1. Be careful WHO you listen to! (Colossians 2:18–19) – “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”

Look at the word “beguile.” It is the Greek word καταβραβεύω, which means to disqualify or judge. In other words, in the church of Colossae evidently there were false teachers who were teaching bad things; consequently it was misleading some Christians in the church.

Remember there were both Jews and Gentiles joining together under the umbrella of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. Each one had their preconceived notions of how to worship handed down by their traditions and customs {sound familiar?}. Apparently the apostle Paul, who was in prison at the time, was writing by the Holy Spirit to clear up this confusion.

Pride, worship of angels, and false practices were creeping into the early church. Therefore the Lord spoke to them then—and to us today—to be careful who you listen to.

2. Be careful HOW you walk! (Colossians 2:19) – “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”

Instead of looking and listening to Jesus, the Head, some Christians then and now look to people to guide them. The end result is a defect in the growth of the Christian life.

3. Be careful to know WHY you are saved! (Colossians 2:21–23) – “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”

It’s all about Jesus!

Understanding who we are in Him and why He is in us helps keep us on track in fulfilling His will and purpose.

Conclusion: These three life long lessons are guaranteed to carry us through this life of grace until one day we reach the finish line.

Stay focused. Walk humbly. Be careful who you listen to. And finish faithful!