Avoid False Teaching: A Colossian Catechism for Every Church Age
Read: Colossians 2:6-15
Reflect
In every age, God’s people deal with a prevailing philosophy that permeates the culture. At certain points, Platonism held the day; in other times, the Enlightenment reigned supreme; today, postmodernism dominates the scene. Philosophies will come and go, but the Lord’s command remains unchanged: avoid false doctrine and hold fast to the teachings that have been given to us.
Question: Once a person has received Christ Jesus, what must he do?
Answer: The believer must not live for himself, but he must live in the power of Christ.
Question: How does the believer live in the power of Christ?
Answer: The believer lives in the power of Christ by being rooted more firmly than the strongest plant, by being built up finer than the grandest monument, and by firmly established in the faith of the Lord.
Question: Who roots, edifies, and establishes the believer?
Answer: The Lord God Himself roots, edifies, and establishes the believer.
Question: Which teachings should Christians avoid?
Answer: Any teaching that values human traditions and worldly principles more than the truth of the gospel must always be avoided. Such teachings amount to nothing more than empty, deceitful philosophy. Remember: Christ saves, not the knowledge of man.
Question: Why is this philosophy dangerous?
Answer: No matter how enticing it sounds, this philosophy is dangerous because it does not rightly glorify the God-man, Jesus Christ, and it makes mockery of the believer’s connection to Christ.
Question: What is the believer’s connection to Christ?
Answer: In his relationship with Christ, the believer is made complete.
Question: How is the believer made complete in Christ?
Answer: The believer is made complete through the death and resurrection of Christ. Through faith, believers enter into an eternal, covenant relationship with God.
Question: How is this covenant relationship with God established?
Answer: Even though we were dead in our sin and transgressions, Jesus died for us and triumphed over the spiritual forces which were working against us. Because of our unique connection with Him, we experience the power of forgiveness and resurrection. If we are in Christ, then we died with Him. If we died with Him, then we were buried with Him. If we were buried with Him, then we were raised to newness of life with the One who is head over every ruler, authority, and power. Truth begins and ends with Jesus Christ, and He must never be exchanged for a lie.
During this Lenten Season, remember who you are, O Christian. More importantly, remember that truth, not some semblance of it, is that to which we cling.
Brittany Burnette
Respond
Pray for elder Charlie Giddens, staff Keith Mason, deaconess Michele Roberts, and last names “T” and “U” in our church body.
