Colossians 2 - 2.6.24
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 2:8-10 “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by Him, Who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
OBSERVATION: Paul was dealing with the hearsay that had crept into the Colossians church. It appears that false Jewish teachers had been attempting to convince the Colossian believers that salvation was based on more than grace through faith. Paul indicated that most of the Colossian believers had resisted this wrong doctrine, but he was still very concerned and encouraged them to be on guard and remain true to what they had been taught so they could remain firm in their faith.
APPLICATION: One way to allow our spiritual roots to grow deep is by hearing, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. The more we know the truth of God’s Word, the easier it becomes to identify false teachings. We are taught that the door of salvation is open to all people, but unfortunately there will be some who will ultimately reject the gospel message. Since Jesus is the ONLY way to God, this means that the ones who reject Jesus and deny He is Lord will be choosing to be deprived of God’s saving grace; salvation.
One of many false teachings I’ve heard is that there is no hell, because a loving God would never send anyone to hell! God is a loving God, but He is also a just God, and because He’s just, He MUST PUNISH SIN! The punishment for sin is DEATH! (Separation from God!). God Who created us and loves us has given us a very important message, and He has revealed HIS ONE AND ONLY PLAN OF SALVATION, which states that if we confess Jesus is Lord, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.
The law does not save us, religion does not save us, our good works do not save us, but… “EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED.” (Romans 10:9,10,13).
PRAYER: I pray we will KNOW the truth of God’s Word so that we will be quick to DISCERN what is NOT the truth. I also pray, that as we have heard and responded to God’s plan of salvation, that we in turn will reciprocate by sharing His message with others so that they can come to know the truth of what Jesus has done for them! I pray we will go out, be prayed up, and filled up with all the love and courage God has given us to boldly proclaim His love and truth to them.
- Robin Orefice
