This week, we were privileged to hear from our brother Santosh as he showed us some of the challenges that face American Christians. The main text for the sermon this week was Colossians 2:1-23.  Historically, America and some European nations have led the way in sending missionaries with the Gospel to the far ends of the earth. In our pursuit to send the Gospel out, we have lost sight of the Gospel in our own churches and lives and have let outside ideas creep into our thinking.

The American missionaries changed the world with the love of Christ! Now the whole world is trying to change the American brothers and sisters with the love of the world. Where once we were considered bastions of Christianity, now we are at risk of becoming weakened by the teachings of the world that have come in.

There is a wave of false teaching headed for the American church. It brings false joy, hope, love and desires. The way for the church to stay strong in this time is by anchoring ourselves to Christ and His word and remembering that we need nothing from the world. We are complete in Christ! (Col 2:10). There have always been false religions surrounding the church since its beginning at Pentecost. For the Colossian believers, Judaism, Asceticism, and humanitarianism were all present. For us today, there are more false religions than we can count, both present around us and presented to us through things like social media, the news, and more. 

Paul charged the Colossian believers to “Let no one deceive you” (Col 2:4-6)  through arguments or false teaching. He encouraged them to continue holding firm in their faith and to not be taken captive by empty philosophy, traditions, or principles (Col 2:8). Things that seem to be beneficial, but are really quite harmful, can often make their way into our thoughts and practices when we are not deeply rooted in the word. 

One such example of a worldly philosophy that has overtaken some in America is Yoga. Yoga is a form of Hindu meditation, often paired with physical stretching and exercise. On the surface, it seems harmless, even helpful in some physical aspects. When one looks deeper, the idea of yoga is to become one with your senses and the universe. For a Christian to become one with anything other than Christ, it is a great sin! The physical benefits of this practice do not outweigh the terrible spiritual side effects that come from it. The world is actively seeking to draw you into its false practices and ways of thinking because its father, the devil, is actively seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and he would love nothing better than to deceive a believer into serving something other than God.

Paul also encouraged the believers in the Colossian church to not put themselves back under the Rabinic law, but to live in the righteousness provided by Christ’s work on the cross. We are no longer to live by laws, but by love. We are no longer controlled by laws, but by the love of Christ! (2 Cor 5:14) We ought to pray because of the love of Christ! Study God’s word because of the love of Christ! Fellowship, preach the gospel, pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and give for God’s mission all because the love of Christ compels or propels us to do so!

In the final section of this passage, Paul admonished his reader to not let anyone disqualify them from service by insisting that believers follow asceticism as well as Christ. Asceticism is the belief that extreme physical deprivation will bring one closer to God or to a higher spiritual plane. Paul says Col 2:23 that this is of no value in making you more spiritual. God has said throughout the Bible that a contrite heart is of far more value to Him than sacrifices such as giving up food for long periods of time. 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, do not be deceived by what is swirling around in the world. Hold fast to the Word, and to the only one who can give you everything you need. If you are a member of the household of God, you are already complete, lacking in nothing. You do not need anything besides Christ!