How can we avoid being "disqualified" by false humility and angel worship? The Warning in Colossians 2:18 “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen; he is puffed up with idle notions by his unspiritual mind.” (Colossians 2:18) Paul’s caution comes in the flow of 2:16-23, where he confronts any practice that shifts attention from Christ to human rules, spiritual experiences, or lesser beings. False humility and angel worship look impressive, yet they threaten to rob believers of the prize Christ intends. What “Disqualified” Implies • Athletic image: losing the medal even after running the race (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). • Not loss of salvation, but forfeiture of reward, joy, and effectiveness (cf. 2 John 8). • Allowing deceptive practices to sideline a believer from fruitful service. Spotting False Humility • Self-abasement that secretly seeks admiration (Matthew 6:1). • Boasting of visions, fasting, or harsh treatment of the body (Colossians 2:23). • Verbal disclaimers like “I’m no one special,” while subtly drawing attention to spiritual achievements. • Exalting personal “revelations” above the clear Word of God. Why Angel Worship Is Off-Limits • Worship belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5). • Even holy angels refuse worship: “Worship God!” (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9). • A different “gospel,” even if proclaimed by an angel, is cursed (Galatians 1:8-9). • Deceiving spirits masquerade as light (2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Timothy 4:1). Rooted in the Supremacy of Christ • “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily, and in Him you have been made complete.” (Colossians 2:9-10) • “He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18) • “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) Christ’s sufficiency leaves no room for mediators, intermediaries, or substitutes. Practical Steps to Avoid Disqualification • Anchor every belief and practice in Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Test the spirits: “Because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) • Worship the Father through Christ alone, empowered by the Spirit (John 4:24). • Cultivate genuine humility: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Stay connected to the Head by staying connected to His body—regular fellowship, mutual accountability, sound teaching (Ephesians 4:15-16). • Guard the mind in prayerful vigilance; spiritual experiences must never outrank Scriptural truth (Philippians 4:6-8). • Remember future reward: “Hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11) True Humility Versus False Humility • True humility exalts Christ; false humility draws attention to self. • True humility submits to Scripture; false humility elevates private visions. • True humility produces quiet obedience; false humility craves recognition. • True humility rests in grace; false humility thrives on self-inflicted rules. Guarding Against Modern Forms of Angel Worship and Mysticism • Fascination with angelic encounters, messages, or names that overshadow Christ. • Reliance on mystical practices promising deeper access to God apart from Scripture. • Spiritual material that encourages contacting or commanding angels. • Romanticizing near-death or visionary stories that replace clear revelation. • Media or merchandise that shifts devotion from Christ to supernatural beings. Closing Encouragement Hold fast to the Head, Jesus Christ. His finished work, His indwelling Spirit, and His all-sufficient Word keep believers grounded, fruitful, and free from anything that would disqualify them from the prize He longs to give. |
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