Category Archives: The World

Bible, Captivity, Guard, Scripture, The World

TAKEN CAPTIVE

COLOSSIANS 2:8

“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.”

We just witnessed a few days ago the release of three women who had been held hostage for well over a year by Hamas. These women underwent extreme suffering and treatment while in captivity. I can’t even begin to imagine what they went through. They are free now, but I am sure their minds are still being tormented by what happened to them. Praise God they are alive.

Even though you and I may never be taken hostage physically, we are at risk daily of being taken captive through our minds. Paul warns the Colossian believers in today’s verse to “see to it” that does not happen. The phrase “takes you captive” is sulagógeówhich comes from sulon (booty or plunder) and ago (to lead or carry away). Literally, to carry away booty. Sulagógeó is only used right here in the whole New Testament.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes explains sulagógeólike this. “The Greek word used here means to spoil in the sense of plunder, rob, as when plunder is taken in war. The meaning is, ‘Take heed lest anyone plunder or rob you of your faith and hope by philosophy.’ These false teachers would strip them of their faith and hope, as an invading army would rob a country of all that was valuable.”

I don’t want that happening to me. Do you? I don’t want someone messing with my faith. I don’t want my thoughts about God to be warped and confused. But that is exactly what is happening around the world right now. Remember, the devil is a deceptive foe. He won’t reveal himself outright. He disguises himself to woo us to his side. If we are not grounded solidly in the Word, he can deceive the most determined believer.

Guard yourself against “philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world.” If the world says it is so, it probably isn’t. The old saying goes “Believe half of what you see and nothing you hear.” That is so true today. Be on guard!

Lord, praise You for showing me the truth. Keep my eyes on You.

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Advice, Affliction, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Courage, Encouragement, Enemies, Lies, Mentoring, Opponents, Parenting, Scripture, The World

WORLD TALK

1 JOHN 4:5

“They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them.”

I have had the privilege to travel some. The strange thing about traveling to other countries – they all have different accents and often different language. Of course, I don’t think I have an accent at all, lol. I have dear friends in Uganda and Kenya. We’ve known each other for years now, but when I am there, I have to change the way I talk, or they can’t understand me. They hear me, but they can’t understand what I am saying.

John is saying that those who are of the world talk different. They sound different. They speak a whole different language than us. Do you know why? Because of their world view. When we see things differently, we talk differently. I honestly cannot understand some people. Oh, I understand their words, but I do not understand what they are saying. It just doesn’t make sense.

APPLICATION

Our children are going to face this issue. Hopefully, you are teaching them to have a biblical world view. That is going to clash with others. It is just a matter of time. Adults and kids alike will challenge them. They may even face persecution in school because of their world view. That’s okay. Support them. If need be, defend them.

We have to teach our children to hold fast. The world speaks a different language. The world will not agree with your child’s language about the world and God. If our children can learn to defend their faith at an early age, they will be prepared for a lifetime.

Are you being challenged by your speech because of your world view? If you aren’t, maybe you aren’t making your view known. Why not? Are you afraid of persecution? Are you afraid for your job? Don’t you think the God of the universe is big enough to take care of you. God is the one who fights our battles. Trust Him. Will you do that?

Lord God, I confess sometimes I avoid speaking up for fear of ridicule or being shamed. Forgive me for not being more bold in Your name.

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Accountability, Bible, Child Raising, Child Rearing, Choices, Commands, Disciplemaking, Encouragement, Hatred, Love, Mentoring, Modeling, Parenting, Relationships, Scripture, The World

SURPRISE – NOT

1 JOHN 3:13

“Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.”

I don’t exactly remember the first time I realized the world hated me because of my beliefs. I mean, I know my walk with Christ does not exactly measure up to the world’s walk. My exposure to hatred has been more from some individuals who wanted to argue about abortion, same sex marriage or another strongly held belief. My refusal to argue with them only seemed to make them want to fight more. Have you experienced that?

John is warning us to not be surprised. In fact, that is a command – DO NOT be surprised. He is essentially telling us we are going to face this. But we are not to hate back. Jesus warned us of this Himself. John heard Him say that. John watch how He responded to their hatred, all the way to the cross. He heard Him say those words on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

APPLICATION

Here we go again. How do you teach your children this truth? You live it out before them. Every time someone treats you with hatred, you respond with love. When they continue to hate you, you continue to love. You invite your children to pray with you for that person. You ask the Lord to break down that hatred they have in their heart because we know it is not of God.

Children learn from that. They are watching. They will imitate those actions much quicker than just repeat your words. And when you see them imitate that love, make sure you praise them for it. Let them know how proud you are of them for choosing love over hatred.

Is there someone you need to love more today who has shown you nothing but scorn and hatred? I didn’t say it was easy. Hatred towards us, if we are living for Christ, is really hatred towards Him. He received it. Why shouldn’t we? Allow Jesus to love through you. Don’t return the hate. Return love.

I choose love over hate, even when I know it will be difficult. Help me, Lord, to surrender to you daily.

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