Walking With Jesus II.
“Do Not Be Deceived By Persuasive Words”
Introduction and Context
We continue with our theme, “Walking With Jesus,” with the subtitle “Do Not Be Deceived By Persuasive Words,” by reading and studying from the book of Colossians. Apostle Paul wrote this epistle (letter) to a brand new church in Colossae. At the same time, he was imprisoned in Rome (See Colossians 4:18.) The letter was written to address heretic teachings and practices arising from Gnosticism. Gnosticism at the time taught that salvation could be achieved in other ways besides Christ, emphasizing an elevated personal spirituality above the church’s teachings, similar to the teachings and practices in the New Age today. Paul’s goal was to correct the heretic teachings in Colossae, pointing to Jesus Christ as Supreme and Lord above all else. Imagine this letter was written to you and us at Joy Fountain or any other local church in a city, town, or village. And, of course, it is!
Today, there is an ever-increasing contest for the foundational Gospel’s truth, as Jesus and the Apostle’s doctrine taught us. This raging contest is fueled by a rise in new-age spirituality to the mainstream. New Age belief systems and practices have their roots in ancient Gnosticism, embracing witchcraft, the worship of demons, and things God condemns. Many practitioners gladly function as mediums, channeling spirit guides who claim to be angels. We can walk better and firmer with Jesus as we explore Paul’s teachings and reasoning. We pray that we see Jesus in His power and glory today through the scriptures. Paul experienced this glory, lived in it, and preached it. In his own words:
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:20-23 NKJV
Guided Conversations
Scripture Text: Read Colossians Chapter 2. Discuss your findings using the questions in this sub-section:
- What came to mind as you were reading? Did any verse or sets of verses stick out to you? What do you feel the Holy Spirit pointing out to you?
- Have you come across New Age practitioners recently? If so, what strikes you about them? Would you recognize one if you met them? How do they view Jesus Christ?
- How do deceivers attempt to cheat Christians? What do they use for their deceit? Col. 2 Vs. 8.
- How should we respond to these deception attempts? Col. 2 Vs. 9-10, Eph. 5:11
- What has the Lord Jesus done to the wicked spiritual powers? Col. 2 Vs. 14-15
Summary and Conclusion
New Age religion is growing in popularity. We must not be deceived by words such as “angels” and “spirit guides” and what they can do for us. The second chapter of Colossians shows that Jesus is Lord overall, so we should not follow some spirit guide or angels, nor should we allow any such guide to possess our bodies for channeling.
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
New Age practitioners are followers of false religion and have opened themselves up to interaction and fellowship with devils. We must have no part in that because we are complete in Christ and do not need additional spirits to channel. We have the Holy Spirit. Amen!
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV
We walk with Jesus, filled with His Holy Spirit and nothing more. We have no room for the evil spirits of the New Age and their lying philosophies.
Prayer Time
- Are there any Praise Reports or Prayer Requests to share?
- Please use Colossians 2:4-6 to pray for all who call Joy Fountain Church home. Ask the Lord for the same things Paul asks for the saints at Colossae. (That no one deceives us with persuasive words and that we remain steadfast in our faith in Christ)
- Pray that we experience the glory of Jesus Christ and have our sufficiency in Him.
- Commit the November Tuesday fasts to the Lord as we prepare for 2025. Ask that they be spiritually refreshing and successful.
- Pray for the Mission Banquet on November 29 to be a success.
- Pray for revival in Winnipeg and Manitoba.
Announcements
- November Tuesday Fasting and Prayer: 7 am online and 6 pm in person.
- Missions Banquet: Friday, November 29, 2024, at 106 Burnett Avenue. Please get your tickets, invite someone, and tell them we support missions.
- Worship The King, December 6, 2024; Doors open at 5.30 pm.