MONDAY February 7, 2022
The Influence of Heresies
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.
Colossians 2:8
The Colossian church was in close vicinity to other churches founded in Laodicea and Hierapolis. The area was certainly a melting pot of people from both east and west, as it was a busy trading route. Those who entered the city of Colosse came with all their different religions and traditions. All kinds of philosophies intermingled in this cosmopolitan area.
Paul had written to the church of Colosse because of a crisis that had happened. Even though Paul did not birth this church, he wrote with such great love to warn brothers and sisters in Christ about heresies that could destroy them. The church was only about five years in existence, and there were a lot of new believers. Paul experienced a great conflict for them––it was very hard for him, as he could not be there (Colossians 2:1).
What had threatened the peace and purity of the Colossian church? Again, it was a combination of eastern philosophy and Jewish legalism. Bible scholars have recorded that Gnosticism was the greatest problem churches in and around Colosse. Those who had embraced this way of thinking did not believe Jesus was God.
Colossae became a fertile ground for false doctrines, as they appealed to people eagerly looking for something to believe in. Those hungry for truth became hooked into false teachings before getting rooted and grounded into a church that taught true biblical doctrine. Paul recognized that the church needed his attention––the attention of Jesus Christ.
It is the same today! There are so many false doctrines and philosophies of men that threaten the Christian Church––doctrines such as Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Islam. There are many manmade philosophies taught in America’s colleges that have destroyed the Christian faith of our young people today––sad.
Compare Scripture with Scripture. False doctrines, like false witnesses, agree not among themselves.
~William Gurnall~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
