SPOIL YOU THROUGH PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT
By John C. Carpenter
The apostles Paul and Timotheus wrote the saints and faithful
brethren at Colossae, 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. And ye
are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power (Col 2:1-10).
The apostle Paul was concerned about the believers
in the church at Colossae who, he knew, were being robbed of their faith and salvation by vain philosophies which were not only unfruitful,
but dangerous and destructive to the church. In verse 8 of our subject verses, the word spoil is translated from the Greek word sulagogeo,
which means to seduce, to lead away, to make open to, or to rob. The word philosophy is translated from the Greek word philosophia,
which means fond of or friend of wise things. The word vain is translated from the Greek word kenos, which means empty, without meaning
or purpose, or worthless. The word deceit is translated from the Greek word apate, which means to delude, cheat, or deceive. To be
spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit means to be seduced, lead astray, and robbed by someone or something which gives the appearance
of wisdom but is, in reality, without true meaning, purpose, or value.
THE PROBLEM IN THE COLOSSIAN CHURCH AT THE TIME OF CHRIST
The
believers in Colossae were unaware that they were not only being taught worldly heresy by men who think in worldly ways, but were
being led away from their Christian faith. In order to prevent the Colossian church from being misled, deceived, and eventually robbed
of its newfound faith, and its love of the heavenly Father, the apostle Paul knew that he needed to address and correct the problems
occurring in the believers in Colossae.
First of all, Paul knew and wrote that the church was being influenced by false teachers
who were essentially promoting and teaching a return to works righteousness, that is doing good things in order to receive righteousness
and salvation. Look what Paul said: Let no man therefore judge [call into question] you in meat [foods that you eat], or in drink [drinks
that you drink], or in respect of an holyday [festivals, Jewish religious feasts], or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which
are a shadow of things to come... (Col 2:16-17). The church was being taught by these false teachers what they should or should not
eat or drink, and even how they should behave on holy feasts days. The false teachers in the church at Colossae were coming up with
new rules and ordinances for church members to follow, new ways to behave, new ways to think and believe, ways contrary to the original
doctrines of the gospel of Christ taught by the apostle Paul and others.
Second, Paul warned the Colossian church that, because
of this false teaching, they were being unwittingly beguiled [robbed, defrauded, misled] by teachers who were being driven by carnal
and worldly mentalities, and not according to the teachings of the gospel. These teachers had also abandoned their fidelity to Christ,
if they ever had any at all.
Paul explained that these false teachers were intruding into those things which he hath not seen [understood],
vainly puffed up [swollen with pride, arrogance and rebellion] by his fleshly [carnal, fleshly, worldly] mind [thoughts and understanding]
(Col 2:18), and were not holding [retaining, continuing to hold on to, remaining faithful to] the Head [Christ], from which all the
body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God (Col 2:19). These false
teachers were teaching false and destructive doctrines because they had abandoned Christ as the only means of salvation, and, as Paul
said, the increase of God.
Third, in an effort to address and correct this false doctrine being taught within the Colossian church,
the apostle Paul posed this question to the saints in Colossae : Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments [elements,
principles, conformities] of the world [and its ways], why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not;
taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed
a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; [and] not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh (Col
2:20-23).
Paul questioned the Colossian believers as to why they, when allegedly dead to behaving in worldly ways, would allow
themselves to be influenced by and subjected to these worldly, prideful, carnal ways, which appeared to be full of wisdom, but in
fact were robbing them of their salvation. Paul argued that these teachings were not Godly, spiritual and eternal, but were only ideas
thought, spoken and taught by men. Paul gave the Colossian believers a choice: they could continue to believe in righteousness and
salvation available only through faith in Christ, which they had been taught by Paul, or they could continue to listen to and follow
the false teachings and works righteousness of men. The choice was theirs. The Colossian church was basically confronted with the
choice of whether they should obey men, or God (Act 5:29).
THE PROBLEM IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF TODAY
Just like the Colossian
church, the modern day Christian church is being bombarded and greatly influenced by a carnal and worldly philosophy that is not only
anti-God, but may even stem from a spirit of antichrist. This philosophy could even be demonic. The philosophy I am referring to is
the philosophy of psychology, which includes counseling. Even though most Christians do not see it or understand it, psychology is
slowly becoming the new messiah. It is slowly becoming the one to go to in time of pain, crisis, and need. Psychology is what many
go to for needed deliverance. It is thought by most to have all the answers, which it does not. It is slowly and methodically replacing
God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as the source and sustainer of life.
I also believe many leaders within the
contemporary Christian church are allowing themselves, and therefore their flocks, to be seduced by the worldly, ever-expanding, and
highly destructive and damning opinions, philosophies, and influence of psychology and counseling. Church leaders are allowing this
ever-increasing influence in the church, I believe, for four reasons: First, many church leaders are naive, and do not truly understand
the worldly and demonic dangers of secular psychology and counseling. Second, some pastors and church leaders understand the dangers
of psychology and counseling, but are frustrated by their own perceptions that classic bible-based counseling is is minimally effective,
or not effective at all. These leaders feel that they have no choice but to utilize some other strategy, which unfortunately, today,
is psychology. Third, many pastors and church leaders provide psychological services within their churches because those services
demand extensive time, which most pastors do not have. Fourth, many church leaders, who are motivated primarily by money, encounter
behavioral and spiritual problems within their own congregations, but feel the need to provide psychological and counseling services
because they do not want to lose their troubled and struggling members. Losing members means losing money.
Decades ago, I personally
knew a psychologist who said he felt called into the ministry, but who, after seven years of serving as a Baptist minister of the
gospel, told me that he left the ministry because he thought he could help more people by becoming a doctor of psychology, which is
what he did. In my view, psychology has no place within the modern church, now, or in the future. My experience with psychology taught
me that psychology is full of leaven [hypocrisy] and deception. Referring to how psychology is politically, socially, and professionally
viewed within the community, I once heard a director of psychological services say all that matters is the perception [of the public].
Psychology willingly and intentionally promotes the idea that they alone have the answers to the problems of life, when, in fact,
those within the fields of psychology are, in my experience, as troubled as anyone else, and, in many cases, even more so. Although
they will tell you that their original motivation for going into psychology was to help others, their own pathology is often the true
reason why they went into psychology to begin with. Most within the fields of psychology and counseling want to be perceived as having
all the answers to the riddles, circumstances, and problems of life. This perception not only strokes their ego, but fills their pocketbook.
They want to be gods. Because of their very quick minds and quick tongues [which almost all seem to have], those within psychology
appear, on the surface, to have many answers for life's issues; but in truth, they do not.
Peter's words of warning about false
teachers within the church could also apply to those who promote and practice psychology within the church: These are wells without
water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling
words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who
live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of
the same is he brought in bondage (2 Peter 2:17-19). The wells of psychology have no life-giving or life-sustaining water. Their deceitful,
vain, and self-serving words sound appealing to us because of our own lusts. Paul likewise advised the church in Corinth, I, brethren,
when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not
to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That
your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Cor 2:1-5). Paul added that worldly wisdom accomplishes
nothing when he wrote, Howbeit we [apostles and disciples] speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world,
nor of the [psychological] princes [chief, ruler, i.e., those who appear to be powerful and influential] of this world, that come
to nought [destructive, useless, vain] (1 Cor 2:6).
Christ makes it abundantly clear that He alone is the source of life, and
that thieves, despite how wise or powerful they may seem or claim, should not be heeded or followed: Those who enter the sheepfold
without the calling of and faith in Christ should be rejected. Look what Jesus said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth
not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the
door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name,
and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers (John 10:1-5). The apostle Peter
knew that life was not available through anyone other than Christ. When some disciples of Christ refused to follow Him any longer
(John 6:66), Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (John 6:67), then Simon Peter responded, Lord, to whom [what man
of this world] shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of
the living God (John 6:68-69).
The carnal, fleshly, worldly philosophies found in psychology have no legitimate place in the
church. As Paul warned believers in Rome, For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after
the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the
carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh
cannot please God (Rom 8:5-8). As He was with the Colossian church, God the Father is disappointed with the infiltration of the worldly
so-called wisdom of psychology within the modern church. As God reminds us, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For
it is written, He taketh the wise [of this world] in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that
they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours (1 Cor 3:19-21).
Even when we have mental and emotional
needs, and we all eventually do, the apostle John personally reminds us, Love not the world [and its ways], neither the things that
are in the world [including its philosophies]. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 John
2:15-16).
Conversely, regarding worldly philosophies, such as psychology, we must remember, with some compassion, that those
of the world who pretend, or appear, to have the answers of life, cannot and will not understand or accept the ways of God. As Paul
explained, the natural [worldly, carnal] man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither
can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of
no man (1 Cor 2:14-15). The things of God and His kingdom are hid [by God] from the wise [those who have worldly and fleshly knowledge
and wisdom] and prudent [appear to have answers], and hast revealed them unto babes [infant, i.e., humble, submissive] (Mat 11:25).
Many
speak well of psychology and counselors, but this does not make psychology legitimate, nor beneficial to those who naively depend
upon it. In fact, within the church, just the opposite is true. Look at the words of Christ: Woe unto you, when all men shall speak
well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets (Luke 6:26). Being spoken well of by the masses does not ensure that his
or her fruit will be good. The leaders, as well as the members, of the church should be examining the fruit of psychology and counseling.
Christ warns, Beware of false prophets [and psychologists], which come to you in sheep's clothing [appear and behave like you], but
inwardly they are ravening wolves [and interested in only feeding their own appetites]. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth
evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth
not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them (Mat 7:15-20).
If you
want a greater understanding of the dangers of psychology within the Christian church, I highly recommend you get a copy of Dave Hunt's
book Beyond Seduction - A Return To Biblical Christianity. Mr. Hunt believes the church truly needs a thorough purging of psychology
and counseling.
Hunt says, While there are some Christian psychologists who use only scripture in their counseling, their designation
of themselves as psychologists is unfortunate. That word has an established meaning, which can only create confusion by the honor
it seems to bestow upon a godless system that does not merit any association with Christianity at all. Unfortunately, there are also
Christian psychologists who accept and practice almost every kind of psychology and therapy invented. By this means godless beliefs
and practices which have already proven to be ineffective and have numerous critics among secular psychologists and psychiatrists
themselves have been brought into the church. In order to return to biblical Christianity, the church must purge itself of psychological
theories and terminology, and thus divest itself of the rival religion which it has taken to its bosom. But instead of purging out
the leaven, the church is granting increasing credence and honor to psychology. Christians are asked to accept psychology as the new
source of truth and put it on an equal footing with God's word. Yet psychology is as unstable as water. Its false gospel continually
changes as its conflicting theories ebb and flow and its gurus come and go. Nevertheless, these illegitimate prophets who are worshiped
in the secular world are influencing Christianity.
Hunt continues, It is one thing to say that it was inspiration from God, at
least in a general sense, that led to the discovery of polio vaccine or atomic theory. It is quite another matter to say that God
inspired Freud with insight into methods of diagnosing and treating the soul and spirit of man. And it is equally dangerous to suggest
that anti-christians have been inspired to fill in a missing portion of the truth that God Himself declares He has already revealed
in its fullness in His holy word. The very idea of a Christian psychology violates basic biblical principles, and increasing numbers
of those once involved are beginning to see this and to reject this false religion.
Hunt continues with these thoughts: We are
today confronted with an almost impossible situation within the church. In spite of their desire to benefit the body of Christ, Christian
psychologists, themselves deceived by their faith in what they believe to be helpful supplementary truth, have brought beliefs and
practices into the church which are, in fact, destructive of the very faith most of them sincerely desire to defend. The responsibility
for this seduction does not rest alone with Christian psychologists, however, but must be shared by those who have willingly accepted
new truth that comes from sources outside of and contradicts the bible.
Hunt concludes with these insights: Christian psychology
represents the most dangerous and at the same time the most appealing and popular form of modernism ever to have invaded the church.
Those who refused the temptation to adjust biblical interpretation to agree with Darwin eventually succumbed to the even more-deadly
delusion of integrating Freud, Jung, Mesmer, and Maslow into Christianity. Many of today's staunchest evangelical and fundamentalist
leaders, in order to be relevant and professionally respected, are preaching a form of religious science, apparently without even
realizing it. Psychology, which entered the church as a Trojan horse, now wields such powerful and all-pervasive influence in our
Christian world ?in seminaries, Bible schools, Christian colleges, mission organizations, radio/television programming, denominational
leadership, and most other Christian institutions and churches ?that to call Christian psychology into question is taken as an attach
upon Christianity itself.
In his book, Mr. Hunt quoted Martin L. Gross who made the following observations: Today, the M.D. Psychiatrist
and his first cousin, the Ph.D. Psychologist, have appointed themselves the undisputed Solomons of our era...The new seer delivers
his pronouncements with the infallible air of a papal bull, a stance which intimidates even the most confident of laymen.
Psychology's
subtle, yet persistent, osmosis into and within the church places the modern Christian church into much danger, a danger that most
do not even recognize. The apostle Paul warned about religious false teachers within the church. Paul's thoughts about false religion
leaders can be equally applied to secular psychologists and counselors in the modern church. Paul first warned, But the natural [unbelieving
and unsaved] man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because
they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14), then later refers to them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they
may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming [through deceit and manipulating] themselves
into [what appears to be] the apostles [true supporters and allies] of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into
an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end
shall be according to their works (2 Cor 11:12-15). As Christ described the Pharisees, psychology and psychological counseling are
nothing but whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward [and appear to have the answers to life], but are within full
of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness (Mat 23:27). Regarding the existence and influence of carnal and worldly false teachings
[including psychology] within the church, Christ summarized, He that is not with me [in the faith] is against me; and he that gathereth
not with me scattereth abroad (Mat 12:30). Believe me, psychology is not with Christ.
Christ also warns of the dangers of false
individuals who seek importance, honor, and power within the church. Like the Pharisees of old, the so-called behavioral wizards of
psychology also love the uppermost [preeminent] rooms at feasts, and the chief seats [of importance and glory] in the synagogues [and
churches], And [be responded to with submissive and honorable] greetings in the markets, and to be called [and glorified] of men,
Rabbi [teacher, or Doctor], (Mat 23:6-7). In the book of Luke, Christ similarly warns, Beware of the scribes [those who want to be
important in the church], which desire to walk in long robes [and be glorified for who they are], and love [humble and submissive] greetings
in the markets [public areas], and the highest [most important] seats in the synagogues [and within the church], and the chief rooms
at feasts; Which devour widows' houses [and take advantage of their influence and power over the gullible and naive], and for a shew
make long prayers [or use big words or ideas in counseling sessions]: the same shall receive greater damnation (Luke 20:46-47).
Additionally,
the modern day Christian church has allowed an ever-growing presence, influence, and control by psychology simply because the church,
for the most part, does not know and understand the holy scriptures. Christ warned the Sadducees of the early Jewish church that the
error in their thinking was due to their ignorance of the scriptures: Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing [or
understanding] the scriptures, nor the power of God (Mat 22:29). Error and damnation are often the flip sides of the same coin. Additionally,
although psychology certainly does not enter the church through the only door to the church, which is Christ and faith in Him, it
has been welcomed within the church with open arms, willing hearts, and smiling faces. However, the Lord warns, Verily, verily, I
say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his [Christ's] voice:
and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the
sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice
of strangers (John 10:1-5). Some members of the church, including leaders, are naively and mistakenly following the voice of the stranger
of psychology, and will suffer the fruit of doing such.
Paul specifically warned the Colossian believers not to be deceived by
clever men speaking clever words. He explained that in God and Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this
I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words (Col 2:3-4).
Regarding some in the church, Paul warned Timothy, For
the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Tim 4:3-4). The Spirit speaketh
expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1Tim
4:1). That time has arrived.
THE SOLUTION FOR THE COLOSSIAN CHURCH AND THE CHURCH OF TODAY
In addressing his concerns over
the worldly philosophies being taught the believers in Colossae, the apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Colossae, gave the
church members several specific instructions. These instructions are also pertinent and applicable to the modern day church of believers
in Christ.
First of all, Paul wanted the Colossian church to be filled with the knowledge of God, walk in those ways that please
the Lord, be fruitful in every good work, be strengthened with the power of God resulting in patience, long suffering, and joy, and
lastly, to give thanks to God the Father. Paul wrote, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for
you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might
walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened
with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (Col 1:12).
Second, Paul and Timotheus wrote
the Colossian church, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might
be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all
pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his
glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light [revelation, understanding] (Col 1:9-12). Paul prayed extensively for the Colossian
church. He desired that the church would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, that they would walk in ways pleasing to the
Lord, that they would be fruitful in every good work, that they would increase in the knowledge of God, be strengthened in their faith,
and that they would give thanks to God who has allowed them to understand and receive the inheritance of the Kingdom and eternal life.
Third,
the apostle confessed that, because he knew they were being deceived and influenced by the enticing words of false teachers, he felt
great conflict for them, and sincerely hoped that they would be comforted, knit together in love, and fully understand the mysteries
of God the Father and Christ: 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 (Col 2:1-4).
Fourth,
Paul instructed them with these words of warning: you [believers in Colossae], that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable
in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister (Col 1:21-23). Paul also encouraged
the church to continue in the faith of Christ. Paul explained, because they had been reconciled to God by the death of Christ, that
they should not return to wicked works, nor allow themselves to be moved away from the hope of the gospel of Christ, which they had
already heard. They were to continue in the faith of Christ, grounded [continue with the foundation or basis of their faith, that
is, faith in Christ] and settled [immovable, steadfast].
Fifth, the apostle wanted the Colossian believers to focus on spiritual
and eternal things, rather than earthly and temporal things. Paul specifically encouraged the Colossian church, If ye then be risen
with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection [mind, sentiments,
inclined] on things above, not on things on the earth [worldly, according to worldly understanding and ways]. For ye are dead [unresponsive
to having worldly thoughts and living in worldly ways], and your life is hid [concealed, hidden, ignored] with [yet made apparent
in] Christ in God (Col 3:1-3). Paul wanted the believers in the church in Colossae to discontinue living in carnal, worldly, temporal
ways, and seek the things which are above, that is, things that are spiritual, Godly, and eternal.
Sixth, not wanting the Colossians
to encounter the wrath of God, Paul instructed the Colossians to Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God
cometh on the children of disobedience (Col 3:5-6).
Seventh, in addition to subduing the sin that was in their lives, the apostle
also instructed the believers in Colossae to also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of
your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is
renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him (Col 3:8-10).
Eighth, and last, Paul added these additional behavioral
instructions to the church: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ
forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God
rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in
all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Col
3:12-17).
People will have psychiatric needs from time to time. There is no doubt about that. However, those individuals with
needs should be referred to professional psychiatrists [not psychologists] who have specialized training and beneficial medications
at their disposal. Psychiatric needs should not, in my view, be addressed by the church or clergy. When the church attempts to meet
psychiatric needs of individuals, it is unwittingly mixing the holy with the unholy. As the scriptures instruct, Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple
of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the
unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Cor 6:14-17).
The great apostle Paul sternly warns us to 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. And ye are complete in him. Paul uses the word beware because he wants us to perceive,
regard, see, take heed, and therefore avoid any and every man who, through the use of human and worldly philosophical wisdom, would
seduce, deceive, and rob us of our faith and salvation. Worldly philosophy is to be avoided, for as Paul summarizes, Christ is God
in bodily form, and we are made replete, magnified, filled up, satisfied, and perfected by Christ alone. Paul concludes with these
inspiring and encouraging words: 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 (Col 2:6-7). AMEN.