Colossians Study: Foolish Philosophies

[Colossians 2:1-15]

Fooled by fancy talk / persuasive speech / well-crafted arguments / enticing words / smooth rhetoric / nice-sounding words / wild-goose chase (v. 4) – speech adapted to persuade, speech to lead others into error

“Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may SOUND WISE, but they are ONLY HUMAN TEACHINGS. They come from the POWERS OF THIS WORLD and NOT FROM CHRIST.” [CEV]

… captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy [NIV]

Captive – ignorant of TRUTH – of Word of God – sulagógeó “to carry off as spoil” like a predator carrying off prey

Remember:

• You belong to Christ (v. 9)
• Christ is over every power and authority (v. 9)
• You have been raised to life through faith (v. 12)
• Your sins have been forgiven (v. 13)
• The charges have been wiped out (v. 14)
• With Christ alone, we have victory (v. 15)

“What is the best safe-guard against false teaching? Beyond all doubt the regular study of the word of God, with prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. The Bible was given to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). The man who reads it aright will never be allowed greatly to err. It is neglect of the Bible which makes so many a prey to the first false teacher whom they hear. They would have us believe that “they are not learned, and do not pretend to have decided opinions.” The plain truth is that they are lazy and idle about reading the Bible, and do not like the trouble of thinking for themselves. Nothing supplies false prophets with followers so much as spiritual sloth under a cloak of humility.” – J.C. Ryle

Bible Study Questions:

1) Paul uses the term “wonderfully blessed” or “full riches” or “wealth” in verse 2:2. What is Paul saying gives us this wealth or full riches—why or how are we wonderfully blessed?

2) Paul used the term “mystery” and said that Christ was the key to God’s mystery (v. 2). This term “mystery” was used a lot by the false teachers at that time. Some people believed there was a high level of hidden knowledge one could achieve by particular actions. What does Colossians 2:2-3 say about Christ and this mystery?

3) Paul makes it clear that we are to never stand still. Read Colossians 2:6-8. What does this mean for us?

4) Other religions attempt to figure out what problems people have and then how to solve those problems. Christianity is different. The Gospel wisdom is backwards from the worldly wisdom. How?

5) Read Colossians 2:15. The verse uses the word “disarm” or “defeated.” What does this mean when it says Christ defeated or disarmed all powers and forces?

This is one part of a 12-week Sermon Series and Bible Study focused on Colossians. The 12 weeks include:

Gospel Truth
Will of God
Lord of All
Ministry to Maturity
Foolish Philosophies
Men of Rules
Realities of Heaven
Taking Responsibility
Godly Living
Worship Work
Good Words
True Forgiveness