Slide open social media and you will find unending video shorts and posts about what is true.
The confusing thing: who do you believe? Well, it depends on who (or what) you listen to.
Digital voices can cloud our view of what is true.
However, if we think we are alone in the information overload, we need to take a fresh look at the Colossae of Paul’s day.
The Confused Colossians
The Colossian believers lived in a cacophony of cultural religious beliefs before the entrance of the truth of the gospel. Scholars suggest the culture as a whole included mystical practices and worshipping spirits. (1)
When Christianity arrived, they seem to add the truth of the gospel amongst their religious practices, rather than turn from false teaching to full devotion to Christ.
So, Paul pulls out a scroll and ink to encourage them in their faith and to also help correct their false religious practices with truth.
Because the bottom line is: we either follow the truth, or not.
In this week’s passage, he warns them not to be led astray.
How can we armor ourselves to not be led astray from truth?
READ
Slowly read the passage below two times.
Colossians 2:6–10 (NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
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.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
REFLECT
What did you notice from the passage?
What does the “hollow and deceptive philosophy” depend on?
RESPOND
What is one practice you will start or continue to help make sure you remain true to sound teachings of the truth of the gospel and not be led astray like some Colossian believers?
(suggestion: a regular rhythm of studying and memorizing God’s Word).
Who do you know who might need prayer about discerning truth?
PRAY
Take a moment to pray about what the Spirit has brought to your mind.
If you would like to read a prayer instead, here is one to follow:
Father, Son, Holy Spirit—one and only true God, I worship You. Lord, I want to know you for who you really are and not for what people tell me you are. Please give me a discerning ear and a hunger and desire to study your Word so I am not led astray. I love you, God—keep me in your care and bind me to Your truth. In Jesus’ name,
AMEN
The Lord be with you this week,
(1) Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Col.
