what you are letting into your mind and heart. Remember that Jesus is God. He made you complete, He has all rule and authority, He made you a new creature, He made you alive together with Him, He took our transgressions against God and our debt to God, and nailed them to the cross. This is miraculous and can only happen by God. Think about it.
How long has the Trinity been around? From eternity! Are Biblical principles still relevant? Yes they are! Have the prophecies come true? Many have and more will come true. Now, how is the world doing by man's wisdom and ways? It is in great sin and turmoil. It is spinning out of control. Which wisdom do you think is best for your life and the next life? Why follow man's wisdom when you can have the wisdom and knowledge of God in Jesus? It is so shallow and elementary compared to the wealth our God has for us. Oh people, let us not rely on the wisdom and knowledge of the world, but let us look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us look to Jesus to see how He lived and treated others. " As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him!"
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Are you being taken captive by philosophies and empty deception?
Are you tempted to give up your prize because of what the world is saying?
Some disciplines are good to be sure, but are they your focus and not the Lord?
Are all these things more satisfying to you than Jesus?
Are you following all the empty and confusing deceptions of the world instead of following after God? Turn to Jesus. Try Him. He really is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
As Paul was writing to the church in Colossae, he was encouraged by their discipline and their stability of faith in Jesus. But he warned them about man's empty philosophies. He said do not be deceived, beware of persuasive words, vain philosophies, legality, and asceticism. These are all about man's wisdom, man's traditions, and they are temporary and elementary.
Paul struggled to the point of weariness to encourage their hearts in the Lord and in a love for each other and an understanding of God's mystery, that is Jesus Christ. For in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. They were firmly rooted and built up in Him and established in their faith and full of gratitude for what Jesus had done for them. Yet, Paul said, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophies and empty deception, according to the traditions of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." They were firmly rooted, but they could still fall away from the Lord.
This is a strong warning for us today! Because of technology and the media, we are being bombarded by deception in every area of our lives. It can be overwhelming. Be very careful about what you are letting into your mind and heart. Remember that Jesus is God. He made you complete, He has all rule and authority, He made you a new creature, He made you alive together with Him, He took our transgressions against God and our debt to God, and nailed them to the cross. This is miraculous and can only happen by God. Think about it.
How long has the Trinity been around? From eternity! Are Biblical principles still relevant? Yes they are! Have the prophecies come true? Many have and more will come true. Now, how is the world doing by man's wisdom and ways? It is in great sin and turmoil. It is spinning out of control. Which wisdom do you think is best for your life and the next life? Why follow man's wisdom when you can have the wisdom and knowledge of God in Jesus? It is so shallow and elementary compared to the wealth our God has for us. Oh people, let us not rely on the wisdom and knowledge of the world, but let us look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us look to Jesus to see how He lived and treated others. " As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him!"
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Are you being taken captive by philosophies and empty deception?
Are you tempted to give up your prize because of what the world is saying?
Some disciplines are good to be sure, but are they your focus and not the Lord?
Are all these things more satisfying to you than Jesus?
Are you following all the empty and confusing deceptions of the world instead of following after God? Turn to Jesus. Try Him. He really is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
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