See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy …
Summary: In this passage Paul cautions believers against teachings and philosophies that distract from the heart of the gospel.
Paul opens up a can of worms with this passage. “Why?” you ask. Because, Dear Reader, someone has to decide what a “hollow and deceptive philosophy” is.
The Bible is generally acknowledged as the principal authoritative document for all of Christianity. Even so, people find things to argue about. Sometimes it feels like the more we have to argue about, the happier we are as Christians!
In theory, the hallmark of Christianity is “complete unity” (John 17:23). Jesus, praying to the Father about future believers, says:
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-23)
Talking about how to get to heaven Jesus says, “… unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Later, Paul describes maturity in the faith as putting the “ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11).
The two approaches seem to be in conflict. Interestingly, they are both talking about the same thing.
In the Matthew passage, Jesus is addressing his disciples, who want to know who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus defuses their conversation by placing “little children” ahead of everyone else. In the passage written by Paul, he is describing the nature of love and, in effect, says, “Put on your ‘big boy’ pants and quit being so self-centered.” On one hand, we have our tendency to want to know everything; on the other, our desire to be the center of everything.
The Gospel message is simple (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It is all about Jesus! Jesus is our Savior (Matthew 1:21, John 4:42), our Shepherd (John 10:11), the Gate (John 10:7-9), our Brother (Matthew 12:50), and our Friend (John 15:13-15). He is the Word (John 1:1, 14), our Creator (John 1:3), the Sacrifice for our sins (John 1:29), and our Redeemer (Titus 2:14).
Is there anything else we need?
Sadly, many would argue, “Yes.” For these people, it is not enough to believe in Jesus. We must believe a certain way or in certain things.
All I can say is to echo the words of Paul: Receive Jesus as Lord and live life in Him, rooted in Jesus. Avoid “hollow and deceptive philosophies.”
Application: Learn to discern what brings unity in Christ and what causes division.
Food for Thought: What is the attraction of the philosophies that Paul is talking about?
The rest of the verse reads… “which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
This tells us something about what these hollow and deceptive philosophies are based upon. They are not based on Christ but are opposed to Him, in competition for our allegiance. The reason I think they might be attractive is that we have a spiritual enemy making the appeal, we have a sinful nature in rebellion to God that must submit to Christ, and with that we have a desire to be lord of our lives rather than letting Jesus be in charge. These competing loyalties try to gain access to our heart and we must walk with Christ, walk in the Spirit daily, and obey His word. Otherwise even believers can be taken captive to hollow and deceptive philosophies that depend on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world – rather than in Christ.
Well Stated Rich!
Thanks, Rich!
As I read your words today I am thinking of the serpent whispering in Eve’s ear in the Garden of Eden. Our spiritual enemy knows our weakness, just as you say.
Thank you!
What is the attraction of the philosophies that Paul is talking about?
They feed the flesh of others who are willing to conform to their standards of conduct. They teach freedom from evil, a path to righteousness is achievable to all who will live by a list of DO’s presented by the Charismatic leader of the organization, supported by all in positions of teaching and leadership. Some will claim to teach the Bible as they speed read, distort or simply avoid truths being taught by God.
The attraction to these philosophies is they promote salvation according to mans standards rather than God’s teachings, giving the followers permission to live as they please.
Thanks, Ron!
Giving power and authority to our own standards rather than God’s is one of Satan’s oldest tricks. Nicely said!