Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION

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. For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power

Colossians 2:8-10

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

Beware lest anyone cheat you …

1. Taking heed (beware) is absolutely necessary
2. Lest we are cheated (and led captive and carried away) through

a. Philosophy and
b. Empty deceit, which runs according to the tradition of men

The tradition of men (Cf. Mark 7:8ff)

1. This is a worldview based on the basic principles of the world
2. This is contrary to the worldview of Christ Jesus
3. This tradition of men

a. Distorts the Word of God
b. Destroy many gullible ones

For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily…

1. In Christ is the fulness of the Godhead bodily

a. All the attributes of God are in Christ Jesus
b. Christ indeed is the embodiment of the Deity

2. Hence, we who are in Christ are completed (Gk-pepleromenoi – fulfilled)

a. We are a complete masterpiece of God in Christ, the head of all principality andpower
b. We need no other powers and principalities

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. Let us cultivate a high regard for the Word of God
2. Let us take heed lest we are led astray from the worldview of Christ Jesus

Prayerfully
Tomas Zatel