COLOSSIANS 2:18-23 - BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS WHO WANT TO DECAPITATE YOU

COLOSSIANS 2:18-23

BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS

WHO WANT TO DECAPITATE YOU

Colossians 1:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Paul warned the Colossians not to let anyone rob them of blessings and heavenly rewards. These false teachers claimed to have seen visions and promoted a self-imposed humility and worship of angels. The Bible clearly rejects and prohibits the worship of angels.

Revelation 22:8-9 (NKJV) Now I, John, saw and heard[a] these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For[b] I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

Colossians 1:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Let’s take a look at this verse in another translation:

Colossians 2:19 (VOICE)  They are detached from the very head that nourishes and connects the whole body with all of its nerves and ligaments, a body that grows by the kind of growth that can only come from God.

If a person is decapitated, he/she cannot possibly grow. Jesus is the head of the body of believers. They are denying, rejecting Jesus, and therefore are destined for death. We can only be saved by connecting to the Head, and in order to grow in the Lord, we must be sure our instruction comes from the Head, Jesus, and not false teachers. Spiritual growth can only come from a relationship that stays plugged into God through His word and the indwelling Holy Spirit – NOT by self-imposed nor externally demanded restrictions.  

Colossians 1:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

When we come to Jesus by faith by the grace of God, our old way of life is crucified and we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are dead to the ways of the world, and Jesus empowers us to live for Him:

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Following rules without having a relationship with Jesus cannot help us. We cannot be good enough, humble enough, self-denying enough on our own to please God. The only way is in and through Jesus, His Son. These false teachers were trying to impose an extreme legalism on the believers at Colossae. Paul reminds them that Jesus already did everything necessary for their redemption. They did not need to put themselves through empty, self-imposed, religious calisthenics.

Colossians 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

These ascetic false teachers were abusing their bodies (the temple of God) and claiming it to be an act of worship. God incarnate, Jesus, put Himself upon the cross because He valued humanity so much that He gave all of Himself to pay the price or our sin, to erase our debt of sin. He did everything necessary for us to have a right relationship with God. There is no need for us to deprive or even injure our bodies since Jesus suffered the abuse for us. If we think there is something more we must do, we are acting as if Jesus’ sacrifice meant nothing! We would be denying the power of His death and resurrection.

Ponder This: The old hymn says “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.” Do you believe that? Are you still striving in your own power to be “good enough?” or are you rejoicing that Jesus took your sin upon Himself, and it has been crucified. Think about this truth today, and enjoy the freedom found in Jesus – freedom to live for Him rather than in slavery sin. Freedom from endless self-effort. Freedom to rest in the Everlasting Arms of the One who loves you unconditionally.