S) "23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence."
Colossians 2:23 (NASB)
O) This whole chapter is warning against hollow philosophy and being led astray by the principles of the world. Ultimately, the world, referring to those outside of Christ, can offer some forms of enlightenment, but we need to be careful that it's not just another religion. And, disciplines which claim the name of Christ, but are truly forgery, are the most difficult to spot. There countless books by authors who love the Lord, but have differing (and sometimes even conflicting) views about any number of topics. Ultimately, we can't reinvent the wheel, though. There are a handful of disciplines which are sound, according to the Bible, and ultimately that's where the focus should be.
A) I tend to shy away from popular Christian books, because I sometimes feel like they are trying to reinvent the wheel, a little bit. When I break everything down, I think that staying rooted in the Word, praying daily, worshiping often, fasting regularly, holding fellowship with other believers... these are the things that will continue to edify, continue to shape me into the man God intends me to be. I know there is wisdom to be found in my brothers and sisters who write books about the things of God, but I can never let it supersede anything that I already know to be righteous discipline.
P) Father, You are holy and righteous and I trust in Your plan for my life. I always want to follow Your path to becoming the man You are calling me to be. So, if that means that I gain some insights or habits from some book written by another brother, so be it. But, Holy Spirit, I always want my direction and instruction and discipline to come firstly through You. Show me the will of the Father, with both positive and negative reinforcement according to Your will and not my own. Even when it's through another person, let me find wisdom and edification from You and You alone. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) I tend to shy away from popular Christian books, because I sometimes feel like they are trying to reinvent the wheel, a little bit. When I break everything down, I think that staying rooted in the Word, praying daily, worshiping often, fasting regularly, holding fellowship with other believers... these are the things that will continue to edify, continue to shape me into the man God intends me to be. I know there is wisdom to be found in my brothers and sisters who write books about the things of God, but I can never let it supersede anything that I already know to be righteous discipline.
P) Father, You are holy and righteous and I trust in Your plan for my life. I always want to follow Your path to becoming the man You are calling me to be. So, if that means that I gain some insights or habits from some book written by another brother, so be it. But, Holy Spirit, I always want my direction and instruction and discipline to come firstly through You. Show me the will of the Father, with both positive and negative reinforcement according to Your will and not my own. Even when it's through another person, let me find wisdom and edification from You and You alone. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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