Colossians 2:8,9

Philosophy vs. Truth - 2:8-9

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Beware is a red flag of "Danger." The meaning is: Be careful! Watch out! Caution!

Do not let anyone cheat you (rob you) of the prize you have in Christ. KJV "spoil" does not mean spoil like spoiled rotten food. It refers to the "spoils of war." Don't be taken captive by these false teachers.

Philosophy was a Greek pastime. It was the love and pursuit of wisdom. The gospel of Christ makes all human philosophy weak and inadequate. Phillips "Intellectualism and high-sounding nonsense."

Traditions of men TEV "teachings handed down by men" Vincent points out that tradition involved "receiving doctrines" which were based not on ancient writings, but of human origin.

The basic elements of the world is from a military term meaning lowest in rank or position. To follow the traditions of men, is not to follow Christ. You can not follow both. Paul's plea is that these teachers not carry you away as the spoils of their war against Christ.

8 - Watch out! See that you are not carried away by the philosophies and traditions of men. They are low ranking and of the world. They are not from Christ.

9For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

To dwell in Christ, means that we take up residence, abiding, not just a short term visit.

Christ is complete. Everything we need is in Him. (2 Peter 1:3) In Christ is the complete expression, the full content of God.

The Godhead includes all that comprises God. Vincent "not the divine attributes, but the divine nature." Vine "Paul is declaring that in the Son there dwells all the fullness of absolute Godhead. He was and is absolute and perfect God." SEB "the totality of Divinity lives embodied in Christ."

9 - In Christ abides the complete personality and nature of God, clothed in a human body.