A note from the Pastor’s Desk:

“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”

Colossians 2:4

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Starting with the teachings of Christ directly to his Apostles and disciples, there was a fear of false teachers coming among the saints. Jesus and each of the gospel writers warn about this threat. The enticement of the false teacher is to the ego of man. This threat will never cease to exist so long as disciples remain upon the earth.

In Colossians 2:4, the Apostle Paul pivots back to this central concern. The Apostle, at the time of this writing, was imprisoned and unable to physically be with the saints at Colossae. While he would have undoubtedly warned about false teachers and beliefs in person, his fear was intensified by his absence from the congregation.

The particular phrasing of this verse is of interest. On multiple occasions in writing to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle noted that he did not speak in a polished and lofty way. He always emphasized that he spoke simply of the truth of Jesus Christ. This is not to imply that he was uneducated, but rather that he did not use his oration abilities to convince his audience.

Of these false teachers, the Apostle says they use enticing words. Their speech is polished and their words are carefully chosen. They appear to have great knowledge and speak with an air of authority. This combined with their focus on teachings that appeal to the natural desires of humankind made them a tremendous threat to these young converts.

Thus, the Apostle opens his next lesson by telling his readers it is specifically to warn them against false teachers. To lay that foundation as a defense against false beliefs that would move them away from Jesus Christ. The lesson that follows is beneficial for believers in every age of discipleship.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah