Philosophy and Tradition

September 20

Isaiah 32-33

Psalm 105:37-45

Proverbs 23:9-11

Colossians 2

Philosophy And Tradition

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily, and in Him you have been filled, who is the head over all rule and authority.” 

Colossians 2:8-10  LSB

There are a lot of really smart people in the world.  Philosophers, teachers, scholars, even theologians who have been blessed with extraordinary intelligence and an ability to grasp difficult concepts and knowledge.  Unfortunately, many of them are fools.  They spend their time and energy studying human philosophy and traditions.  They understand the principles of this world but ignore the only source of true wisdom and knowledge.  Instead of seeking knowledge from the Creator of the universe, they choose to study the teachings of mere created beings.  They give little weight to the endless insight that is available in God’s Word but pour over volumes of works that can only offer vain philosophy and empty deception.  Any knowledge available from men is elementary compared to the infinite wisdom of God.  My grandmother only had a sixth-grade education and would not have been considered intelligent by worldly standards, but she had a depth of understanding and wisdom that came from God.  Her Bible was worn from study and I can recall many times when I saw her reading it and praying.  Looking back I think she was praying for understanding as she read God’s words.  She taught my Sunday School class as a little girl.  I don’t remember any deep theological lessons she taught, but I do remember her helping us memorize God’s Word.  I remember Bible drills where she would call out a question and we would have to find the answer in our Bible.  The first one who found it got a piece of candy.  At the time, I wanted the candy, but now I know that I was learning to navigate my Bible.  She was teaching us that the answers to the questions in life are found in God’s Word.  The wisdom she provided me was much more valuable than any worldly advice I have received.

There have always been philosophy, empty deception, traditions of men and elementary principles available in the world.  From the fall, Satan has been telling the same lies and deceiving the world in whatever way he can.  He repackages the lies to fit the times, but there is really nothing new under the sun.  He has been doing it for centuries so he is really good at knowing what works and what we will believe.  He is able to convince many that they are smarter and more intelligent than others and that they are able to understand things that others can’t grasp.  Don’t be fooled.  The only source of true wisdom and knowledge is found in God.  He has given us His Word to guide our steps and help us navigate this life.  I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t go to school and study other things.  But we need to be discerning.  Anything that is contrary to the truth revealed in Scripture should be discarded.  We should use God’s Word to evaluate anything we hear.  If we start with God’s Word, He will help us discern truth from the lies.