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.” Colossians 2:8
One of the many unique features separating humanity from the animals is our inquisitive nature. Most of us are curious about many things and desire to learn more about them. This is a beautiful part of our nature because it allows us to accumulate knowledge as we discover more and more truths from God’s creation. It is also healthy in the spiritual realm as it prompts us to seek God and feel for Him which gives us the opportunity to find Him as He is not far from us (Acts 17:27). However, we must balance this curiosity with unswerving devotion to accept only that which is true to the will of God (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1).
Paul emphasized the need for careful examination of every idea when he warned the Colossian Christians not to be taken captive by philosophy (Colossians 2:8). The church at Colossae was battling a false system of belief forged from elements of Jewish ritualism, pagan mysticism, and ascetic elements which promoted extreme neglect of the body. The system was particularly dangerous as “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2:23). It was the semblance of wisdom which gave the system power to lure people from Christ.
The desire for “sophisticated wisdom” can be a significant barrier between individuals and the knowledge of God. Paul discussed this issue at length in 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16. To the Greeks, “wisdom” was chief. However, the wisdom they sought was not the wisdom of God, but of the world. As a result, the notion of a crucified King was foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-23). Nonetheless, God chose the foolishness of this message as the power to save us from our sins. We must avoid letting worldly wisdom obstruct our reception of the heavenly wisdom.
It is by the revelation of God’s mystery through the apostles and prophets that we may now be “…knit together in love and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3). Through this understanding we may avoid deception by persuasive words (Colossians 2:4).
This does not mean there is no value in secular education. Paul was well educated in the literature of the Greeks and Romans. This is evidenced by his repurposing quotes from pagan poets on multiple occasions to point his listeners to the truth about God (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12). Though they recognized some personal Cause for the existence of the cosmos, they did not know Him or His will. That is where the revelation of God contained in the Scriptures is to be our only guiding light. We may gain all the knowledge we want insomuch as it does not interfere with our devotion to God and His word. This is a tricky balancing act, but Paul is living proof it can be done.
Therefore, it is imperative that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in order that no one may spoil us with empty philosophy and lead us away with the error of the wicked (2 Peter 3:17-18).