Colossians 2:8 Lesson Notes

Lesson Notes: Colossians 2:8 (NIV based)

TITLE: Protect Yourself From Worldly Philosophy

READ: Colossians 2:8, with vv.4-7 for context

What is "hollow and deceptive philosophy"?

- - The "philosophy" being referred to here is a perspective consisting of one or more beliefs, principles, opinions, or values, which intentionally or unintentionally generate and exert influence upon other aspects of a person's belief system and upon how one lives. (AHD)

- - This philosophy being warned against here is "hollow", "vain", and "empty", suggesting it offers and has neither authentic value for nor credible contribution to one's faith. (Strong's #2756)

- - This philosophy being warned against here is also described as being "deceptive" and a "delusion", suggesting it appears to be true and useful for one's faith but in reality it is false and destructive to one's faith. (Strong's #0539; AHD - 'delusion')

- - As a result of this philosophy being "hollow and deceptive", by and from its "seductively" deceptive nature it automatically "robs", makes "captive", "leads away", and enslaves those persons who hold it. (Strong's #4812)

Upon what is this "hollow and deceptive philosophy" based?

- - The origin and basis of this "hollow and deceptive philosophy" is on "human tradition",

being conceived from a perspective in and of the world,

produced by humans from their worldly perspectives,

derived from humanistic thinking,

structured "according to" humanistic reasoning,

and then "transmitted" by humans through tradition. (Strong's #2596)

- - In its essence, this "hollow and deceptive philosophy" is created and perpetuated totally by humans, thus being completely devoid of any influences or actions by God.

- - Without any composing involvement by God, this "hollow and deceptive philosophy" is thereby antithetical to God, being in direct and "diametrical opposition" to God, to "Christ", and to things of God. (AHD - 'antithetical')

- - This "hollow and deceptive philosophy" may seem and appear to have a basis in God, but here is this verse God totally rejects that He has any participation in it and furthermore He outright condemns it comprehensively.

- - Therefore, Scriptures and Bible doctrines are being twisted and/or perverted by humans during the process that generates "hollow and deceptive philosophy".

Why are believers being warned in this verse against this "hollow and deceptive philosophy"?

- - It is easy to fall into believing, buying into, and taking ownership of "hollow and deceptive philosophy".

The allure of this philosophy is because:

- - it is presented by a persuasive speaker; (v.4)

- - it is described and rationalized in "fine-sounding arguments"; (v.4)

- - it sounds good; (v.4)

- - it seems logical and wise; (v.23)

- - it is promoted as being biblically-aligned;

- - its resulting evidence appears beneficial;

- - overall it is attractive and appealing;

- - but in reality it is completely useless and even counterproductive to one's faith because through enslavement (v.8) it causes one to stray from a firm faith (v.5);

- - thereupon the person thinks by holding the "hollow and deceptive philosophy" he or she is progressing in godliness and righteousness, when in fact the philosophy is actually and concretely causing he or she to digress and move away from godliness and righteousness;

- - thus there is great power in the delusions generated by humanistic philosophy.

What are some examples of this kind of philosophy that the Colossian believers were being exposed to? Hint: skim ahead in chapter 2.

- - about the nature of Christ; (vv.9-10)

- - about the role of circumcision; (vv.11-13)

- - about what Christ's death on the cross accomplished; (vv.13-15)

- - about restrictions on food and drink; (v.16)

- - about requirements to observe festivals, holidays, and the Sabbath; (vv.16-17)

- - about superior godliness; (vv.18-19)

- - about the worship of angels; (v.18)

- - about maintaining spiritual cleanliness. (vv.20-23)

What are some examples of philosophies that have successfully implanted in churches in our modern times? And how has each philosophy taken church people captive?

Who in your church is "seeing to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy"? And how are they doing that? Cite specifics and not generalities.

The proliferation of media and communications in our modern times has created a perpetual bombardment of humanistic philosophies. What precautions are you taking and what safeguards are you implementing to protect yourself and your family from this substantial threat of "hollow and deceptive philosophy"? Cite specifics and not generalities.

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MAIN POINT: What would you say is the main point in these verses?

IMPORTANT SUB-POINTS: What are some other important points God is making here in these verses?

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APPLICATIONS: What applications can you think of for how we should respond to the concepts in these verses?

PERSONALIZED APPLICATIONS: From these verses, what do you think God wants you to learn, or know, or remember, or put into effect in your life? How are you going to do that?

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Works Cited:

The American Heritage Dictionary (AHD). 3rd ed., ver. 3.6a (CD-ROM). Cambridge, MA: SoftKey International Inc., 1994.

Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.

“Strong's Greek Dictionary.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.

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Copyrights:

Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®

Copyright © 2017 Mel W. Coddington, and permission is hereby granted that this document may be used, copied, and distributed non-commercially to non-profit organizations, individuals, churches, ministries, and schools worldwide, provided the copies are distributed at no charge and retain this sources documentation as supplied herein. This document is not for sale, resale, or for use as a gift or premium to be offered in connection with solicitations or contributions.

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Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document

Source: www.BelieverAssist.com

Updated: February 16, 2017