Title [Col 2:8-23]
Text: Colossians 2:8~23
Title: Beware of Heresy
In explaining the first part, I said that we should avoid heresy because it destroys both our spirit and our body. In the text, Paul emphasizes to beware of heresy (8). With this content as the title, I will try to receive lessons and grace while explaining the text of the text.
1. Heresy Existing in Colossae
Heresy comes in many forms. There were several heresies in Colossae, two of which are mentioned as representative.
① A philosophy that is nothing more than a vain deception is introduced as a heresy. Philosophy itself is not heresy. However, if it is used as a means or method to understand Christ as the Gospel, it is bound to be heresy. Especially in philosophical thinking or logical development, there is a lot of deception or eccentricity. The gospel itself is sufficient. There is no need to dress or decorate with philosophy or science created by humans. They only corrupt the pure gospel or hinder the understanding of the gospel. But foolishly, preaching the gospel using more noble and difficult philosophical terms tends to be recognized as a deep and high-level preacher. You have to be vigilant. A hallmark of heresy is deception. The devil behind them is the father of lies, so heretics use tricks to confuse, deceive and fall for our beliefs. One of the ways is that it corrupts the gospel in a philosophical way. I hope that we will become believers who do not fall for vain deception by pretending to be of high intellectual level.
②Introducing heresy that worships angels (18). The fundamental reason for worshiping angels is the fabricated humility of humbling oneself before God. It is arrogance for sinful humans to go directly to God to hear the word, pray, or praise Him. Therefore, a mediator (mediator) is needed, and that is an angel. Worshiping angels and praying to serve God in an indirect way seems like humility. The only mediator between God and us is Jesus Christ. No one can be a mediator except Jesus. Even if he is Mary, the mother of Jesus. The heresy of Catholicism is also here.
Jesus, the only mediator, atoned for our sins through his atoning death on the cross and restored our holy status as children of God. Now we have the privilege of coming to God in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul lists the names of the archangels in the text. The rulers and authorities of verse 10, the sovereignty of Colossians 1:16 and the power of Ephesians 1:21 are the names of angels. However, Paul called them “heads” to emphasize the superiority of Christ (10), and also said that they “neutralized them and made them a public spectacle, and overcame them by the cross” (15). No one but God can be the object of worship. I hope that we will become believers who will resolutely defeat heretics who make such claims under the guise of humility.
2. The secret to spiritual growth
All saints must continue to grow to the full measure of Christ. If you stop growing and retreat, you will die. I hope you will do your best not to stop growing until the day you go to heaven.
① It grows because God makes it grow (19). 1 Corinthians 3:6 says, “It is God who causes the growth” and verse 7 says, “It is only God who makes it grow.” Whether it is God who makes all things grow, it is God who directs our spiritual growth. Therefore, we must ask God for spiritual growth. So is the growth of the church. Please do not forget that it is God who revives the church. Therefore, the saints should pray hard for the revival of the church. I pray that God will hear our prayers and grow them both personally and in church.
② It can grow when attached to the head (19). “The whole body is supplied by the head with joints and tendons, and it grows in unity… ” (19). A body without a head is a dead body. Without life, there is no growth. Only the head and associated members can be nourished and healthy. But Paul said that Jesus was the head and that the body belonged to Christ. When we are attached to Christ, the head, we grow because God makes us grow, but heresies such as philosophy and angel worship do not hold on to Christ (19), so they can never grow. I hope that there will be no saints suffering such misfortunes by following heresy. It is not clear how today's heresy approaches. However, if you meditate on the Word by faith and put it into practice, you will gain wisdom and have discernment. I hope that we all become wary of heresy.