Colossians 2:18-21

Colossians 2:18-21

Scripture: kjv Colossians2:18Let 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, 19And 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.20Wherefore 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;

Observations: Paul is adding yet more things to the list for the Christians at Colossae to be aware of. Yesterdays verses Paul warned against letting others judge us because we dont put our faith in traditions like meat, drink, new moons, religious holy days, and the sabbath. Today he warns us against letting others beguile us of our reward with voluntary humility. The words beguile, and voluntary humility elude to the fact that these kinds of people are subtle and modest. They come with kindness and a meek approach....reminds me of how innocent Satan seemed in the garden. *Did God say?* *Whats wrong with being wise Eve?* These men dont come in with guns blaring about spiritual things, but are more subtle and seemingly humble. I have often thought that these kinds are of the most dangerous because their tactics arent obvious. I would almost rather my children mix with blatant sinners than kids *who seem kind enough* in the Sunday School, or homeschool co-op. Which is more subtle and believable? The ones who are voluntarily humble, right? Yet Paul tells us to beware and not let these types rob us of our faith in Christ alone.

Worshiping of angels: these men are perhaps super spiritual, they come professing great revelations and deep truths.....intruding into things they havent seen. Proud and carnal.

And here is why all this false teaching abounds....they do not *hold to the Head*. Christ. When we hold to Christ we have/are:

• nourishment ministered
• knit together
• increaseth with God

We are dead with Christ and dead to the rules of the world, why do we think we need to adhere to the rules in the world? Rules about abstaining from this and that.

• touch not
• taste not
• handle not

Paul already let us know that Christ nailed the handwritten ordinances to the Cross, blotted them out because they are against us, contrary to us. Rules are against us!

Application: Paul wants to make sure we dont let these people cheat us out of our reward. What is that reward? Christ! Dont let people cheat you out of Christ. They will try it many different ways. Humility, spirituality, holiness standards, visions of angels. You name it they will try it. My old Pastor used to say if the devil couldnt get you to be a rank sinner he will try to make you go overboard into spiritual realms that are of the enemy...overboard.

PRAY: Balance, Jesus. Please give us balance that pleases and approaches you with true humility. Grant me the ability to bow my heart to Your throne.