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Think of it in these terms. Any philosopher, theologian, scientist, professor or quantum physicist, whether Christian or not, has borrowed their wisdom and knowledge from God. Without God, there is no logic or reason. Outside of His creation, we have no ability to think or apply judgment to any situation. Therefore, when you take what God has given you and use it to dethrone Him, you end up looking like a fool. Paul knew this and he wanted the Colossians to know it as well.
He sets up a huge contrast between empty philosophy (Gnostic teaching) and God’s infinite wisdom which dwelt in the physical body of Christ.
“Paul does not condemn philosophy as such, but a philosophy of this kind—one which seduces believers from the simplicity of their faith in Christ. For all its attractiveness, this philosophy was an empty illusion. If the Colossians embraced it, they would be the losers and not the gainers thereby. Those who knew what they were about when they “received Christ Jesus the Lord” could not find it acceptable; it was a human tradition which overthrew the essential truths of Christian faith and life.”
New International Commentary New Testament
It’s a simple but applicable truth. We must test everything against Christ and His Word. We have the black and white text of Scripture but we also have the Word made into flesh – the physical incarnation of Jesus Christ. In Him, we find all the hidden treasures of God’s kingdom that we will ever need.
So, why are so many today pulled away by New Age philosophy that tickles the ear? According to Paul, as believers, they have not understood all that they have in Christ. The Colossians, just like those today, were in grave danger of replacing what they had learned and known with something false and empty. At this point in the chapter, Paul dismantles the false teaching with complete authority. He destroys these unsound worldviews with his rapid fire truth bombs as he practically explores how to combat them.
We can’t test false teaching if we don’t know Christ. We can’t examine it’s true meaning if we’re not in the Word. Maybe that sounds too traditional or boring to you? If so, then ask yourself if your latest cutting edge philosophies came down from heaven in a physical body to willingly die for your sin.
As Christians, we will always live on the fringe of society as outcasts and so-called ignorant sheep following a fairy-tale story from an ancient book. Jesus said we would suffer. He told us they would hate us. He said many would be led astray.
I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My new name. 13 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 3:11-13 HCSB