Religion and society put many rules on the Body of Christ, but Paul tells us we are dead to these dogma. We know that many ideas are a shadow which block the light of Jesus and it is our job to assay the spirits. Who is demanding that we behave a certain way? Is it men influenced by demons or fallen angels? We are to test those spirits. We are to demand a public answer from these beings. What Paul tells us here in Colossians 2 is that we have freedom in Christ that we may not have understood. There is no religion of deprivation under Christ. There is joy for us instead. Let’s continue to explore Paul’s good news.
Colossians 2:18 G3367 [2no one G1473 4you G2603 1Let 3deprive] of due reward, G2309 wanting G1722 by G5012 deprivation G2532 and G2356 following a religion G3588 G32 of angels,
2603 LSJ Gloss:καταβραβεύω to give judgment against
Dodson:καταβραβεύω I decide against, condemn of the umpire in a contest: I decide against, take part against, condemn (perhaps with the idea of assumption, officialism).
Thayer:
1) to decide as umpire against someone
2) to defraud or beguile of the prize of victory
3) metaph. to deprive of salvation
καταβραβεύω
katabrabeuō kat-ab-rab-yoo'-o From G2596 and G1018 (in its original sense); to award the price against, that is, (figuratively) to defraud (of salvation) KJV Usage: beguile of reward.
2309 Dodson:θέλω I will, wish, desire I will, wish, desire, am willing, intend, design.
Thayer:
1) to will, have in mind, intend
1a) to be resolved or determined, to purpose
1b) to desire, to wish
1c) to love
1c1) to like to do a thing, be fond of doing
1d) to take delight in, have pleasure
θέλω, ἐθέλω
thelō ethelō thel'-o, eth-el'-o Either the first or the second form may be used. In certain tenses θελέω theleō thel-eh'-o (and ἐθέλέω etheleō eth-el-eh'-o ) are used, which are otherwise obsolete; apparently strengthened from the alternate form of G138; to determine (as an active voice option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 properly denotes rather a passive voice acquiescence in objective considerations), that is, choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication to wish, that is, be inclined to (sometimes adverbially gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism to delight in KJV Usage: desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, -ling [ly]).
5012 LSJ Gloss:ταπεινοφροσύνη lowliness, humility
Dodson:ταπεινοφροσύνη humility humility, lowliness of mind, modesty.
Thayer:
1) the having a humble opinion of one's self
2) a deep sense of one's (moral) littleness
3) modesty, humility, lowliness of mind
ταπεινοφροσύνη
tapeinophrosunē tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay From a compound of G5011 and the base of G5424; humiliation of mind, that is, modesty KJV Usage: humbleness of mind, humility (of mind), lowliness (of mind).
2356 LSJ Gloss:θρησκεία religious worship
Dodson:θρησκεία ritual worship, religion (underlying sense: reverence or worship of the gods), worship as expressed in ritual acts, religion.
Thayer:
1) religious worship
1a) esp. external, that which consists of ceremonies
1a1) religious discipline, religion
θρησκεία
thrēskeia thrace-ki'-ah From a derivative of G2357; ceremonial observance KJV Usage: religion, worshipping.
32 LSJ Gloss:ἄγγελος a messenger, envoy
Dodson:ἄγγελος an angel, messenger a messenger, generally a (supernatural) messenger from God, an angel, conveying news or behests from God to men.
Thayer:
1) a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God
ἄγγελος
aggelos ang'-el-os From ἀγγέλλω aggellō (probably derived from G71; compare G34; to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel” ; by implication a pastor KJV Usage: angel, messenger.
Do not let anyone condemn you. Do not let anyone set themselves as a judge over you. Do not let anyone umpire against you, desiring in humiliating you into a religion of angels. Do not let anyone belittle you. Remembering what we understood last week, the shadow blocks the light. Foods, drinks, and holy days are a shadow. Do not let anyone belittle you or condemn you over things that are shadows. If you do not wish to abide by someones religion, simply don’t.
Thrēskeia means religion as in religious service, not worship. Proskuneō is the word used for worship, as a dog licks the hand of his master. Translators did not use the correct words here. Paul is talking about the religion of angels, not worshipping angels. There are people who do worship fallen angels, because angels who align with Jesus do not allow humans to worship them. We see from scripture that those angels who are aligned with Jesus correct humans, telling them not to worship them. Therefore this religious service and these ritual acts are not from Jesus but from a counterfeit religion.
The religion of angels is technically their path to eternal life. Not all of the sons of God have eternal life. As we know, some are imprisoned and some will be imprisoned, and some will be thrown into the lake of fire at the end of the age. Their religion may be one of works as compared to grace. Did they do what they were assigned to do? Did they rebel? Did they lead others astray? The sons of God have a hierarchy among themselves which we are not under. Just to be clear, we humans in the Body of Christ, are not under the authority of angels, demons, cherubim, seraphim, ophanim, the devil, or the satan. The religion of rebellious angels is their obedience to the devil and the satan. Their plan to steal the creation away from the Creator is the dilemma that we are dealing with today. Can the clay eliminate the potter?
The religion of man is Jesus. Jesus is everything man needs for redemption, salvation, and eternal life. The religion that fallen angels promote to man can be anything that a seducing spirit tells one to do to achieve greater spirituality. We do not worship angels, and we do not let angels lead us into rituals, that is not their job. Their job is to be a messenger from or for the Most High, although this aspect of their assignment is not as vital after Pentecost as the Holy Spirit resides within us and is our teacher. There are one third of the angels who are rebellious. Angels are to minister, or serve us, but the fallen ones could seduce us.
1 Timothy 4:1 G3588 But the G1161 G4151 spirit G4490 expressly G3004 says, G3754 that G1722 in G5306 later G2540 times G868 some shall leave G5100 G3588 of the G4102 belief, G4337 taking heed G4151 to spirits G4106 of delusion G2532 and G1319 instructions G1140 of demons;
4106 LSJ Gloss:πλάνη a wandering, roaming
Dodson:πλάνη a wandering, error a wandering; fig: deceit, delusion, error, sin.
Thayer:
1) a wandering, a straying about
1a) one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither
2) metaph.
2a) mental straying
2a1) error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion
2b) error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting
2c) error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud
πλάνη
planē plan'-ay Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety KJV Usage: deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.
4108 LSJ Gloss:πλάνος leading astray, cheating, deceiving
Dodson:πλάνος misleading, a deceiver adj: misleading, deceiving, wandering; as subst: a deceiver, imposter.
Thayer:
1) wandering, roving
2) misleading, leading into error
2a) a vagabond, "tramp", imposter
2b) corrupter, deceiver
πλάνος
planos plan'-os Of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), that is, (by implication) an impostor or misleader KJV Usage: deceiver, seducing.
1319 LSJ Gloss:διδασκαλία teaching, instruction, education
Dodson:διδασκαλία instruction, teaching.
Thayer:
1) teaching, instruction
2) teaching
2a) that which is taught, doctrine
2b) teachings, precepts
διδασκαλία
didaskalia did-as-kal-ee'-ah From G1320; instruction (the function or the information) KJV Usage: doctrine, learning, teaching.
1140 LSJ Gloss:δαιμόνιον the Deity
Dodson:δαιμόνιον an evil-spirit, demon an evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity.
Thayer:
1) the divine power, deity, divinity
2) a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men
3) evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil
δαιμόνιον
daimonion dahee-mon'-ee-on Neuter of a derivative of G1142; a daemonic being; by extension a deity KJV Usage: devil, god.
In the latter times some will revolt. In the last days some will desert the faith. Those people who leave the faith will pay attention to, or devote themselves to spirits which are impostors. These spirits rove like a tramp. If in the future, one third of the angels are cast out of heaven to be judged by the devil, it is safe to say that there may be one third of the angels making bad decisions to mislead and misinform humans.
Pneuma is the word for spirit, it means wind or breath, but daimonion is the word for demon. Demons and spirits can be two different things. Demons are disembodied spirits of the children of the fallen angels. Demons have a very distinct character, they desire to inhabit humans; they want a warm body to live in. Remember what Jesus told us about the unclean spirit and the strong man in Matthew 12? Demons can be called spirits or unclean spirits and they want to inhabit humans. Spirits can be angels or they could be from several classes of the sons of God. Rebellious angels, cherubim, seraphim, etc, do not want to inhabit humans, they want to corruptly influence humans. These spirits are impostors, they pretend that they are helping but they are leading people astray. They inspire people such as false prophets. Within our context of Colossians 2 what do we see? People who claim to be prophetic telling others what to eat or drink and what holy days to observe. This is why John tells us to distinguish the spirits as to who they are aligned with.
1 John 4:1 G27 Beloved, G3361 [2not G3956 3every G4151 4spirit G4100 1believe], G235 but G1381 distinguish G3588 the G4151 spirits, G1487 if G1537 [2of G3588 G2316 3God G1510.2.3 1 they are]!
1381 LSJ Gloss:δοκιμάζω to assay
Dodson:δοκιμάζω I put to the test, prove, examine I put to the test, prove, examine; I distinguish by testing, approve after testing; I am fit.
Thayer:
1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals
2) to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy
δοκιμάζω
dokimazō dok-im-ad'-zo From G1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve KJV Usage: allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.
To assay is to test, like metal ore, to determine what minerals are in the ore and their quality. There used to be assayer’s offices in mining towns when people used to mine or pan for gold. We need to be that particular with spirits. We need to be that sharp at examining them. Testing, examining, and scrutinizing, are part of the process. Does a spirit want to inhabit a human? Then it is a demon. Does a spirit want to mislead someone? Then it may be a fallen son of God. We are not to believe everything every human says regarding Jesus and the Bible, especially if those people have been influenced by a seducing spirit. Now pay close attention to what John says next.
1 John 4:1…G3754 for G4183 many G5578 false prophets G1831 have gone forth G1519 into G3588 the G2889 world.
5578
ψευδοπροφήτης
pseudoprophētēs psyoo-dop-rof-ay'-tace From G5571 and G4396; a spurious prophet, that is, pretended foreteller or religious impostor KJV Usage: false prophet.
2889 LSJ Gloss:κόσμος order
Dodson:κόσμος the world, universe
the world, universe; worldly affairs; the inhabitants of the world; adornment.
κόσμος
kosmos kos'-mos Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]) KJV Usage: adorning, world.
Many pseudo-prophets have gone out into the cosmos, the universe. How many is “many”? Maybe one third? This is how big the story of the rebellious sons of God is. This is why Jesus created us, in his multifaceted wisdom, to prove, test, and judge, the sons of God. Many false prophets have gone out into the universe. While a false prophet may have demons, they are technically being influenced by a deceptive spirit. This is what we are to examine.
John gives us a simple test. Every spirit that declares out loud that Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh is of God the Father. Those spirits align with Jesus and the Almighty, Most High, Eternal, Father. Those spirits that do not or will not declare out loud that Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh are not of God the Father. They do not align with Jesus and the Almighty, Most High, Eternal, Father. To acknowledge is to confess or profess, but it must be done out loud, in the hearing of others. It is not a confession if you ask if the spirit believes Jesus Christ came in the flesh, to which the answer can be a yes or no. The spirit must say the words “Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh”. It is not enough for a spirit to agree with you, they must proclaim out loud. Today we should be asking for a declaration of Jesus as Lord and Creator.
In the time of John’s writing there were people who were claiming that Jesus did not come in the flesh but was a spirit. Oddly, it would be hard to crucify a spirit that does not have flesh and bones. There were people attempting to subvert the ministry of the disciples by spreading false stories. In this case John is referring to these people as anti-Christs without mentioning them by name.
1 John 4:2 G1722 By G3778 this G1097 you know G3588 the G4151 spirit G3588 G2316 of God -- G3956 every G4151 spirit G3739 which G3670 acknowledges G* Jesus G5547 Christ G1722 [2in G4561 3flesh G2064 1having come G1537 5of G3588 G2316 6God G1510.2.3 4is].
3 G2532 And G3956 every G4151 spirit G3739 which G3361 does not G3670 acknowledge G3588 G* Jesus G5547 Christ G1722 [2in G4561 3flesh G2064 1having come G1537 5of G3588 G2316 6God G3756 4is not]. G1510.2.3 G2532 And G3778 this G1510.2.3 is G3588 the thing G3588 of the G500 antichrist, G3739 which G191 you heard G3754 that G2064 it comes, G2532 and G3568 [2now G1722 3in G3588 4the G2889 5world G1510.2.3 1is] G2235 already.
The anti-Christ is one who opposes Jesus Christ. There are many anti-Christs. And notice where they are. They are in the cosmos already. This tells us that there are heavenly sons of God who are anti-Christs as well as earthly humans who are anti-Christs. There will be a specific individual who will be called the anti-Christ after the harpazo.
1 John 4:4 G1473 You G1537 [2of G3588 G2316 3God G1510.2.5 1are], G5040 sons, G2532 and G3528 have overcome G1473 them;
3528 LSJ Gloss:νικάω to conquer, prevail, vanquish
Dodson:νικάω I conquer, overcome I conquer, am victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue.
Thayer:
1) to conquer
1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious
1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes
1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions
1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause
νικάω
nikaō nik-ah'-o From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
Now we are the sons of God. Not just the angels, cherubim, seraphim, etc, but humans can now be the sons of God because we believe that Jesus came to earth in the flesh, died, and rose up the third day. Because of our faith, we can nikaō, conquer, prevail, over the anti-Christs, the pseudo prophets, and seducing spirits. Why?
1 John 4:4...G3754 for G3173 greater G1510.2.3 is G3588 the one G1722 in G1473 you, G2228 than G3588 the one G1722 in G3588 the G2889 world.
Megas, mega, is the one in you. Who is in you? What did Paul tell us in Colossians 1:27? It is Christ in you. Mega is Christ in you. Greater is Christ in you than the anti-Christs in the cosmos. We conquer the anti-Christs, the false prophets, and the impostor spirits because Christ is in us and he is mega. None in the cosmos are greater than those who have Christ in them. Remember, Christ is not in angels, cherubim, seraphim, etc. Nothing on earth is greater than those who have Christ in them. Paul told us to grow our roots in this. Now we can see why. We are greater than any anti-Christ and even the anti-Christ. This is why the anti-Christ cannot come to power until the children of the Most High, Living God, are harpazo’d.
John gives us another test. The anti-Christs are of the cosmos, and they speak of the cosmos, and the cosmos hears them. But we are of the Almighty, Eternal, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the prototype of all beings. Those who are children of the Most High, hear us. Those who are anti-Christ do not hear us.
1 John 4:5 G1473 They G1537 [2of G3588 3the G2889 4world G1510.2.6 1are]; G1223 because of G3778 this G1537 [2of G3588 3the G2889 4world G2980 1they speak], G2532 and G3588 the G2889 world G1473 hears them. G191
6 G1473 We G1537 [2of G3588 G2316 3God G1510.2.4 1are]; G3588 the one G1097 knowing G3588 G2316 God, G191 hears G1473 us; G3739 the one who G3756 is not G1510.2.3 G1537 of G3588 G2316 God, G3756 does not G191 hear G1473 us. G1537 By G3778 this G1097 we know G3588 the G4151 spirit G3588 of the G225 truth G2532 and G3588 the G4151 spirit G3588 of the G4106 delusion.
This is how we know the spirit of alētheia and the spirit of deceit. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. The spirit of delusion and deceit are impostor angels, impersonating the Holy Spirit. John’s test is to force all spirits to confess out loud so that many can hear. Demand that all spirits proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord and came in the flesh, that he died, and that he rose up the third day. Demand their confession out loud. It is Christ in you. You conquered the anti-Christs, the false prophets and the imposter spirits of delusion. This is how you/we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of fraudulence.
Colossians 218…G3739 [2things which G3361 3he has not G3708 4seen G1687 1entering into], G1500 vainly G5448 being inflated G5259 by G3588 the G3563 mind G3588 G4561 of his flesh, G1473
1500 Dodson:εἰκῇ without purpose, in vain without a cause, purpose; purposelessly, in vain, for nothing.
Thayer:
1) inconsiderably, without purpose, without just cause
2) in vain
2a) without success or effort
εἰκῆ
eikē i-kay' Probably from G1502 (through the idea of failure); idly, that is, without reason (or effect) KJV Usage: without a cause, (in) vain (-ly.)
5448 LSJ Gloss:φυσιόω to puff up
Dodson:φυσιόω I inflate, puff up I inflate, puff up; pass: I am puffed up, arrogant, proud.
Thayer:
1) to make natural, to cause a thing to pass into nature
2) to inflate, blow up, to cause to swell up
2a) to puff up, make proud
2b) to be puffed up, to bear one's self loftily, be proud
φυσιόω
phusioō foo-see-o'-o From G5449 in the primary sense of blowing; to inflate, that is, (figuratively) make proud (haughty) KJV Usage: puff up.
3563 Dodson:νοῦς the mind, reasoning faculty the mind, the reason, the reasoning faculty, intellect.
Thayer:
1) the mind, comprising alike the faculties of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging, determining
1a) the intellectual faculty, the understanding
1b) reason in the narrower sense, as the capacity for spiritual truth, the higher powers of the soul, the faculty of perceiving divine things, of recognising goodness and of hating evil
1c) the power of considering and judging soberly, calmly and impartially
2) a particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e thoughts, feelings, purposes, desires
νοῦς
nous nooce Probably from the base of G1097; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning KJV Usage: mind, understanding.
Coming back to the religion of angels, don’t let anyone belittle you into a religion of angels entering into things which you haven’t seen. The religion of angels is without purpose, it is without cause, it is without effect. It is useless, or vain. Angels cannot redeem us, save us, or give us eternal life. Jesus openly triumphed over all the sovereignties and authorities, making a public show of them. He divested their authority over us. We are now conquerors because Christ is in us. The religion of angels relies on an inflated and proud mind. We all know people who seem to want to give us some special secret knowledge of spirituality. Yet it almost always includes what foods and drinks we can have, and what holy days we are to celebrate. Beware of the religion and ritualistic practice of cultist angels, trying to inflate human minds to perform rites and services that have nothing to do with Jesus as the Head Christ.
2902 LSJ Gloss:κρατέω to be strong, mighty, powerful
Dodson:κρατέω I lay hold of, obtain I am strong, mighty, hence: I rule, am master, prevail; I obtain, take hold of; I hold, hold fast.
Thayer:
1) to have power, be powerful
1a) to be chief, be master of, to rule
2) to get possession of
2a) to become master of, to obtain
2b) to take hold of
2c) to take hold of, take, seize
2c1) to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power
3) to hold
3a) to hold in the hand
3b) to hold fast, i.e. not discard or let go
3b1) to keep carefully and faithfully
3c) to continue to hold, to retain
3c1) of death continuing to hold one
3c2) to hold in check, restrain
κρατέω
krateō krat-eh'-o From G2904; to use strength, that is, seize or retain (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
2776 LSJ Gloss:κεφαλή the head
Dodson:κεφαλή the head (a) the head, (b) met: a corner stone, uniting two walls; head, ruler, lord.
Thayer:
1) the head, both of men and often of animals. Since the loss of the head destroys life, this word is used in the phrases relating to capital and extreme punishment.
2) metaph. anything supreme, chief, prominent
2a) of persons, master lord: of a husband in relation to his wife
2b) of Christ: the Lord of the husband and of the Church
2c) of things: the corner stone
κεφαλή
kephalē kef-al-ay' Probably from the primary word κάπτω kaptō (in the sense of seizing); the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: head.
Do not be humiliated into the religion of angels which would cause you to have a vainly puffed up mind, but instead seize the head. Paul told us in Colossians 1:18 Jesus is the head of the body of the called out church. Paul also told us in Colossians 2:10 that we are perfectly complete in Jesus who is the head of all principalities and powers. Seize the head. Seize Jesus Christ who is the head of all. Jesus is the prototype, the first-born of all creation. By Jesus were all things created and for Jesus all things were created. Jesus is before all things and in Jesus all things consist. All the fullness dwells in Jesus Christ. Seize the Head.
Colossians 2:19...G1537 from out of G3739 which G3956 all G3588 the G4983 body G1223 through G3588 the G860 ligaments G2532 and G4886 sinews G2023 being supplied G2532 and G4822 being instructed, G837 grow G3588 by the G838 growth G3588 G2316 of God.
2023 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιχορηγέω to supply besides
Dodson:ἐπιχορηγέω I supply, provide I supply, provide (perhaps lavishly), furnish.
Thayer:
1) to supply, furnish, present
2) to be supplied, ministered to, assisted
ἐπιχορηγέω
epichorēgeō ep-ee-khor-ayg-eh'-o From G1909 and G5524; to furnish besides, that is, fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute KJV Usage: add, minister (nourishment, unto).
4822 LSJ Gloss:συμβιβάζω to bring together
Dodson:συμβιβάζω I unite, prove, instruct (a) I unite or knit together, (b) I put together in reasoning, and so: I conclude, prove, (c) I teach, instruct.
Thayer:
1) to cause to coalesce, to join together, put together
1a) to unite or knit together: in affection
2) to put together in one's mind
2a) to compare
2b) to gather, conclude, consider
3) to cause a person to unite with one in a conclusion or come to the same opinion, to prove, demonstrate
3a) to teach, instruct, one
συμβιβάζω
sumbibazō soom-bib-ad'-zo From G4862 and βιβάζω bibazō (to force; causatively [by reduplication] of the base of G939); to drive together, that is, unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach KJV Usage: compact, assuredly, gather, instruct, knit together, prove.
837 LSJ Gloss:αὐξάνω to make large, increase, augment
Dodson:αὐξάνω I cause to increase, become greater, grow (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow.
Thayer:
1) to cause to grow, augment
2) to increase, become greater
3) to grow, increase
3a) of plants
3b) of infants
3c) of a multitude of people
3d) of inward Christian growth
αὐξάνω
auxanō owx-an'-o A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow (“wax”), that is, enlarge (literally or figuratively, actively or passively) KJV Usage: grow (up), (give the) increase.
838LSJ Gloss:αὔξησις growth, increase
Dodson:αὔξησις increasing, increase, growth.
Thayer:
1) increase, growth
αὔξησις
auxēsis owx'-ay-sis From G837; growth KJV Usage: increase.
In order to follow a religion of angels one has to not hold the head. Yet the whole body, all the people in the body of Christ, are held together by ligaments and sinews which supply nourishment and being united to increase and grow in the growth of God. We are part of a body where Jesus Christ is the head. We are not alone. If Jesus is the head, then we are to follow Him. If something else wants to burden us with rules, or ideas of self deprivation, we are to line those ideas up with Jesus Christ the Head.
Colossians 2:20 G1487 If G3767 then G599 you died G4862 with G3588 the G5547 Christ G575 from G3588 the G4747 elements G3588 of the G2889 world, G5100 why G5613 as G2198 living G1722 in G2889 the world G1379 do you subject yourselves to decrees?
4747 LSJ Gloss:στοιχεῖον one of a row
Dodson:στοιχεῖον a heavenly body, an element (a) plur: the heavenly bodies, (b) a rudiment, an element, a rudimentary principle, an elementary rule.
Thayer:
1) any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principal
1a) the letters of the alphabet as the elements of speech, not however the written characters, but the spoken sounds
1b) the elements from which all things have come, the material causes of the universe
1c) the heavenly bodies, either as parts of the heavens or (as others think) because in them the elements of man, life and destiny were supposed to reside
1d) the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, or discipline
1d1) i.e. of mathematics, Euclid's geometry
στοιχεῖον
stoicheion stoy-khi'-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4748; something orderly in arrangement, that is, (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively) KJV Usage: element, principle, rudiment.
1379 LSJ Gloss:δογματίζω to decree
Dodson:δογματίζω I subject to regulations, decree I subject to regulations, decree; mid: I subject myself to regulations, am decree-ridden.
Thayer:
1) to decree, command, enjoin, lay down an ordinance
δογματίζω
dogmatizō dog-mat-id'-zo From G1378; to prescribe by statute, that is, (reflexively) to submit to ceremonial rule KJV Usage: be subject to ordinances.
Paul is saying that if you were immersed and baptized with Christ, the anointed Messiah, you are dead to the elements of the cosmos. Why then are you subjecting yourselves to the dogma of the orderly arrangement of the cosmos? Are we playing by the devil’s rules for the cosmos? Why? We are of the Creator, not of the created fallen beings. Therefore using our own supernatural abilities of the Holy Spirit within us as well as Christ in us, we have the same powerful authority that Paul had. We have to stop binding ourselves under the parameters of the devil’s rules and supersede those things trying to hold us back.
Think about the gifts of the Spirit for a moment. So many Christians put parameters on one another attempting to control the Holy Spirit. Absurd! If a social structure invented by men is holding back the Holy Spirit, shouldn’t we be wise enough to ignore it? Who wants to hold back the Holy Spirit? What demonic ideas infiltrated the church to put the children of God into bondage?
Colossians 2:21 G3361 that is, You should not G680 lightly touch, G3366 nor G1089 should you taste, G3366 nor G2345 should you touch,
Paul is pointing out the rules that the devil wants us to play by. Yet we are not of the devil’s authority even though we live in the cosmos which he runs. There are two parallel understandings here. The first track takes our authority as Christians away from us. There are three points here. The dogma of the cosmos would tell us not to meddle in other people’s religion. Even though salvation can only come through the blood of Jesus, we are told not to get close to someone of another religion so that we can offer Jesus to them. Are we supposed to then just be polite and let them suffer eternal death?
Secondly, we are told not to try new experiences, even by eating different ethnic foods, they could be bad if they were not blessed by a rabbi. Therefore, instead of experiencing another culture, just stay at home and be content where we are. If we ate food with others from different cultures we might defile ourselves, or worse, lead others to Jesus.
The third dogma is that we can not injure another person, therefore do not join the military or stand up against fascists (Even though Paul’s letter is to the Colossians where there was no war, there was a civil war ramping up in Jerusalem and the fascists would take over the city in 70 CE). This is the idea that we must be so concerned about that safety of others that we allow ourselves to be abused instead of stopping others with force. If we disarm ourselves we are unable to stop the enemy from overrunning us. Wait, I thought David was the one who killed off the heirs of the Nephilim. Doesn’t Yahweh love David? How about Joshua?
The second parallel track are man made rules and religions that tell us to practice asceticism, the practice of abstaining from all forms of lust. Firstly, do not become attached to another or have intercourse with another person, regardless if one is married. Who would tell humans not to procreate? Isn’t that the uniqueness of humanity? Humans were designed to procreate, unlike the other sons of God. Isn’t this what the fallen angels, the Nephil, did that was sinful? What evil beings would tell humans to abstain from the very thing that the Creator designed us to do?
Secondly, do not eat flavorful foods, or do not eat to enjoy food. I’m quite sure that the exodus families were grateful for the manna, and then the quail, but isn’t it interesting that the angels eat wafers instead of other types of foods? Who would tell humans not to eat or enjoy eating foods? Today we have to watch what foods we eat so that we don’t become gluttonous. Two extremes in society, therefore we should land somewhere in the middle.
Thirdly, do not touch or injure another person, or do not defend yourself, even if being attacked. Is this parallel third point about allowing evil people to abuse others? As in human trafficking? Is child abuse acceptable? Was there a campaign to indoctrinate the general population into passive behaviors so that evil dominant abusers could get away with harming the Body of Christ? Paul could be confronting eastern religions, regarding the dogma of the elements of the cosmos, but he seems to be speaking of the disarming of the Body of Christ. Even though some religions seem “nice” they may be promoted to keep Christians silent. Is it possible that quiet Christians would not heal the lame man at the temple gates, like Peter and John? What if Christians walked in that type of power today? Would we see an uprising of public shame for healing people? Would we harm our religious leaders if we exposed their corrupt behaviors? Aren’t we to assay between the spirit of truth and the spirit of destruction?
Colossians 2:22 G3739 (which things G1510.2.3 are G3956 all G1519 for G5356 corruption G3588 G671 in abuse,) G2596 according to G3588 the G1778 precepts G2532 and G1319 instructions G3588 G444 of men,
These things are all for destruction and consumption. If we play by the devil’s rules, people will not get saved, we will hold ourselves back from connecting with others, and we will allow the devil to physically defeat us. It all may sound nice on the surface to be polite rather than aggressive in bringing salvation to the world, but if we lay down our own authority in the cosmos many will die under eternal death. Was it injurious for Paul to curse Elymas/Barjesus? Yes. Paul was not disarmed, he injured a servant of the devil by cursing him. Is that power? Yes. Isn’t this what the devil wants to avoid, powerful Christians making the devil’s servants blind? Why? Sergius Paulus got saved. We should not live under the dogma of the rudiments of the cosmos. Instead we live under the authority of the Almighty, Most High, Eternal Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is better to usurp the elements and use our power and authority to get others saved and set free. Shouldn’t we use our power to bind and blind the servants of the devil?
Who is making these rules for us to live under? Men. The ordinances and instructions of men are not what we follow. We follow Jesus the Creator who is in us, is above all things, and in Him all things consist. Remember Paul’s earlier words to the Colossians?
Colossians 1:16-18 (KJV)
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Colossians 2:23 G3748 which G1510.2.3 is G3056 communication G3303 then G2192 having G4678 wisdom G1722 in G1479 man made religion, G2532 and G5012 deprivation, G2532 and G857 austerity G4983 of the body, G3756 not G1722 in G5092 any value G5100 G4314 to G4140 fullness G3588 of the G4561 flesh.
1479 LSJ Gloss:ἐθελοθρησκεία will-worship
Dodson:ἐθελοθρησκεία arbitrary worship arbitrary worship, self-imposed worship.
Thayer:
1) voluntary, arbitrary worship
1a) worship which one prescribes and devises for himself, contrary to the contents and nature of faith which ought to be directed to Christ
1b) said of the misdirected zeal and the practice of ascetics
ἐθελοθρησκεία
ethelothrēskeia eth-el-oth-race-ki'-ah From G2309 and G2356; voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, that is, sanctimony KJV Usage: will worship.
857 LSJ Gloss:ἀφειδία profuseness
Dodson:ἀφειδία severity severity, severe treatment.
Thayer:
1) unsparingly severity
ἀφειδία
apheidia af-i-dee'-ah From a compound of G1 (as a negative particle) and G5339; unsparingness, that is, austerity (ascetism) KJV Usage: neglecting.
The precepts and instructions of men are the logos of skill or insight in self-imposed arbitrary worship. This is simply a man-made religion. We don’t follow men, we follow Jesus. These are misdirected religions, they sound nice and get along with the world, but they are not the precepts of Jesus the Creator. Some people may humble themselves under these dogma’s, but it is austerity or ascetism, meaning people are willingly putting themselves under practices of self-denial or abstinence in their body, but that is the dogma of the elements of the cosmos, and the ordinances and instructions of man, not the dogmatizō, prescribed statutes of Jesus Christ. The deprivation of our power and authority and our bodies via the rules of the devil, have no value to the gratification of the flesh. Our flesh does not benefit from not enjoying food. Our Spirit does not benefit from not exercising our authority in the gifts and power of the Spirit. If we abstain from cohabitation we do not become more spiritually insightful. If we do not go on the offense utilizing our power, or in defending ourselves, we are not destined for sainthood. It does nothing for us to follow the rules of the rudiments of the cosmos. We are not physically or spiritually built up in that way. Therefore why put ourselves under the devil?
The context is the shadows that block the light. We can understand this better by differentiating the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. The devil puts the Body of Christ under rules to limit us and we have to remember that we are not under the dogmas of the elements of the cosmos. Instead we are dead to the elements or heavenly bodies in the cosmos. We don’t follow their rules, we are dead to them through immersion and baptism. We have a transfer of leadership and are not under the devil, the satan, or the heavenly beings. We can break out of this restrictive straight jacket and live according to the Holy Spirit and the Christ in us. We are of a higher order. We can do whatever we are led to do by the Holy Spirit and/or Christ, even if religions and society condemn us. We have to seize Jesus Christ the Head, and grow our roots in his Lordship. We have a test for all spirits in their outward confession. We can directly ask for public confession of any being, human or spiritual. Who is their Lord and Master? We have the authority to demand a public answer. And while many anti-Christs are in the world it is our job to assay them. Jesus Christ the Head is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
