In what ways can we ensure our beliefs are "according to Christ"? the warning of Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) what “according to christ” means • Aligned with His person: fully God, fully man, Savior and Lord (John 14:6). • Grounded in His finished work: cross, resurrection, ascension (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Shaped by His words and ways, not by human traditions or worldly systems (Matthew 7:24-25). anchors that keep belief on track • Scripture as final authority – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares every part God-breathed and sufficient. – Acts 17:11 shows believers verifying teaching by daily Scripture examination. • Gospel centrality – Galatians 1:8-9 warns against any message that distorts the original gospel. – Jude 3 urges contending for the faith once for all delivered. • Spirit-led discernment – 1 John 4:1 calls for testing the spirits. – Ephesians 6:17 names the Word of God as “the sword of the Spirit.” practical steps to guard the mind • Daily, prayerful Bible reading—letting the text set the agenda, book by book. • Memorizing key passages to expose error quickly (Psalm 119:11). • Comparing every cultural or philosophical claim with clear biblical teaching. • Submitting tough questions to trusted, biblically grounded leaders (Hebrews 13:7). • Rejecting teachings that add to or subtract from Christ’s sufficiency (Colossians 2:9-10). • Keeping short accounts with God; sin dulls spiritual discernment (1 Peter 1:13-16). living out an “according to christ” faith • Renew the mind: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). • Capture rogue thoughts: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Remain in gospel-shaped community that teaches truth in love (Ephesians 4:15-16). • Hold fast to hope; Christ alone provides “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). |
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