Don’t Be Taken Captive

Iker Casillas is arguably one of the greatest goalkeepers to have played the game of soccer. In the 2013–2014 playoffs in Spain, Casillas became the first goalkeeper in history not to allow a goal for the entire eight-game tournament. That level of perfection takes constant vigilance. You cannot take your eyes off the game for a moment.

In today’s passage, Paul warned the Colossian church to be on guard, to keep their eyes on the game. Paul was concerned that they would be taken captive by “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (v. 8). Paul didn’t mean that someone would literally imprison them. Rather, his concern was for something far more dangerous. There were false teachers who wanted to entrap the Colossians in ways of thinking and living that were opposed to the gospel they had received. That same threat is certainly true today.

The problem with false teaching is that it “depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (v. 8). This philosophy sounds enticing. It is based on the best human reasoning and is empowered by spiritual forces. But no matter how attractive it may appear, it cannot compare to the message we have heard from Christ.

Paul reminded the church that Jesus is God in the flesh (v. 9). The message about Christ they had received was from a far greater authority than any “human tradition.” Even more, they knew the power of Christ first-hand. Once you have come to know who Jesus is and what He has done, there is no reason to look anywhere else for meaning or purpose in life. Paul exhorted the church as if saying, “Stop looking around to other beliefs and ways of life, everything you need is found in Christ.”

Pray with Us

Set aside some time for the next two days to pray for Moody Radio’s WMBI in Chicago. Today, please remember Alexandra Domercant, Desiree Owen, Diana Berryman, and Hannah Pflederer, and praise God for all the skills they give to Christian radio.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.