So that we’re not “taken captive”…

I haven’t been stopping by here enough – so here I am, stopping by!

Yesterday and today have been filled with a lot of practical things. Needed paperwork, answering emails, and preparing for future ministry.

For example, I’ve been preparing for tomorrow’s Sunday School class. I’ve been meditating on the value of getting a laser-focus in on Christ as we study the Scripture.

I was reminded of this passage from Colossians 2:1-8. Paul isn’t speaking specifically about studying the Old Testament – in fact, he’s talking about something even broader. Allowing the truth of Christ to shine on all of life – to take down human tradition, show up empty philosophy, and to fill us with true knowledge and wisdom. Listen to this:

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Yes, psychology can be empty without the truth of Christ and the Gospel. But even teachers in the church can use the Bible itself to promote their own traditions and rules. How? By removing Scripture from the greater context – Jesus Himself.

I hope we can learn to see His face in our studies – because what can be greater than seeing Him?

So anyway I’m thinking through these things as I prepare – admittedly through the fog of some congestion and a few sneezes. But tomorrow is another day. 🙂