Colossians 2:6-8 As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.⁷ Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.⁸ See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).

Juxtaposition is defined as the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. In the Scripture passage above you see just such an example. What are the two juxtaposing examples? Number one: Col. 2:6 “…[so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him…” Number Two: Col. 2:8 “See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).”

Can you see it? Put simply, the first examples’ emphasis is on being in union with Jesus – seeking to be conformed to Jesus – in every way. In other words in relationship. The second example, emphasizes philosophy, intellectualism, and tradition. In other words, “the elemental teachings of the universe” that disregard Jesus and His Word. If you can imagine a scale which weighs two objects. On one side of the scale is the King of the Universe, His reality, His Presence, His revelation and illumination. On the other side the philosophy, intellectualism, and the traditions of men. Which of the two sides of this scale carries the most weight for you?

I’ve got a confession to make. I am impressed by intelligence. It’s a weakness of mine that has often proven to be detrimental, especially in regard to ministry. I have a tendency to elevate it above the Holy Spirit and His Word. I’m like a fish attracted to a shiny lure, or a moth to a flame. At other times I can fall for physical appearance, or impressive talents. What does this divulge about me? This is the human condition. Yet, Paul warns the Colossian believers against it. He states in Col. 2:2-4 [For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One).³ In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.⁴ I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.

Did you catch what Paul wanted to see occur in their lives? That they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One)….With Who? Jesus! Why does he write this? “…in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.…”

Jesus warned us! Paul warned us – that the Last Days would be a time of great deception. Brothers and sisters we have arrived! With the birthing and dawning of AI we have yet to see how our culture, Christians, and the populations of the world are about to be exploited and deceived. Jesus warned that if these days had not be cut short that even the very elect would be deceived. In fact the exploitation is already occurring. Remember the subliminal suggestions we were made aware of in the 1980’s? Guess when they began to be used? 1957. Let that sink in. That was sixty-eight years ago. What’s available to them now?

What’s the solution? Know the Truth! He’s a Person. His Name is Jesus. Know the Word of God. Know the activity of the Spirit in your life. The fullness of the Godhead and the Word of God will not mislead you. Just be sure you take the full council of the Word of God. Be alert to the fact that when man has to reinvent terms the Scripture has been touting all along you can rest assured that the twisted complexities of our sin, defected soul is at work. Be alert! Be alert! Watch and pray isn’t a suggestion.