For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:29-32
Paul had heard the Holy Spirit whispering to him to return to Jerusalem. Everyone told him that he would meet his death if he did; yet, his concern was not his own life. He would willingly go to his death if that was what God commanded. Yet, his concern was the young disciples, the early church. He feared for them more than for himself. He knew how quickly false doctrines and ideas could penetrate the church; drawing them away from the gospel truth. So, he did the only thing that he could–he commended them into God’s hand; knowing God is able to keep that which he committed unto Him.
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
After visiting the church of Ephesus, Paul went on to Jerusalem where he was imprisoned.
There he learned that the very thing he thought might happen had already begun in the church of Colossae. He had not been at Colossae at its formation; yet, he learned that the young church there was beginning to be infiltrated with false doctrine. He then from prison wrote the letter now known as Colossians. The people of Colossae were a blend of cultures-Jews, Greeks, and the native Phrygians. The early church had been founded by Epaphras who either came to visit Paul in Rome or was imprisoned with him. At any rate, Epaphras told Paul of the false doctrine that had begun to infiltrate the church. Paul wrote a letter to the church of Colossae and shortly after wrote to the church of Ephesus, lest the false doctrine spread as false doctrine often does.
What were some of the false doctrines entering the church in Colossae?
1. That Christ was not truly God; merely a lesser deity who dealt with mankind that had been appointed by God who did not have time to deal with man.
2. There was a philosophical component brought in from the native Phrygians which suggested a worship of angels as well as an emphasis on a few elite being “supernaturally enlightened” with truths not before known.
3. Additionally, they incorporated many of the laws and rituals from the Jewish Old Testament and declaring without which there could be no salvation. Salvation came from a works based religion rather than a faith based one.
You might note that many of these false doctrines still penetrate the churches as do many others while trying to blend “religions”. Also, these were the earliest beginnings of the gnostic ideas that penetrated the second century church in which Christ’s divinity was denied as well as His death. Many parts of the Koran written by Mohammed included scriptures and ideas that came out of the gnostic “beliefs”.
So, I do believe that it is important that we look in depth at the letter Paul wrote to the church in Colossae to establish the truth within our own hearts once more. We must not be swept away by modern day nor old philosophies that lead us away from the truth of the gospel. So often I hear people say, “I am a Christian; but, I don’t believe as most Christians–I think….” With no basis being found in scripture they continue on with their own thoughts as though they were given some revelation making them right and the scripture unfounded.
Beyond establishing the truth in our own hearts, there is another important truth that we can gain from studying the book of Colossians and Paul’s ministry. That is when we teach our children, grandchildren, and others the truth of the gospel; we are always so aware that there are those who desire to steal the gospel truth from them. There are philosophers, world leaders, school teachers and friends who will tell them “it doesn’t matter what you believe.” Some will be even in our churches teaching that “tolerance requires you stand for nothing; accepting everything as truth.” Another way of saying there is no such thing as truth. Others will appeal to their desires and say, “Surely God wants you to have prosperity and all your worldly desired fulfilled. Why would a loving God deny you anything on this earth?” That being the same lie Satan whispered to Eve resulting in man’s first disobedient act against God. Then others will try to say that salvation comes by works; denying the truth of the gospel message that man can obtain salvation by Grace Alone through faith in Jesus Christ.
When we realize our children, our grandchildren, and all those whom God graciously placed in our path to teach of the gospel will be bombarded by “wolves in sheep’s clothing” trying to steal the truth; we must not despair. We must continue to proclaim the truth with gentleness of spirit and kindness. We must study to prove ourselves worthy and then proclaim the truth of the gospel. Then at the end of the day, we must commit them into the hands of a loving God who can keep their hearts and minds focused on Him. He can write His truth upon their hearts. He is able to keep that which we commit unto Him against that day. Prayer is our greatest weapon against false doctrine seeping into the lives of those whom God has charged to us to teach.
[bctt tweet=”Let us in Gentleness of Spirit proclaim the truth of the Gospel to a world in need of Salvation” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Let us not grow weary of proclaiming the truth denying all false philosophies that rob mankind” username=”effiedarlene”].
[tweetthis]Let us devote our lives to knowing God’s word[/tweetthis].
[tweetthis]Let us never forget the power of prayer, for God is ABLE.[/tweetthis]
I would love to here about your journey; please scroll down to comment below.
Photo used by permission from : https://unsplash.com/@samueldixon
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.