Two things to watch out for
Colossians (9) Two cautions to watch out for
(Colossians 2:18-19)
< Two cautions to be aware of >
The Colossian church was not planted directly by the Apostle Paul, but by Epaphra, who was influenced by him. So, I didn't have a deep understanding of the gospel. In such a situation, I was worried that the faith of the Colossians might be shaken by false teachers who were prevalent in the early church, so I sent the letter to the Colossians. So, in the book of Colossians, there are many words that emphasize the excellence of Christ and at the same time warn us not to be stained with false faith. The Apostle Paul also notes two thoughts in the text.
1. Mysticism
At that time, the false teachers of Colossae deceived the hearts of people by pretending to be humble and deceived the Colossians with a clever mystical idea that they should worship angels with a humble heart, saying how sinful humans can proudly worship God (verse 18). ). The apostle Paul admonishes us not to be swayed by the words that false teachers condemn to the saints who simply hold on to the gospel without following such mysticism.
Behind mysticism lies an attitude of pride, but on the surface it disguises a false humility. On the other hand, those who truly worship God are truly humble. Why do people fall into angel worship and idolatry? Because they are trying to make themselves look mysterious. In the end, idolaters usually pursue mysticism, which makes them appear spiritually mystic. After all, mysticism and arrogance are one common thing.
True faith always humbles a person, but Gnostics reject obedience while trying to show a deeper spirituality. And when you see him talking as if he has a special spirituality, how ridiculous and vulgar is it, like a cat claiming to be a tiger? That is why the Apostle Paul defines mysticism as elementary science. A person who pursues mysticism is like a spiritual elementary school student. Do not fall for such mysticism.
2. Experientialism
At that time, the false teachers who deceived the Colossians said that they had seen a certain vision and received a revelation. Why do you keep exaggerating your experience? It is because of their desire to show that they have a deep spirituality and that they receive special love from God.
If he goes further, he loses his conscience and thinks like the real thing, and the exaggeration grows and amplifies, eventually mistaking himself for the Messiah, and he often falls ill. If you look closely, most heretics fall for such exaggerated experiential beliefs. After all, what is the saddest thing about heretic believers? It is a picture of a sane person entrusting his soul to a psychopath. Therein lies the fear of experientialism.
Although experiential belief is a great help to our religious life, we must reflect the experience in the Word and receive the control of universal theology even if we do not receive the control of a specific doctrine. How much do cult leaders hate it because theology bothers them with their own experiential beliefs and unleashed doctrines and revelations? That is why the cultists point to 'theology' as the number one culprit that hinders their business of soul hunting. So sell so much as if theology is bad, but don't fall for it. And recognize that there must always be a balance between faith and theology.
Experiential faith or self-centered revelation faith is based on human emotions, thoughts, or desires, and does not hold on to the Lord as the head (verse 19). In other words, the false teachers of Colossae forgot that the head of the church was Christ and deceived the saints by emphasizing the mysticism and experiential belief that worshiped angels without holding on to Christ. However, believers must fully hold on to Jesus to receive strength through Jesus, the head, and to become united with each other and mature. Just like that, by always holding on to Jesus and living, become blessed souls who prepare for tomorrow's blessings.