See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
Judging from Paul’s words, we all must be susceptible to outside influences. Even the most rock solid in their faith can veer off course, letting the “captivating” take us captive. It is good in some cases to be openminded, but not when it comes to sound doctrine. Since “sound doctrine” can vary from church to church, denomination to denomination, preacher to preacher, we must focus on something constant and pure, and he is Christ Jesus. Paul teaches this principle to his disciple Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:3–5.
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
The “gnostics” in the Colossian church were “delighting” in teaching “self-abasement and the worship of angels,” and tenants from “visions” they had seen, not from the truths that came “from God.” These were tack ons to the faith, and the apostle was absolutely beside himself knowing this heresy had crept into that body. At the least, such diversions had stunted their growth.
18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Colossians 2:18
Here are some “tacked on” truths on which we can hang our hats.
9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Colossians 2:9-12
There is nothing lacking in Jesus. There is nothing lacking in us. He rules all without exception. As permanent as bodily circumcision is, so too is the removal (apekdusis, stripping off) of the “accumulation of our corruptions” (Calvin) which are now permanently buried in baptism. And finally, as sure as Jesus was raised up from the dead, so too are we by the working of God through our faith.
One last thought when we consider that our faith saves us. Such faith requires and is preceded by our affirmations of all that Christ has accomplished for us (verses 9-12).
Paul will continue with this line of reasoning in verses 13-23.
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