20160831 Wednesday, August 31 2016
Colossians 02: The Philosopher's Folly

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words ... Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ"

The English-language word "philosophy" originated from a compound Greek word, pronounced fie-lohss, which means love, and sophia, which means wisdom. "Philosophy" means a love of wisdom.

Humanity has known many philosophers, from the most ancient times to the present. Philosophy has now not only become a major branch of the academic world, but has permeated all areas of human thought and endeavor - scientific, political and religious.

There is nothing wrong with a love of wisdom, if the wisdom is truly that of God (e.g. see Daniel's Knowledge Of Wisdom And Science and Where Did Agur Get His Wisdom?). Human philosophy has however, even in the small minority of philosophers who claim to be believers in the LORD (whether those of Judaism or Rome's version of Christianity that is as much embraced by "Protestants" as Catholics), become a human-centered manifestation of vanity.

"1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:22-24 KJV)

The apostle Paul helped many to become true Christians in their time of calling, but often later found them distracted or lost to the philosophy of some man (see Unto The Churches Of Galatia; also Diotrephes And The Other Antichrists) or woman ("2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols" Revelation 2:20 KJV) who lusted to "lead" God's people (see Who Is The Head Of Your Church?).

"2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ." (Colossians 2:1-5 KJV)

Paul warned against the sticky-trap of philosophy because it must deny God in order to make itself desirable. Paul likened those who turned from the LORD's true Wisdom (see the Fact Finder question below) to mere human philosophy as fruit that has gone rotten: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

"2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 2:18 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, 2:19 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.

2:20 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, 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 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." (Colossians 2:6-23 KJV)

Fact Finder: (a) What is true Wisdom? (b) How can true Wisdom be lost (e.g. Solomon)?
(a) See True Wisdom and Worldly Wisdom and The Wisdom Of The Cross
(b) See When The Love Of Wisdom Becomes Love Of Self and What Caused Solomon's Idolatry?