The Enemies Deceptions
LEGACY • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsThe enemy infiltrating the Body of Christ.
Notes
Transcript
Colossians 2:6-10
Colossians 2:6-10
Introduction:
Introduction:
Part of our legacy is to be watchful for ourselves and those weaker than us. Those who are mature are to tend to those who are immature in their faith. We are commanded to be vigilant and discerning as soldiers for Christ.
Just as soldiers in World War II were often misled by false information and propaganda, we too can be deceived in our spiritual lives. We must remain vigilant and discerning, always on guard against the empty deceptions of our spiritual enemy.
Have you ever been deceived? How did it affect you? Was it by someone you trusted? Would it change the way you felt about being deceived? These questions demand answers. If I were to go around the room and ask each of you how it felt, how long would it take for everyone to respond?
There is nothing worse than finding out someone you trust would be so deceiving. Maybe someone went through this in the Church. It creates a hurt and stigma that is hard to overcome. We can avoid being misled if we follow what Paul commands the Church in Colossae.
Paul warns us of three doctrines that captivate the body:
1. Philosophy and empty deceit.
2. Tradition of men, not God.
3. Elementary principles of this world.
The believer should use discernment when it comes to philosophies, which leads to empty deceit.
The believer should use discernment when it comes to philosophies, which leads to empty deceit.
Just as the serpent deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden with false promises, the enemy still tries to deceive us today with the allure of temporary pleasures and empty promises. But we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment in God's eternal truths.
Just as the serpent deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden with false promises, the enemy still tries to deceive us today with the allure of temporary pleasures and empty promises. But we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment in God's eternal truths.
Paul warns them to be aware so they are not captives. The Greek συλαγωγῶν refers to being kidnapped and carried off as spoils of war. We explained three ways this happens. The first is through philosophy, which leads to empty deception.
Philosophy φιλοσοφἰα the love and pursuit of wisdom. It comes from two other Greek words σοφος refers to wise, and φιλος refers to friend. Some of the best intentions from our wisest friends can be nothing more than vain counseling or teachings. Think of Job’s friends who thought they were wise, and they opened their mouths, and all the wisdom left them. They did not bring knowingly deceit to Job, but they still hindered him. Those that Paul is warning them and us are those who act like our friends but mislead us with vain ideals.
Ephesians 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
The believer should use discernment when it comes to traditions of men.
The believer should use discernment when it comes to traditions of men.
Tradition: παρἀδοσιν teaching, traditions of men. The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked Him why His disciples broke tradition (Matthew 15:2 Listen to Jesus’ response to them in Matthew 15:3.
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”
He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?
Just because people have believed something and it has been handed down throughout the years does not make it true.
John MacArthur states, “Tradition usually serves merely to perpetuate error.” Today, evolution is a theory that scientists hold to have always been true. As stated in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 every believer should hold to God's teachings.
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
There are traditions in every family. Does it make you less of a family member if you do not practice them? Would you keep holding to these traditions if you felt convicted that it hindered your family and your relationship?
As a Church family, John Stott, said, “Every church should be engaged in continuous self-reformation, scrutinizing its traditions in the light of Scripture and where necessary modifying them.”
Every church should be engaged in continuous self-reformation, scrutinizing its traditions in the light of Scripture and where necessary modifying them.
John Stott
Are traditions from man or God? If from man, we need to evaluate them. If from God, there shouldn’t be any opposition to them. What traditions do we need to observe in our own family? Traditions might not seem to hinder the Gospel, but if they take the focus from Christ, they should be eliminated.
The last area Paul reminds the Church to be watchful for the enemy is through Elementary Spirits.
The believer should use discernment regarding elementary principles of the world.
The believer should use discernment regarding elementary principles of the world.
Elementary Principles of this world are evil spirits. When we were lost, we allowed and listened to the principalities of this world. Lucifer (Satan) was cast out of heaven. He took a 1/3 of the angels with him. These demonic beings have dominion over areas and report to Satan. By luring men and women into different sins because of the corruption of our hearts, we became enemies of God.
The Greek word that Paul uses is στοιχεῖον refers to either elements that make up the created universe, including heavenly bodies, or supernatural powers ruling aspects of creation.
Stoicheion only occurs seven times in the NT. Paul uses the term four times in contexts that appear to refer to these elements as supernatural forces (Galatians 4:3 , 9 ; Ephesians 6:12
So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.
But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Paul explains what we are wrestling with. He warns Ephesus and Colossae about what they must watch out for. Who is our enemy? It is Satan and his demons.
A new understanding of principalities and powers has been supported with increasing confidence by scholars since World War II. Historian E. G. Rupp applies the expression to economic, social, and political structures.
Walter A. Elwell
Our struggle is not against visible things but against the rulers of this world. We should not be deceived into thinking that these foes are not robust. We must not become enslaved again to what Christ has set us free from. - Galatians 5:1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Take guard that we are not be led to false teachings. Be watchful. We are not allowing wolves in sheepskin to infiltrate the body.
Application:
Application:
So how should we and can we fight against a foe who is more vital than we are? Is it even possible to win this battle? Paul told them before his warnings that the enemy would penetrate the body. Read verses six and seven.
1. We walk in and with the Lord. Walking with Him is walking in Union with the Lord.
“What would Jesus do in this situation?” The hymn “O to Be Like Thee” expresses what should be the desire of every Christian:
O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus Thy perfect likeness to wear.
O to be like Thee!
O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
2. We are rooted and built upon Him. What does it mean to be rooted and built upon? Paul uses agricultural and construction terminology that they would understand. Psalm 1:1-3
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.
“Having been firmly rooted” is a perfect passive verb referring to something that has happened and will continue. Christ is our spiritual nourishment, growth, and fruit. Maybe it is time we allow the Holy Spirit to prune our lives of things that are killing the fruit. Ephesians 3:17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
“Being built up in Him” refers to becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:20
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,
3. “Established in the faith, as they were taught.” Ephesians 4:21
if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,
Established “βεβαιοὐμενοι” confirm, established, or secure. Are you secure in your faith?
4. “Overflowing with gratitude.” This is an active voice, unlike the other preceding it. If you and I are firmly rooted, built upon Him, and established in our faith, we will overflow with gratitude toward God for all His provisions and protections.
Are we being watchful for the enemy? Are we firmly rooted, built up, established, and have gratitude that overflows, allowing us to stand against the enemy? We are called not only for our family but also for our brothers and sisters in Christ.