Let No One Trick You: Colossians 2: 18 - 23

   In our last two articles (February and March 2018 editions), we took the space to look at Paul’s reminders to the Colossians, first to not let anyone rob them of enjoying the fullness of their salvation in Christ and second to not let anyone judge them according to man-made rules.  Now, in Colossians 2:18, Paul tells them not to let anyone deprive (hinder) them of their prize. 

   What is this prize? First Corinthians 9:24-27 says:

   “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 

   The word “castaway” in First Corinthians 9:27 (KJV) means “disapproved.”  The entire context of this passage is talking about Paul’s service for the Lord, not gaining eternal life with Christ. Eternal life is a gift (Romans 6:23) freely given (Romans 3:24), not a prize to be won (Romans 4:5).  In First Corinthians, Paul is talking about the rewards given for how we use the grace that has been bestowed upon us throug ...