In Colossians 2, Paul issues a powerful warning to believers: “Stop letting people disqualify you” (Colossians 2:18). He urges the church to stand firm against deceptive influences that threaten to lead them astray from the truth of Christ. Paul identifies four types of false teachers, each with distinct tactics that remain relevant today. By understanding these dangers, we can guard our faith against those who distort the gospel.

1. Enticing Speech (Colossians 2:4-7)

False teachers often wield persuasive language to deceive. Paul warns against those who use “enticing words” to sway believers (Colossians 2:4). This tactic echoes Romans 16:18, where smooth talk and flattery manipulate the unsuspecting, and Ephesians 4:14, which describes cunning words that toss believers like waves. In our digital age, TikTok influencers, online preachers, and charismatic personalities can charm audiences with polished rhetoric, much like Satan’s subtle deception in Genesis 3 and Matthew 4. These voices may sound convincing, promising quick spiritual fixes or worldly success, but they often lead away from Christ’s sufficiency. Believers must root themselves in the truth of Scripture, as Paul encourages in Colossians 2:6-7, to discern and resist such deception.

2. Traditions of Men and the World (Colossians 2:8-10)

Another group of false teachers promotes human traditions and worldly philosophies over Christ’s authority. Paul cautions against being captivated by “philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition” (Colossians 2:8). Jesus confronted similar issues in Matthew 15:2, where religious leaders prioritized their traditions over God’s commands. Today, this manifests in appeals to “the way we’ve always done it” or the approval of experts, organizations, or governments. Philosophies like those Paul encountered in Acts 17 (stoicism, epicureanism, or modern ideologies) can subtly infiltrate the church. These traditions and ideas may seem appealing, but they lack the fullness of Christ, who is “the head of all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:10). Believers must test every teaching against the gospel, rejecting what elevates human wisdom over divine truth.

3. Judgments About the Old Law (Colossians 2:16-17)

Paul also warns against those who judge believers based on adherence to the Old Testament law, such as dietary rules or festivals (Colossians 2:16). Romans 14:2-3 and Galatians 4:10 highlight the danger of imposing outdated regulations, while Hebrews 8:13 declares the old covenant “obsolete.” False teachers may pressure Christians to follow Old Testament practices, claiming they are essential for righteousness (see Acts 15). Yet, Paul emphasizes that these are mere “shadows” of Christ, the true substance (Colossians 2:17). Some modern churches continue to impose the Law of Moses upon people. Why return to the shadows when the true Light has come into the world?

4. Puffed-Up Wisdom and Will Worship (Colossians 2:18-23)

The final type of false teacher Paul warns against is those who promote self-made spirituality and “puffed-up” wisdom (Colossians 2:18). These individuals boast of esoteric knowledge or mystical experiences, such as worshipping angels or embracing strange beliefs like sun gods or witchcraft. Paul describes such practices as “self-imposed worship” and “false humility” (Colossians 2:18, 23), which appear spiritual but lack true substance. Romans 6:3-6 and Ephesians 2:15 emphasize that believers are freed from such elemental principles through Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul warns against turning to weak and worthless spiritual systems. Today, this might look like New Age mysticism, occult practices, or prideful claims of exclusive spiritual insight. These teachings inflate human ego rather than exalting Christ, who alone is sufficient (Colossians 2:10). Paul urges believers to reject such distractions and cling to the gospel’s simplicity.

Guarding Against Deception

The common thread among these false teachers is their attempt to disqualify believers by shifting focus from Christ’s all-sufficient work. Whether through persuasive speech, human traditions, Old Testament practices, or puffed-up mysticism, they undermine the gospel’s power. Colossians 2 reminds us that Christ is the fullness of God, in whom all wisdom and knowledge reside (Colossians 2:3, 9-10). Believers are complete in Him, needing no additional rituals or philosophies to earn God’s favor.

In our modern context, these warnings are strikingly relevant. Social media amplifies enticing voices, from influencers peddling self-help spirituality to charismatic leaders pushing personal or mystical agendas. Cultural traditions (like prioritizing societal norms or “expert” consensus over biblical truth) can subtly erode faith. The Law of Moses persists in churches that impose Old Testament rules, while puffed-up wisdom appears in trendy spiritual fads that promise enlightenment apart from Christ.

To avoid being disqualified, believers must remain rooted in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). This means immersing ourselves in Scripture and testing every teaching against God’s Word. Assembling with other believers provides accountability, helping us stay anchored in truth. Prayer is also vital, as we seek God’s wisdom in matters of truth.

Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 2 is a reminder for vigilance. False teachers will always arise, but we are not defenseless. By holding fast to Christ as our head, we can stand firm against enticing words, worldly traditions, Old Testament judgments, and prideful spirituality. Let us walk in the freedom and fullness of Christ, rejecting anything that seeks to disqualify us from the truth of His gospel.

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