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Bible commentator Matthew Henry plainly describes dangerous philosophy: “But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful, which is prejudicial to religion, and sets up the wisdom of man in competition with the wisdom of God, and while it pleases men’s fancies (it) ruins their faith.” During the early Colossian Church, the dangers were very much the existing Jewish pedagogy and pagan practices of the Gentiles. The Jews have their traditions and the numerous rites required and performed from time of birth. Observation of ceremonial laws was their way of life and religious elders strictly demanded compliance. Thus reconciling these old traditions and practices to the Christian principles and teachings of the apostles was a monumental task. It required a radical change of mindset. The Gentiles, on the other hand, have their own intellectualism and worldview. Greek philosophers and their variant philosophies were definitely at odds with the simple gospel message by receiving Jesus as Christ The Lord.

The old legalistic requirement of the laws is waived and invalidated; there is no intrinsic worth in these laws. Christianity demands inward renewal and regeneration – circumcision of the heart. Life in Christ initiates a new circumcision that is non-physical but spiritual that operates on the heart of the Christian. It has the effective power of cutting away the sinful nature and canceling our indebtedness once and forever without the need for repeated offering of sacrifices. The final authoritative victory is well expressed in Col. 2:15 (MSG): “He (Christ) stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross”. These tyrants are those who insisted on accepting the gospel of Jesus and adding Old Testaments religious requirements to it. Their demands are without power and will do nothing to change lives.

Today, we too must be alert to new philosophies (teachings) that require us and sometimes charm us to believe that there are “add-ons” to the Christian faith. And that these are better and will deepen our faith. There are some who want to bring back the old Temple practices to enhance a holier and reverent worship. There are those who professed the need to increased solitude and meditation; or certain posture of worship, raise the hands and wave the banner. We need to be careful that we do not become focused on the outward form and lose the substance of inner spiritual worship. We follow closely the teachings of the Bible and live our Christian lives with Christ The Lord.