5 Warnings

Colossians 2:4-23

Part 5

Struggling for them,

Encouragement,

Knit together in love,

Knowledgeable,

1. 2:4-Delusion by Persuasive Argument

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create

obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. [18] For

such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by

smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

(Romans 16:17-18 ESV)

… and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in

demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] that your faith might not rest in the

wisdom of men but in the power of God.

(1 Corinthians 2:4-5 ESV)

1. 2:4-Delusion by Persuasive Argument

How can this be defeated?

1. Truth, Ephesians 4:14

[14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the

waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

(Ephesians 4:14 ESV)

1. 2:4-Delusion by Persuasive Argument

How can this be defeated?

1. Truth, Ephesians 4:14

2. v.5 - good discipline (order)

3. And stability of faith (steadfastness)

2. 2:8-Captivity by Men’s Traditions, by Worldly Principles

Not all traditions are evil….

2 Thessalonians 2:15

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were

taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which

you received from us.

2. 2:8-Captivity by Men’s Traditions, by Worldly Principles

Not all traditions are evil….

The test is “origination”

Matthew 21:23-27

3. 2:16-Human “Shadow” Judges

Which Law “leftovers” shall we practice?

Instrumental music

Special clothing

7th day observancecircumcision

Fasting

Special priesthood

Lighting candles

2 Timothy 2:15Be diligent to present yourself

approved unto God as a workman, who does not need to be

ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

Hebrews 7:12; 8:7For when the priesthood is

changed, of necessity there takes place a change

of law also.

For if that first covenant had been

faultless, there would have been no

occasion sought for a second.

4. 2:18 - Supposed Spirituality

Self-abasement (humility)

Angel worship

Visions (inflated w/out cause)

Titus 3:5-6

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in

righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of

regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out

upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

5. 2:20-22 - Decrees of Men

Mark 7:6b-9

This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me teaching as

doctrines the precepts of men. Neglecting the commandment of God you hold to the tradition of men… You

nicely set aside the command of God in order to keep your tradition.

• Romans 14:2-3 – don’t eat meat

• Romans 14:5-6 - no observing special days

• I Cor. 8:4, 7 – no eating meat offered to idols

• 1 Cor. 7:39 – a widow must marry a Christian

• 1 Cor. 11:1-15 – women must wear a head covering

• 1 Cor. 14:34 – women’s silence in assembly

Speaking of the

decrees of men

1. Delusion by persuasive argument2. Captivity by men’s traditions

3. Human ‘shadow’ judges4. Supposed spirituality

5. Decrees of men

Rather than the above,

Jesus Christ is what is needed!