Chapter 2:
Paul ended chapter one saying that he labored/struggled to teach people the truth about Jesus. In this chapter he explains how that looks as he combats the false teachings going around. He wanted them to “know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…”
He reminds them to stay rooted in what he taught them about Jesus and to “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Some Greeks would use the stars or traditions to determine their religious practices. These are misleading and not Biblical!
The next verse is an amazingly clear verse that Jesus is God: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” I’m always amazed how a Jehovah’s Witness can read this and say how it doesn’t mean that. Why? Because they’ve been taken captive! We need to fight for them to be released!
When we were dead in sin, God made us alive in Jesus and forgave all our sins. As a result, legalistic systems & the worship of angels are not to be – “the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Those who teach otherwise have “…lost connection with the Head…”
SO WHAT?!
*What are some of the hollow & deceptive philosophies in our culture? Being good enough to get to heaven, going to church or RSM, giving money, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, etc…. are all ways the enemy uses to deceive! Stand up for truth today so both you and others won’t be deceived!
*What application does Jesus being God have for your life & mine? Let’s marinate on this one today!
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