Unfortunately, that is exactly what is happening more and more today. So what do you say? More importantly, what does the inspired Word of God say?

Scripture gives a stark warning—and it is directed not to unbelievers, but to believers, down through the ages. How does this happen? Take a moment to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.

1. STOP! (Colossians 2:8) – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

First, consider the word “beware.” It comes from the Greek βλέπω, meaning to behold, beware, look, perceive, take heed. In other words—STOP when someone is trying to feed you a bunch of garbage! How can you tell? You can smell a rat.

The word “spoil” is συλαγωγέω, meaning to be taken captive. Watch out that no one takes you captive through bad counsel, empty ideas, or false teaching.

But that’s not all…

2. LOOK! (Colossians 2:8) – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

So first STOP—then LOOK closely. Examine the source. Is it the Word of God, or is it man-made ideas? “He said, she said” instead of “Thus saith the Lord.”

The word “philosophy” comes from φιλοσοφία (fee-lo-so-FEE-ah), meaning “a love of wisdom.” It is made up of two parts: phílos (friend, lover) and sophía (wisdom). Interestingly, this word appears only here in Scripture.

In this context, it refers to secular philosophy—human wisdom elevated above the wisdom of God.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must be able to answer philosophies that undermine Christ, and at the same time, take every thought captive in obedience to Him. Are you ready? Are you prepared?

3. LISTEN! (Colossians 2:8) – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Today there is a rampant and radical secular worldview, especially concerning Israel. There is much deception, misunderstanding, and distortion. The philosophies of men are actively undermining the Word of God.

What do you believe? And more importantly—how would you defend your faith?

And along with defending our faith, we must also be faithful to share it—the truth of the God of the Bible.

Thank you for reading. May the Lord bless you.