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Colossians 2:8
8 Beware [blepo] lest [me] any man [tis] spoil [esomai] [sulagogeo] you [humas] through [dia] philosophy [philosophia] and [kai] vain [kenos] deceit, [apate] after [kata] the tradition [paradosis] of men, [anthropos] after [kata] the rudiments [stoicheion] of the world, [kosmos] and [kai] not [ou] after [kata] Christ. [Christos] KJV-Interlinear
8 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, rather than according to Christ. NASB
Spoil, ‘esomai,’ is a military word used for the spoils of war, when the enemy takes you captive and steals from you, all that you own. Your possessions lost, include all the tangible things you have, your possessions, but also your self-worth, your dignity, everything that makes you an individual.
Philosophy refers to any system of thought that originates from mans imagination or invention or theory.
Back in Pauls day, the philosophies that were common were the Greek philosophies (secular), the Jewish opinions (Levitical works), and the eastern philosophies (oneness with nature). All three approached life from non-Biblical views.
These philosophies, religions and so forth, and more, which have occurred throughout history even into our present day, have rejected the fundamental principles of Christianity, which is Christ.
Tradition simply refers to the custom or practice or lifestyle which exists when Christianity is excluded from ones life.
Christianity is the pursuit of truth. Truth is the application of facts, correct facts, to reality, in order to have a clear picture of what is real and what is not real.
Everything else, every other philosophy or system of belief, is an exclusion of truth, therefore when truth is excluded, then lies are all that remain. You cannot gain a clear picture of life or reality when you base your views on lies.
Pursuit of truth introduces you to the real you, who you are, why you are, what you are. Truth allows you to understand your worth and purpose in life.
Advancing in ones understanding of truth (which comes by means of learning and applying doctrine to your daily life), gains you access to Gods blessings. Gods blessings become your possessions for all of eternity. Gods blessings are real possessions and permanent possessions.
And, unlike the possessions of this world which are temporary, not real, and not eternal, Gods possessions have intrinsic value. Therefore, when you allow the philosophies of this world, the opinions of this world to temp you away from truth, then you are risking phenomenal wealth.
In a war, the enemy can sweep in and take away all that you own, including your dignity and self respect. An enemy can lower you to the level of a slave or a serving animal. And that is what the world does to you, if you allow it, by means of your indifference or disobedience toward God, Christ, and doctrine.
