LETTERS: Rooted in Christ
Day 2
Read Colossians 2
Keep this in mind as you read: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” James 3:1 (ESV)
Within chapter 2, Paul begins to really challenge the church of Colosse by telling them to reject shallow, worldly understandings while having a heart of unity. At this point in history, many of the growing churches were often plagued with false teachers. These teachers were not connected with Jesus, but rather rooted in their own earthly understandings. Paul is warning the church that they should not be trusted. Additionally, he writes that these types of teachers are deceiving them. Chapter 2 is applicable in the modern world because people can claim to be a teacher of the Living God but are fused with man-made thoughts. So Paul simply warns us of these false teachers who are willing to create a religion that is lackluster and void of any fruit where as the Holy Spirit does the exact opposite, granting His church purpose, life, and hope.
The focus will be verse 23. Read it one more time.
“These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of flesh.” (ESV)
The term “these” references any weak, philosophical ideas, found earlier in verse eight. It is important to understand that these ideas will eventually perish and fade. Why? Because a man-made religion seeks only the desires of the flesh. Paul is condemning this wicked approach to life because it disregards God and His design. The letter is giving the people some tools in order to guard against man-made religions.
Reflection Questions
So what are some of those tools to protect ourselves with? Consider these questions towards leadership within a church:
Does this church dismiss the importance of accountability and transparency?
Does this church engaging in self-righteousness and stray away from humbleness?
Does this church foster a spirit that cares for others?
Does this church glorify the living, breathing God?
Leave a comment (anonymous or not) regarding one of these questions below or another point from the devotional
Now… Do you exhibit these fruits? And if you do not, ask for conviction from the Spirit so that you may be more like Jesus. Pray for a spiritual growth for yourself!
A man-made religion will focus on the patterns of this world. Do not be obsessed with the physical realm, but be consumed by the invisible God. So do you create space in your heart for God to implement His wisdom? Or do you justify things for yourself with an earthly mind?
Final Thoughts:
Colossians 2 is a section that is dense and is filled with many instructions, warnings, and good reminders of hope! It combats “teachers” with unspiritual minds, warning us of these people. The chapter concludes with a final line that is a cliffhanger. But it paves the way for Chapter 3, telling us on what it means to have Jesus be the ruler of our lives.
1 Comments
Going to a smaller church where people are mostly familiar definitely has its advantages. I think it makes keeping each other accountable a little bit more difficult. I notice myself let down my guard down when I’m around people I trust, which is great. But, especially today, keeping each other accountable and being transparent is very important. Finding the balance of being vulnerable but still creating an atmosphere where we can be brutally honest and point each other towards Jesus is an important idea that I’m taking out of chapter 2.