Christ First Forum

Collosians 2: 18-23
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.


Here is what they mean to me:

V.18 False teachers often bring praise to themselves and have false humility. The false teachers were claiming that God was far away and could only be approached through various levels. They taught people had to worship angels in order to eventually reach God. Totally unscriptural. Thes people also had self made religion. they are obsessed with the physical realm and demonology. Angels are not in any way to be worshiped. God is still in Control and they are still subservient to Him.

V.19 The main problem with these people is they are not connected to Christ at all. If they were joined to Him by the new birth then they would not be teaching this false doctrine or live a life of immorality.
Anyone who teaches about God without being connected to him by faith should not be trusted.

V. 20 If Christ lives in us and we now live by faith in Him why would one still teach the beliefs of pagans or Idol worshipers?

V.21 Is very clear on this! Do Not Touch! Do Not Taste and Do Not Handle Such!

V.22 We must guard against man made religions by asking questions about so called religious groups!

1. Do they stress man made rules and taboos rather than God's Grace?
2. Do they foster a critical spirit toward others and claim they are the only ones who have the truth?
3. Do they stress some type of formula, secret knowledge, A special vision more than the word of God?
4. Does it elevate self righteousness rather than elevating and glorifying Christ?
5. Do they neglect Christ universal church, Claiming to be an elite Group?

23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

I want to close by saying I am seeing these things take place more and more as we get closer to the return of the Lord and their is a strong deception. Many of you are seeing this very thing on other forums.

But we must be watchful in these things! Amen!

Good post, and I agree, Frank. So much out there going on now which is contrary to the Word, that's why it's so necessary for us to be able to discern. How can we discern? Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in our constant study of the Word, and living it, not just quoting it.