Colossians 2:8

[Carbon]

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8.

Today's dominant remedial gospel within modern culture offers a "therapeutic" cure for the human condition, and that this therapeutic gospel has made a significant inroads into professedly Bible-believing culture. The drama of human life in increasingly defined and treated as a medical-scientific problem, rather than as a religious-moral problem. The philosophy of our day - pop self-help psychologies, psychotherapies, and psychoactive medication - picks up the pieces for people who fail to find satisfaction in careers, relationships, material consumption, recreation, entertainment, or religion. Troubles previously defined as moral - breakdown in relationships, reactions to manifold suffering, confusion and despair about personal identity, the experience of meaninglessness, slavery to the vices, various dysphoric emotions - have come under the intellectual and professional authority of the modern mental professions. Such troubles are diagnosed without reference to sin and misery before the face of God, and they are purportedly cured without reference to Christ, repentance, faith, and obedience.

- David Powlison.

 

[Carbon]

The world is being catechized along with many Christians, not surprising though since we have three enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Many issues in life in the church are brought before the authorities and such while not even considering the pastor. Couples go to a marriage counselor before going to the pastor. Christians have forgotten the importance of the church.

 

[Carbon]

David Powlison goes on to ask - How do we apply Paul's teaching to our time and place?

Now that is a good question.

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Col 1:28
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8

Thoughts?

 

[Carbon]

Paul poured out his heart to all those in Colosaae, who had believed in Jesus Christ. Whether Paul was speaking to crowds or people individually he addressed everyone in truth.

Whether Paul was preaching or counseling what was his message? Jesus Christ.

This Christ who every person needs, he is the only savior.

It's obvious many do not live out their lives in any way that points to Jesus.
I believe we need to be reminded daily. Because other things can turn our heads and attention away from Jesus causing the truth to slip from our views.
Paul lets us know that when a theory lacks Christ, it's empty.

 

[Carbon]

Where truth is articulate and practices ineffective, other voices sound persuasive.

 

[makesends]

One thought fell right out in front of me, reading this —how the truth is cleansing and healthy. I have been criticized by non-believers, and, surprisingly to me, by believers, who don't like me to say that our best self-esteem is to see ourselves as nothing other than God's use of us, and God's assessment of us. GOD is the reason we were made, by him, for him and to him, and anything else is useless noise. I LOVE being at his mercy and under his judgement, because he made me for himself. I am happiest when I watch him work.

You are right, of course. And there are a lot of things that go into what currently is accepted, one of which is the deal-with-it-quick mentality. Like the get rich quick schemes, we want to answer the problem and be done, rather than to muddle through it. The person stuck with (in) the problem doesn't have much recourse. I saw this even in high school 50 years ago, wrote a piece on it, where we are almost numbers and not people anymore, variables to insert into an equation. My own mentality concerning "Christian Victory" was all about figuring out what I was doing wrong, or needed to know so as to become obedient and Godly.

I like that: "...when a theory lacks Christ, it's empty."

 

[HIM]

David Powlison goes on to ask - How do we apply Paul's teaching to our time and place?

Now that is a good question.

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Col 1:28
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8

Thoughts?

By Applying it. We all have a part to do.

 

[makesends]

David Powlison goes on to ask - How do we apply Paul's teaching to our time and place?

Now that is a good question.

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Col 1:28
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8

Thoughts?

I'd say by simply continuing to declare the truth. There's certainly available times for it, particularly in talking with other members of the "church", whether pretenders or not.

 

[Marilyn C]

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8.

Today's dominant remedial gospel within modern culture offers a "therapeutic" cure for the human condition, and that this therapeutic gospel has made a significant inroads into professedly Bible-believing culture. The drama of human life in increasingly defined and treated as a medical-scientific problem, rather than as a religious-moral problem. The philosophy of our day - pop self-help psychologies, psychotherapies, and psychoactive medication - picks up the pieces for people who fail to find satisfaction in careers, relationships, material consumption, recreation, entertainment, or religion. Troubles previously defined as moral - breakdown in relationships, reactions to manifold suffering, confusion and despair about personal identity, the experience of meaninglessness, slavery to the vices, various dysphoric emotions - have come under the intellectual and professional authority of the modern mental professions. Such troubles are diagnosed without reference to sin and misery before the face of God, and they are purportedly cured without reference to Christ, repentance, faith, and obedience.

- David Powlison.

Very important question for today. I would say,

`Be diligent to present yourself approved of God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.` (2 Tim. 2: 14)

Then - `speaking the truth in love,.....` (Eph. 4: 15)

 

[justbyfaith]

Some people are actually forced to submit to the mental health system and to take medication for what is inherently a sin problem...

Sin is covered over with sin.

Gal 5:19, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20, Idolatry, witchcraft <pharmakeia, medication>, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

I would suggest to them that they pray to the Lord that He might transmute their medications as He transmuted the water into wine in order that they might not any longer be pharmakeia; and that He might neutralize the material component of the spell / potion that is purported to "heal" them...

And that this would be replaced by the fact that, by His Spirit, He has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind...even the mind of Christ, and the mind of the Spirit...that He continues to transform you by the renewing of your mind and that He continues to guard and keep your heart and mind with His peace that surpasses all understanding, through faith in Jesus Christ...that you are fearfully and wonderfully made; so ask Him, that if there is a defect or disease in your brain, that He would heal it...

That inasmuch as you study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that neededth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth...that the word of truth might rightly divide your thinking so that you think rationally, logically, and clearly...faithfully, righteously, godly, and holily...and that He might give you a spirit and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to gainsay or resist.

This is what I pray almost every night on my own behalf; for I myself have been subjected against my will to the treatment of the mental health system; and I believe that I have overcome it by these things, that I have mentioned above.

 

[Deleted member 5]

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8.

Today's dominant remedial gospel within modern culture offers a "therapeutic" cure for the human condition, and that this therapeutic gospel has made a significant inroads into professedly Bible-believing culture. The drama of human life in increasingly defined and treated as a medical-scientific problem, rather than as a religious-moral problem. The philosophy of our day - pop self-help psychologies, psychotherapies, and psychoactive medication - picks up the pieces for people who fail to find satisfaction in careers, relationships, material consumption, recreation, entertainment, or religion. Troubles previously defined as moral - breakdown in relationships, reactions to manifold suffering, confusion and despair about personal identity, the experience of meaninglessness, slavery to the vices, various dysphoric emotions - have come under the intellectual and professional authority of the modern mental professions. Such troubles are diagnosed without reference to sin and misery before the face of God, and they are purportedly cured without reference to Christ, repentance, faith, and obedience.

- David Powlison.

Yes, psycho-babble has been around for a long while now. It is the blending of psychology and Christianity. June Hunt is one example.

If you have ever listened to her program you will note that she gets people to say a "prayer of salvation" in which the basis of the prayer is on how wonderful of a person they are.

 

[civic]

David Powlison goes on to ask - How do we apply Paul's teaching to our time and place?

Now that is a good question.

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Col 1:28
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8

Thoughts?

I just read through several commentaries on Colossians 2:8 and I like what Gill says below :

through philosophy: not right philosophy, or true wisdom, the knowledge of God, of the things of nature, of things natural, moral, and civil; which may be attained unto by the use of reason, and light of nature. The apostle does not mean to condemn all arts and sciences, as useless and hurtful, such as natural philosophy in its various branches, ethics, logic, rhetoric, &c. when kept within due bounds, and in their proper place and sphere; for with instances of these the Scriptures themselves abound; but he means that philosophy, or science, which is falsely so called, the false notions of philosophers; such as the eternity of matter, and of this world, the mortality of souls, the worshipping of demons and angels, &c. and also such principles in philosophy, which in themselves, and in the things of nature, are true, but, when applied to divine things, to things above nature, the mere effects of divine power and grace, and of pure revelation, are false; as that out of nothing, nothing can be made, which in the things of nature is true, but not to be applied to the God of nature, who has made the world out of nothing; as also that from a privation to an habit there is no return, which is naturally true, but not to be applied to supernatural things, and supernatural agency; witness the miracles of Christ, in restoring sight to the blind, life to the dead, &c. and therefore is not to be employed against the resurrection of the dead: philosophy may be useful as an handmaid; it is not to be a mistress in theological things; it may subserve, but not govern; it is not to be made use of as a judge, or rule in such matters; the natural man, on these principles, neither knows nor receives the things of the Spirit of God; judgment is not to be made and formed according to them; as of a trinity of persons in the Godhead; of the sonship of Christ, and his incarnation; of man's redemption by him, of reconciliation and satisfaction by his blood and sacrifice, of the pardon of sin, of a sinner's justification, of the resurrection of the dead, and such like articles of faith: that philosophy which is right, can only be a rule of judgment in things relating to it, and not in those which are out of its sphere: in a word, the apostle here condemns the philosophy of the Jews, and of the Gnostics; the former had introduced natural philosophy into the worship and service of God, and the things appertaining to their religion; and had made the tabernacle and temple, and the most holy place, and the things belonging thereunto, emblems and hieroglyphics of natural things; as of the sun, moon, and stars, and their influences, and of the four elements, and of moral virtue, &c. as appears from the writings of Josephus (r), and Philo (s); when they were types and representatives of spiritual things under the Gospel dispensation; and the latter had brought in the philosophy of Pythagoras and Plato, concerning abstinences, purgations, sacrifices, and ceremonies of worship, given to demons and angels: in short, the apostle's meaning is, that philosophy is not to be mixed with the pure Gospel of Christ; it has always been fatal to it; witness the school of Pantaenus in Alexandria, in the early times of Christianity, by which the simplicity of the Gospel was greatly corrupted; and the race of schoolmen a few centuries ago, who introduced the philosophy of Aristotle, Averrois, and others, into all the subjects of divinity: to observe no more, such kind of philosophy is here meant, which may be truly called

vain deceit: that is, that which is vain and empty, and has no solid foundation, even in nature and reason itself; and which being applied to divine things and religious observances, is deceitful and delusory:

after the tradition of men; either of the Gentiles, who had their traditions in religion; or of the Jews, called the traditions of the elders, and of the fathers, which the Pharisees were fond of, by which they transgressed the commandments of God; which the apostle was brought up in, and was zealous of formerly, but now was delivered from, and rightly condemned as idle, trifling, and pernicious:

after the rudiments of the world, or "the elements of the world"; not the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water; or the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, &c. among the idolatrous Gentiles, but the ceremonial laws of the Jews; see Galatians 4:8; which were that to them in religion, as the A B C, or letters, are in grammar, the elements and rudiments of it; and though these were to them, when children, useful, but now under the Gospel dispensation are weak, beggarly, and useless, and not to be attended to:

and not after Christ; what he has taught and prescribed, the doctrines and commandments of Christ, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge which are in him; and therefore all such vain and deceitful philosophy, human traditions, and worldly rudiments, are to be rejected; Christ and his Gospel, the revelation he has made, are the standard of doctrine and worship; he only is to be heard and attended to, and whatever it contrary thereunto is to be guarded against,

 

[HIM]

I just read through several commentaries on Colossians 2:8 and I like what Gill says below :

through philosophy: not right philosophy, or true wisdom, the knowledge of God, of the things of nature, of things natural, moral, and civil; which may be attained unto by the use of reason, and light of nature. The apostle does not mean to condemn all arts and sciences, as useless and hurtful, such as natural philosophy in its various branches, ethics, logic, rhetoric, &c. when kept within due bounds, and in their proper place and sphere; for with instances of these the Scriptures themselves abound; but he means that philosophy, or science, which is falsely so called, the false notions of philosophers; such as the eternity of matter, and of this world, the mortality of souls, the worshipping of demons and angels, &c. and also such principles in philosophy, which in themselves, and in the things of nature, are true, but, when applied to divine things, to things above nature, the mere effects of divine power and grace, and of pure revelation, are false; as that out of nothing, nothing can be made, which in the things of nature is true, but not to be applied to the God of nature, who has made the world out of nothing; as also that from a privation to an habit there is no return, which is naturally true, but not to be applied to supernatural things, and supernatural agency; witness the miracles of Christ, in restoring sight to the blind, life to the dead, &c. and therefore is not to be employed against the resurrection of the dead: philosophy may be useful as an handmaid; it is not to be a mistress in theological things; it may subserve, but not govern; it is not to be made use of as a judge, or rule in such matters; the natural man, on these principles, neither knows nor receives the things of the Spirit of God; judgment is not to be made and formed according to them; as of a trinity of persons in the Godhead; of the sonship of Christ, and his incarnation; of man's redemption by him, of reconciliation and satisfaction by his blood and sacrifice, of the pardon of sin, of a sinner's justification, of the resurrection of the dead, and such like articles of faith: that philosophy which is right, can only be a rule of judgment in things relating to it, and not in those which are out of its sphere: in a word, the apostle here condemns the philosophy of the Jews, and of the Gnostics; the former had introduced natural philosophy into the worship and service of God, and the things appertaining to their religion; and had made the tabernacle and temple, and the most holy place, and the things belonging thereunto, emblems and hieroglyphics of natural things; as of the sun, moon, and stars, and their influences, and of the four elements, and of moral virtue, &c. as appears from the writings of Josephus (r), and Philo (s); when they were types and representatives of spiritual things under the Gospel dispensation; and the latter had brought in the philosophy of Pythagoras and Plato, concerning abstinences, purgations, sacrifices, and ceremonies of worship, given to demons and angels: in short, the apostle's meaning is, that philosophy is not to be mixed with the pure Gospel of Christ; it has always been fatal to it; witness the school of Pantaenus in Alexandria, in the early times of Christianity, by which the simplicity of the Gospel was greatly corrupted; and the race of schoolmen a few centuries ago, who introduced the philosophy of Aristotle, Averrois, and others, into all the subjects of divinity: to observe no more, such kind of philosophy is here meant, which may be truly called

vain deceit: that is, that which is vain and empty, and has no solid foundation, even in nature and reason itself; and which being applied to divine things and religious observances, is deceitful and delusory:

after the tradition of men; either of the Gentiles, who had their traditions in religion; or of the Jews, called the traditions of the elders, and of the fathers, which the Pharisees were fond of, by which they transgressed the commandments of God; which the apostle was brought up in, and was zealous of formerly, but now was delivered from, and rightly condemned as idle, trifling, and pernicious:

after the rudiments of the world, or "the elements of the world"; not the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water; or the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, &c. among the idolatrous Gentiles, but the ceremonial laws of the Jews; see Galatians 4:8; which were that to them in religion, as the A B C, or letters, are in grammar, the elements and rudiments of it; and though these were to them, when children, useful, but now under the Gospel dispensation are weak, beggarly, and useless, and not to be attended to:

and not after Christ; what he has taught and prescribed, the doctrines and commandments of Christ, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge which are in him; and therefore all such vain and deceitful philosophy, human traditions, and worldly rudiments, are to be rejected; Christ and his Gospel, the revelation he has made, are the standard of doctrine and worship; he only is to be heard and attended to, and whatever it contrary thereunto is to be guarded against,

Seems Gill has ignored some things when he implies "that not after Christ" means what He taught and prescribed. In respect to commandments and doctrines and not what is actually shared in the context of Colossians. Sad because it says we have been made meet, fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. We whom have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son. In whom we have been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin through His blood even the forgiveness, removal of the sins. In whom we now have peace through the blood of His cross. Having been redeemed, the removal of sins that are past. Reconciled. no longer alienated and enemies through the wicked works of our mind, our creation but reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. To be presented holy and unblameable, unblemished by sin and therefore unreproveable in His sight. If we continue settled and grounded in the faith. Not Removed from the hope of the Gospel. Which is Christ in us the hope of glory. Therein Striving according to His working that works in us mightily. Hearts comforted and knitted together in love. Unto all riches and the full assurance of the understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery which is Christ in you. In whom are hid all wisdom and knowledge.

So as we have received Christ Jesus walk let us in Him. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Abounding in it with thanksgiving even as we were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. And we are complete in Him. Circumcised with circumcision made without hands in the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism that old man be crucified with Him the body of sins be destroyed. Hence forth we do not serve sin but become servants of righteousness. Delivered from the power of darkness. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Having risen with Him through the faith and operation of God. Who raised Him from the dead. Quickened together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.

 

[civic]

Seems Gill has ignored some things when he implies "that not after Christ" means what He taught and prescribed. In respect to commandments and doctrines and not what is actually shared in the context of Colossians. Sad because it says we have been made meet, fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. We whom have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son. In whom we have been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin through His blood even the forgiveness, removal of the sins. In whom we now have peace through the blood of His cross. Having been redeemed, the removal of sins that are past. Reconciled. no longer alienated and enemies through the wicked works of our mind, our creation but reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. To be presented holy and unblameable, unblemished by sin and therefore unreproveable in His sight. If we continue settled and grounded in the faith. Not Removed from the hope of the Gospel. Which is Christ in us the hope of glory. Therein Striving according to His working that works in us mightily. Hearts comforted and knitted together in love. Unto all riches and the full assurance of the understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery which is Christ in you. In whom are hid all wisdom and knowledge.

So as we have received Christ Jesus walk let us in Him. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Abounding in it with thanksgiving even as we were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. And we are complete in Him. Circumcised with circumcision made without hands in the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism that old man be crucified with Him the body of sins be destroyed. Hence forth we do not serve sin but become servants of righteousness. Delivered from the power of darkness. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Having risen with Him through the faith and operation of God. Who raised Him from the dead. Quickened together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.

Paul is confronting the gnostics in Colossians which we can see from 2:8.

See here from Bible.org. All protestant theologians are in agreement with Paul refuting gnosticism that had crept into the church. John does the same thing in his epistles refuting the gnostics.

1. The primary objections to Pauline authorship are the divergence in literary style, vocabulary, and syntax from Paul’s other writings.7 Also it was believed that Paul was combating the heresy of second-century Gnosticism

But literary differences can be explained by appealing to the new content of the letter, the heresy which he is addressing, and Paul’s adaptation of traditional material. Also, there is no need to understand the heresy as a second-century Gnosticism (see below)

An Introduction To The Book Of Colossians | Bible.org

1 I. AUTHOR: THE APOSTLE PAUL2 A. External Evidence: Paul is strongly affirmed to be the author of Colossians 1. Colossians was undisputedly Pauline until the nineteenth century a. The Later Church Fathers accepted it3 b. It was not disputed in the later decades: 1) It was probably used as early...

bible.org

 

[HIM]

Paul is confronting the gnostics in Colossians which we can see from 2:8.

See here from Bible.org. All protestant theologians are in agreement with Paul refuting gnosticism that had crept into the church. John does the same thing in his epistles refuting the gnostics.

1. The primary objections to Pauline authorship are the divergence in literary style, vocabulary, and syntax from Paul’s other writings.7 Also it was believed that Paul was combating the heresy of second-century Gnosticism

But literary differences can be explained by appealing to the new content of the letter, the heresy which he is addressing, and Paul’s adaptation of traditional material. Also, there is no need to understand the heresy as a second-century Gnosticism (see below)

An Introduction To The Book Of Colossians | Bible.org

1 I. AUTHOR: THE APOSTLE PAUL2 A. External Evidence: Paul is strongly affirmed to be the author of Colossians 1. Colossians was undisputedly Pauline until the nineteenth century a. The Later Church Fathers accepted it3 b. It was not disputed in the later decades: 1) It was probably used as early...

bible.org

Gill is mistaken as it says in the post to which you responded too. And Why it is written is not as important as what is written. And what is written is ignored by most professing Christians.
What does Colossians mean when it says we have been made meet, fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light? We whom have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son. In whom we have been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin through His blood even having the forgiveness, removal of the sins. In whom we now have peace through the blood of His cross. Having been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin. Having the removal of sins that are past. Reconciled. One with God. No longer alienated and enemies through the wicked works of our mind, of our creation but reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. To be presented holy and unblameable, unblemished by sin and therefore unreproveable in His sight. But only If we continue settled and grounded in the faith that speaks what is written above. Not Removed from the hope of the Gospel. Which is Christ in us the hope of glory. Therein Striving according to His working that works in us mightily. Our Hearts comforted and knitted together in love. Unto all riches and the full assurance of the understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery which is Christ in you. In whom are hid all wisdom and knowledge.
So as we have received Christ Jesus let us walk in Him. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Abounding in it with thanksgiving even as we were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. And we are complete in Him. Circumcised with circumcision made without hands in the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism that old man be crucified with Him the body of sins be destroyed. Hence forth we do not serve sin but become servants of righteousness. Delivered from the power of darkness. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Having risen with Him through the faith and operation of God. Who raised Him from the dead. Quickened together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.

 

[civic]

Gill is mistaken as it says in the post to which you responded too. And Why it is written is not as important as what is written. And what is written is ignored by most professing Christians.
What does Colossians mean when it says we have been made meet, fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light? We whom have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son. In whom we have been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin through His blood even having the forgiveness, removal of the sins. In whom we now have peace through the blood of His cross. Having been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin. Having the removal of sins that are past. Reconciled. One with God. No longer alienated and enemies through the wicked works of our mind, of our creation but reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. To be presented holy and unblameable, unblemished by sin and therefore unreproveable in His sight. But only If we continue settled and grounded in the faith that speaks what is written above. Not Removed from the hope of the Gospel. Which is Christ in us the hope of glory. Therein Striving according to His working that works in us mightily. Our Hearts comforted and knitted together in love. Unto all riches and the full assurance of the understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery which is Christ in you. In whom are hid all wisdom and knowledge.
So as we have received Christ Jesus let us walk in Him. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Abounding in it with thanksgiving even as we were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. And we are complete in Him. Circumcised with circumcision made without hands in the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism that old man be crucified with Him the body of sins be destroyed. Hence forth we do not serve sin but become servants of righteousness. Delivered from the power of darkness. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Having risen with Him through the faith and operation of God. Who raised Him from the dead. Quickened together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.

Are you denying Paul is addressing the gnostics and their heresies in the book of Colossians ?

 

[HIM]

Are you denying Paul is addressing the gnostics and their heresies in the book of Colossians ?

I could care less who he is addressing other than me, you and others to which the SPIRIT through Paul is speaking. The issue is Gill in that
he is mistaken as it says in the post to which you responded too. He has ignored some things when he says "that not after Christ" means what He taught and prescribed. In respect to commandments and doctrines and not what is actually shared in the context of Colossians. Sad because it says we have been made meet, fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light? We whom have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son. In whom we have been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin through His blood even having the forgiveness, removal of the sins. In whom we now have peace through the blood of His cross. Having been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin. Having the removal of sins that are past. Reconciled. One with God. No longer alienated and enemies through the wicked works of our mind, of our creation but reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. To be presented holy and unblameable, unblemished by sin and therefore unreproveable in His sight. But only If we continue settled and grounded in the faith that speaks what is written above. Not Removed from the hope of the Gospel. Which is Christ in us the hope of glory. Therein Striving according to His working that works in us mightily. Our Hearts comforted and knitted together in love. Unto all riches and the full assurance of the understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery which is Christ in you. In whom are hid all wisdom and knowledge.
So as we have received Christ Jesus let us walk in Him. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Abounding in it with thanksgiving even as we were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. And we are complete in Him. Circumcised with circumcision made without hands in the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism that old man be crucified with Him the body of sins be destroyed. Hence forth we do not serve sin but become servants of righteousness. Delivered from the power of darkness. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Having risen with Him through the faith and operation of God. Who raised Him from the dead. Quickened together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.

 

[ChristB4us]

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8.

Today's dominant remedial gospel within modern culture offers a "therapeutic" cure for the human condition, and that this therapeutic gospel has made a significant inroads into professedly Bible-believing culture. The drama of human life in increasingly defined and treated as a medical-scientific problem, rather than as a religious-moral problem. The philosophy of our day - pop self-help psychologies, psychotherapies, and psychoactive medication - picks up the pieces for people who fail to find satisfaction in careers, relationships, material consumption, recreation, entertainment, or religion. Troubles previously defined as moral - breakdown in relationships, reactions to manifold suffering, confusion and despair about personal identity, the experience of meaninglessness, slavery to the vices, various dysphoric emotions - have come under the intellectual and professional authority of the modern mental professions. Such troubles are diagnosed without reference to sin and misery before the face of God, and they are purportedly cured without reference to Christ, repentance, faith, and obedience.

- David Powlison.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

[civic]

I could care less who he is addressing other than me, you and others to which the SPIRIT through Paul is speaking. The issue is Gill in that
he is mistaken as it says in the post to which you responded too. He has ignored some things when he says "that not after Christ" means what He taught and prescribed. In respect to commandments and doctrines and not what is actually shared in the context of Colossians. Sad because it says we have been made meet, fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light? We whom have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's Son. In whom we have been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin through His blood even having the forgiveness, removal of the sins. In whom we now have peace through the blood of His cross. Having been redeemed, bought back from the slavery of sin. Having the removal of sins that are past. Reconciled. One with God. No longer alienated and enemies through the wicked works of our mind, of our creation but reconciled in the body of His flesh through death. To be presented holy and unblameable, unblemished by sin and therefore unreproveable in His sight. But only If we continue settled and grounded in the faith that speaks what is written above. Not Removed from the hope of the Gospel. Which is Christ in us the hope of glory. Therein Striving according to His working that works in us mightily. Our Hearts comforted and knitted together in love. Unto all riches and the full assurance of the understanding and acknowledgement of this mystery which is Christ in you. In whom are hid all wisdom and knowledge.
So as we have received Christ Jesus let us walk in Him. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Abounding in it with thanksgiving even as we were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of God bodily. And we are complete in Him. Circumcised with circumcision made without hands in the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism that old man be crucified with Him the body of sins be destroyed. Hence forth we do not serve sin but become servants of righteousness. Delivered from the power of darkness. Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. Having risen with Him through the faith and operation of God. Who raised Him from the dead. Quickened together with Him having forgiven us all our trespasses.

While all the above might be true ( I'm not arguing against that ) it doesn't make Paul addressing the gnostic heresies in his letter untrue.

Its not an either/or situation its an and, and its both.

 

[HIM]

While all the above might be true ( I'm not arguing against that ) it doesn't make Paul addressing the gnostic heresies in his letter untrue.

Its not an either/or situation its an and, and its both.

But it does make what gill wrote about the clause "that not after Christ" means what He taught and prescribed untrue. Which is the point to which is being addressed.