Don't be Ruined-Spoiled Counterfeit vs. Real

Colossians 2:6-15

Review• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new

creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

• 2 Corinthians 10:3–6 (ESV) …4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of

the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy

arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God,

and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish

every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

Weapons—Spiritual

• Not after the flesh

• Breaking strongholds – Repeated over and over—Habits

– Crisis

Changing our thinking• Arguments against the knowledge of Christ

• Bringing every thought captive-obedience of Christ

• Do you just watch TV mindlessly?

• One of the networks is a continual ad for the homosexual

lifestyle

• What you sow in thought you reap in action

• Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

• Worrier—God says, be anxious for nothing

Use truthPut it into practice

• More than knowledge

• Must be practiced and lived out

• Post modern thinking

• I personally believe it is wrong but if it becomes a problem, I

will do it.

• Abortion is an example

What about anxiety?

• Begin to change thinking

• I can do all things through Christ

Counterfeit versus Real in the Christian life

Leviticus 20:1–8 (ESV)

6 “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people. 7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. 8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you.

Preeminence of Christ 2:1 3‑• Colossians 2:1–3 (ESV) … 2 that their hearts may be encouraged,

being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

• The Christian’s security --Jesus Christ v. 2

Three times told not to be DECEIVED, spoiled

• Colossians 2:…no one may delude you …ESV

• Colossians 2:8 …no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, …

• Colossians 2:18 Let no one disqualify you, …, ESV

What are the elemental principles of the World? V. 8

• Philosophy—

• It was after the rudiments of the world

• Human traditions

Elemental principles of the World

• Pride of Satan

• Pride of Man

• I can do it myself

• I do not need God

• New Aged teachings

What are the 1st Principles of Christ?

• Truth of Genesis

• Truth of God head (Trinity)

• Truth about the Church

• Do you know Jesus Christ? v. 8

WHY DID ISRAEL WANT TO WORSHIP IDOLS• Worship God Worship Idols

• long range benefits‑ short range benefits‑• gratification postponed self gratification immediate‑• morality required sensuality approved

• high ethical standards demanded low ethical standards tolerated

• neighbors' sins disapproved neighbor’s sins approved

• unseen God worshiped visible idols worshiped

• unselfishness expected selfishness condoned

• business relations hindered business relations improved

• strict religious practices religious practices loosely regulated maintained

• changed life demanded changed life not demanded

• ethical stand expected compromise and cooperation practiced

• concern for others taught no concern for others expected• Life Application Bible Judge 3 ‑

You are dead to the worldAlive to Jesus

• Are there any traditions, philosophies, or

basics that have deceived you?

• Do you know Jesus Christ?

• Are you willing to follow the First principles of

God vs. the world?