The word “philosophy” means love of wisdom. Man’s philosophy is based on theory from a carnal perspective. This carnal wisdom will surely lead you to death and destruction. It will steer you away from the revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ and move your focus to one of distractions.
Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Our hearts are to be encouraged and joined together in Love. We are to be united in one conclusion. That conclusion is that the attaining of wisdom, understanding and the riches through Christ. Notice where the treasures are hidden- in Christ.
The true riches are hidden in Christ and the key to unlocking those hidden treasures is Agape Love. Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are attained as we are knit together in Love. Love moves us to become a servant for all of mankind, not just those who deserve it in our eyes. None were deserving when Our Lord Jesus Christ went to the Cross for all of mankind. All were vessels of dishonor. Those riches are reserved for those who are found worthy through Christ.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.
5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
As we are rooted and grounded in Love, rooted in Him, established in faith, we will then be able to see through the philosophies of men and their empty deceit. Their views are based according to worldly principles, not Christ’s. Their love of wisdom is counterfeit to the Love of Christ. They would have the old man believe that by seeking out worldly wisdom, you will arise in godliness. This counterfeit path leads to death and destruction. We must resist the temptation to substitute true Love with love of wisdom. Paul states:
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
And he continues:
1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”;
Paul further states:
1 Corinthians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Today I warn you against blindly accepting everything men speak or write. It is up to each of us to discern what we receive in our hearts. We must protect our heart from the world’s cunning and crafty attempts to lead us astray. Even well-meaning brethren are subject to error, including myself. Each of us are at a different level of maturity. Those of us who have been followers of Christ for years must be careful to be led by the Spirit each and every day. Those who are less mature are more easily impacted by those who appear to be seasoned. Each of us should assess our current path to see if some doctrine has diverted us off course. Don’t be deceive by false philosophies which present themselves as truth when in fact they are just man’s carnal wisdom packaged up to exalt the one who promotes such views .