Getting Plugged Into God

There is a growing problem in today’s world among the believers in Jesus Christ. Many believers simply do not know what the Word of God says. Often times Bible studies are no more than reading a verse or relying on our Pastors to give us our Biblical knowledge. Without a firm foundation in the Word of God, these individuals allow for other’s understanding of the Word to become an authority rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them in their own studies. For the believer, this is a dangerous problem. By not having a firm foundation in the scripture themselves, they are naïve and at risk of being swept away by false teachings all on the premise of “sounding” Biblical. 

This is not a new issue to the Church, although it is one many have failed to confront. Paul discusses this issue in his letter to the church in Colossae. “8 See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.” Colossians 2:8. Paul uses very convicting language in this passage. He is warning the church not to allow anyone to take them captive, be taken prisoner, to the ideals of man. Just as it was in that time, there were some in the church who spoke against the Biblical ideology of faith based salvation. Instead they claimed that works needed to be done in order for one to be saved. This false teaching caused many to be swept away then, just as many are being swept away now. “19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” 1 Timothy 1:19-20

Man-made traditions are tricky. They have enough of a biblical foundation to sound correct. I love how Paul describes this in Colossians 2:20-23, “20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Man-made religions have the appearance of wisdom but they hold no real wisdom or a way to stop one from sinning.

All man-made religions do is distract the individual from where their foundation truly lies. “6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7. Since man-made religions often have the appearance of a Biblical faith, it is important to study the Word of God so we can “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15b

So how are we to stand firm in our foundation? The first thing we need to do is be strong in the Lord, not own our own strength. When we are confronted with these man-made religions we need to understand that it is not in our own strength that we can retaliate but through God. It is why the Armor of God in Ephesians 6 is so important. 

Without a firm foundation in Jesus Christ, it is easy for the man-made religions to convince you that a faith based foundation does not bring salvation and so they, “keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,” Colossians 2:18b. The main aspects of this verse is that without a firm foundation in Jesus Christ you can be convinced that your prize, your salvation, is wrong. Instead they lead you to worship visions that have no Biblical basis but instead came about only through the deception of their minds. This is why we must be actively studying the Word, it is the only way that we can build our strength in God.

The second way that we can stand firm in our foundation is to stand on truth. We cannot combat the lies without knowing the truth. This can only be done by studying the Word. If we know what the Word says then we grow in understanding of our faith. Through the knowledge of the Word we can then apply it in our lives and not be swept away by aspects that appear wise. This is not to say that we will always know everything, but when we are actively seeking the knowledge of the Word, God will teach us to understand His Word more.

We also need to surround ourselves with fellow believers. We need people alongside us who can support us. Again, we are not to take what someone else tells us over the Word of God. However, having a community of believers around will help answer questions you may have as long as you take it back to the Word of God. Even the Apostle Paul was questioned when he was preaching, “10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:10-11. Remember, we are called to be in a community, “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex