“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Colossians 2:8

Another warning the Apostle Paul gives us in this chapter. (Vs. 8) There are those that would teach the vanities of men (Example: Greek myths, superstitions (Acts 17:22), today it’s Easter & Christmas, Halloween, etc.) (See May 23 Devotional) as if they were real teachings of Christ. (“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mk. 7:7-9) Placing the traditions of men as if they were the doctrines of Christ. What an abomination. Yet it is still the case today. Such as Easter and Christmas holidays, where pagan teachings are attached to Christian principles. This is sin. (II Cor. 6:14-18) Even should saints partake of holidays steeped in pagan rites, etc. (Halloween)? This writer thinks not.

 Our nation’s schools teaching philosophy and courses of humanities based upon man’s ideology and pride. God’s Word is all that is needed to tell us of man. Man is lost and headed to a devil’s hell. Man must be born again. (John 3; Rom. 3; 6:23; 10:9-13) Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Hallelujah! (Rom. 5:8; I Cor. 15:1-4) Christ fulfilled all the law and men must look to Him; not the keeping of rites, ordinances, commandments, etc. (Matt. 5:17)

 We must not allow our sons and daughters to sit under teachers that corrupt the minds of our youth with vain deceits, and not after Christ our Saviour. (“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Prov. 19:27) Reading, Math, English, correct History and Science; yes, fine. Not the teachings of humanism, atheism, or agnosticism, etc. Anything contrary to sound doctrine. (“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;” I Tim. 1:9-10) It is the Word of the Lord men need to have shoved into their ears and drug down into their hearts, so that they may be clean and born again. Being born again by the Word. (John 1:1, 12; I Peter 1:23)

 Men’s minds today corrupted (example: Chariots of the gods. People died (hell), who went to their grave’s thinking God was some alien species, wicked!) (John 4:24) Confusing the carnal with the spiritual. (“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (II Cor. 4:18) The real world is the world not seen with the naked eye, but with the spiritual (Word of God). Beware. “Christ Our Perfection”

“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”

Colossians 2:4-7

The Apostle Paul gives us warning and exhortation. (Col. 2:4-7) Beware of those that speak smooth as butter. Speaking of words of flattery, deceit, and vanity. Their end is to thee, error and destruction. (Rom. 16:17-18; II Cor. 11:13-15; Eph. 4:14; 5:6)

 It was a joy and refreshing of spirit to the Apostle Paul to know and sense the service of Christ in the saints of Colosse. What structure and form, (I Cor. 14:40) what staunchness of faith in Christ (I Peter 5:9). Thus, it would be for fellow brethren, even today, in the house of God, hearing and being refreshed by other saints triumphing in Christ throughout worlds, in faith and order. Amen.

 As we have accepted (received) Christ Jesus, (John 1:12) our Redeemer, Lord, and Saviour, we ought tolive (walk) in Him. It is right and becoming of us in Christ to manifest good graces and poise. The world shows forth only that of their heritage of ruin, vanity, and sin of destruction. We ought to show forth the kindness, love, faith, and grace of Christ our Saviour. (“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” II Tim. 2:24-25)

 Not only are we to be fixed and established (rooted), yet also constructed (built) up in Christ Jesus. The more we give ourselves attendance and effort to grow in Christ: by love, by the Word, by deed, by exhortation, by humility, by perseverance, etc., we can grow closer to our Saviour, be a channel of blessing, and a shining light. (I Peter 2:2) The right and proper way to be taught for the saint is to be fixed and stable (stablished) in the faith of Christ. Away from the things of God leads only to a shaky and weak faith. Not fit for the Lord’s theater of spiritual warfare and loss of rewards. (“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Eph. 6:10-18) (II Tim. 2:1-6)

 Then once in Christ: rooted, built up, and stablished in the faith, we ought to flow (abounding) with an outpouring of sincere gratitude (thanksgiving), glory, and praise, to our wonderful Saviour, and the manifestation to others to receive Him. (“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” Ps. 30:12) “Christ Our Perfection” Amen.

“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Colossians 2:3

Many strive to increase their knowledge by going off to a place so-called of higher learning. These provide knowledge of the already existing and the ability to use it. Training in a field for one to provide for himself and family is admirable, being done in the will of God. (II Thess. 3:10; I Tim. 5:8) Yet, in these institutions of learning are subjects required to take that cause eternal detrimental harm to the soul and mind of the young and naive. Turning them against Christ, His Word, and His kingdom, in unbelief. (“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Prov. 19:27 “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” II Tim. 3:7)

 The knowledge of the truth. Christ states to Pilate, (“…Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” John 18:37) It is because Christ is the Truth: men hear Him, believe in Him, and receive Him, with a repentant, full of faith, and good heart. Being made a new creature in Christ Jesus. For He is the King of Truth, dispelling and casting down all imaginations, every high thing against the knowledge of Him, and bringing every thought to the obedience of Him. (II Cor. 10:5) Conquering and commanding by the very evidence of Truth by Himself. Living and reigning in the kingdom of hearts of men, by His Word. (“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” I Peter 1:23)

 Christ Jesus, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid in Him for us. The stronger our faith and love the greater closeness of Christ grows. Yes! Indeed. Unbelievers know nothing of eternity and the realm of spiritual wisdom and knowledge. Eternal life and eternity forever in Him. (Prov. 2:5; 9:10; 16:6; John 3:36; 6:47) We being bought by His blood, finding forgiveness in Him.(Blessed art thou, O Lord) All of Creation: Galaxies of worlds, kingdoms, thrones, dominions, principalities, and all powers, created, dwelling, and subsisting by and for Him. That He may have all glory, praise, honor, majesty, and preeminence, our “Alpha and Omega” our all in all. (“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Col. 1:14-20)

 Let us for next few devotionals study this wonderful passage of scripture (Col. 2:4 – 3:1-4) detailing, “Christ Our Perfection.”