Posted on 12/11/2005 4:51:55 PM PST by sionnsar
The Rev. David Samuel, who is a minister in the Church of England (Continuing), preached a sermon in 1994 titled The Biblical Answer to the New Age, which is a good exposition and application of Colossians 2:8-9. He looks at this passage and applies it to the New Age movement:
Here in Colossians we have the warning against philosophy and vain deceit. False teaching is a recurring problem and danger to the Church in every age and we shall never be free from it. I think that is the first thing that Christians ought to be aware of. They must not think that they will come into a time when the Church will never be threatened by false teaching and false teachers. There is a spiritual warfare going on, and will continue to go on. Paul in this epistle has much to say also in contrast to his warnings about false teachers. He writes about the fulness of Christ. In verses 2 and 3 he says that all riches of the full assurance and understanding are to be found in Christ, and in Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He contrasts this fulness with the emptiness and the vanity of the false philosophy and teaching that was current at that time in Colossæ. He contrasts fulness in Christ, fulness of wisdom and truth and grace and salvation, with the emptiness and vanity of the false teaching.This is worth reading as it is simply astounding how pervasive New Age teachings have become, even permeating some of our churches.
I have been asked to speak on the antidote to the teaching of the New Age. Here it is. It is to be found in the fulness of the Gospel of God's grace to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we have hold of that, then we shall have no need of the false teaching that is current today in the world and even in the Church. But where there is wealth and where there are riches they must be guarded and protected, and so Paul issues the warning: Beware lest any any spoil you. The word 'spoil' means 'rob you'. Beware lest any man rob you, he says, through philosophy and vain deceit. The words here might be translated: Beware lest any man lead you away captive, lead you a prey. Of course if we are robbed of the Gospel then we ourselves are led captive. It is a spoliation not merely of property but of our very selves. If the Gospel is removed then we are robbed of the light and the truth of it. Our minds are darkened, and such a plight affects the whole man. That is what false teaching does. It darkens the mind, it enslaves the soul. So Paul issues this warning: Beware lest any man rob you of the gospel, of the riches that are in Christ. Beware lest any man lead you away captive, lead you away a prey.
There are four things in particular in this text that I want to speak about, each of the parts or elements of this text. First of all, what is meant by Paul when he speaks of philosophy and vain deceit. Second, what he means by the traditions of men. Third, by the rudiments of the world, and last, the fulness of Christ.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. SHOCK!
Sorry - wrong thread!!!!
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