Lesson 537

(Lesson 537)(02-04-13) Collossians 2:1-9, "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; 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; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 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. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

Today's lesson lesson again warns of false teachers and doctrines. There is a statement made in the latter portion that I think needs to be closely addressed. Paul said, "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."
This lesson doubly applies the the circumstances surrounding the "church" today. There are literally thousands of "philosophies" concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, there is only ONE true doctrine, one great commission, Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing" (immersing) "them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.".

Just like the true Christians of today, Paul battled daily with those who would subvert the gospel for their own personal gains, or to inject into it their own traditions. In my opinion, the true gospel of Christ has been so distorted by the many philosophical isms so as to have rendered the truth almost unrecognizable by the lost.
We should all study intently to maintain the pure gospel, and to work diligently to distribute that truth.

Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." ~