Beware of False Preachers and Teachers!

8) 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. 9) For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10) and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:8-10)

In verse 8, Paul writes against any philosophy of life based only on human ideas and experiences. Paul himself was a gifted philosopher (Acts 17:1–34). So he is not condemning philosophy. He is condemning teaching that credits humanity, not Christ, with being the answer to life’s problems. That approach becomes a false religion. Paul was warning the believers not to be taken in by any philosophy that does not conform to a proper knowledge of Christ.

The false teachers at Colosse had combined worldly philosophies with the gospel. These philosophies are spoken of by Paul as the basic principles of the world, which some have interpreted as “spirits” or “angels” who supposedly control a person’s life (Gal. 4:3,9). There are many man-made approaches to life’s problems that totally disregard God. To resist heresy you must use your mind, keep your eyes on Christ, and study God’s Word. Paul’s strongest indictment against the heretics was that their teaching was not according to Christ, and thus they were not walking with Christ (Colossians 2:6-7).

In verse 9, Paul clearly proclaims the Incarnation; the fact the God became a man bodily. This contradicts the Gnostic idea of the inherent evil of physical bodies and the claim that Jesus is merely a spirit. The Gnostics thought the fullness of God had been divided among a number of angelic beings, the last creating the material world. In contrast, Paul says that the fullness of God exists in Christ. When we have Christ we have everything we need for salvation and right living.

Word Focus:  of the Godhead fullness (Gk. plērōma tēs theotētos) (Colossians 2:9) G4138; G2320: The Greek word plērōma indicates “plenitude” and “totality.” The Gnostics used the word to describe the totality of all deities. Both Paul and John used the word to describe Christ, who is the fullness, the plenitude of God, for all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily (Colossians 1:19; 2:9). Since all of God’s fullness resides in Christ, every spiritual reality is found in Christ. In Him, we lack nothing. The Greek word theotētos for Godhead is used only here in the New Testament and designates the totality of God’s nature and person. All the fullness of the Godhead “dwells” or “permanently resides” in the body of Jesus, the God-man.

In verse 10, Paul illustrates the adequacy of Christ by demonstrating how the Colossian believers are complete. In Christ, the Colossians have put off the power of sin and the flesh (Colossians 2:11), have received new life (Colossians 2:12-13), have been forgiven, have been delivered from requirements laid down by human traditions (Colossians 2:14), and have been freed from the powers of spirit beings (Colossians 2:15). There is nothing that the Christian needs to add to what was received in Christ at the time of conversion. Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ in order to refute the Gnostics and the Judaizers who respectively believed that special knowledge or works were necessary to make a Christian complete.

When we know Jesus Christ, we don’t need to seek god by means of other religions, cults, or unbiblical philosophies as the Colossians were doing. Christ alone holds the answers to the true meaning of life, because He is life (John 14:6). Christ is the unique source of knowledge and power for the Christian life. No Christian needs anything in addition to what Christ has provided to be saved. We are complete in Him.

Salvation by faith in Christ sounds too easy for many people. They would rather think that they have done something to save themselves. Their religion becomes one of self-effort that leads either to disappointment or pride, but finally to eternal death. Christ’s simple way is the only way, and it alone leads to eternal life.

Heavenly Father, it is my prayer today that I continue to keep my eyes upon your Son and my mind indwelled upon Your Word. Lord, watch over me as I walk from day to day in this world of unrighteousness that continues to water down Your Word and mock Your very existence. Lord search my heart and rid me of all the pride, envy and resentment that would influence my witness for You to the lost souls that I may come across today. Continue to give me the joy, peace and comfort that only You can give. I pray this all in my Savior, Jesus' name. Amen.

References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), and the Nelson Study Bible.