“Beware lest anyone cheat
you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men,
according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete
in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2;8-10
Paul’s letter to the brethren at Colossae had a
specific purpose. It was reported to the Apostle by his co-worker in Christ
Epaphras that there was a legalistic heresy at work within the church.
Apparently, some were proposing that strict ascetic1 legalism (self-denial)
would enable them to ward off all evil. Paul’s antidote to this was a strong
dose of the sovereignty2 of Christ.
Adherence to the word of God with dedication to Christ would be enough
to battle the forces of evil. Although prevalent
in many religious entities even today, legalism is not found in God’s handbook
for life.
The
philosophies and traditions of this world, though popular, offer no eternal
life or forgiveness of sin. Some folks
go to church service every Sunday morning their entire life but leave the same
way they went in. No change has occurred
in their behavior. It’s like the man who
receives a gift every week of his life, but never bothers to open any of them.
In
Christ alone we are to place our full faith and trust. Nothing this world has to offer can do for us
what Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross on Golgotha’s3 hill did. His blood paid our sin debt, something we
could never have done for ourselves.
Everything we will ever need in this life can be found in Christ. Once we realize our severe lack we must
embrace the cross. Even as believers we
must continually embrace the cross for what it is, the universal symbol of
love, mercy and forgiveness. There is
nothing that can stop a blood bought, spirit filled believer from accomplishing
all that God has laid before them to do.
Nothing else is needed, only unwavering belief, trust and dedication to
Christ. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
1 Ascetic
- A person who renounces material comforts and leads a life of austere
self-discipline, especially as an act of religious devotion. Someone who practices self denial as a
spiritual discipline. A Spartan
existence; such as a monk or a hermit. [Random
House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary]
2 Sovereignty
- Supreme and independent power or authority (in Christ’s case, over all
creation). The right and power to command, decide, rule, or judge: [The
American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus.]
3 Calvary
- (Bible) the place just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was
crucified. Also called: Golgotha (from
Late Latin Calvāria, translation of Greek kranion skull, translation of Aramaic
gulgulta Golgotha) [Collins English Dictionary]
