Not being deluded by a plausible argument

Colossians 2: 4

Not being deluded by a plausible argument, what is that all about?  Plausible can be defined as: having a persuasive manner in speech or writing, often combined with an intention to deceive.”  We should have been very familiar with that word, it’s called deception, and it is encountered most days of our life.  Has a smooth talking politician ever lied to you?   Often, it sounds too good to be true, an example “Change you can live with” and “I will unify.”  What about the guys selling cars or the door-to-door sales person, or your child trying to do or go where they know you will not approve?  But the apostle Paul is not warning about those subjects, he is forewarning us about preachers, teachers, and others like college professors, who, after you put faith in Christ will distort the truth.  Their goal is to steal your hope, your joy, and to rob you of the peace and assurance that in Christ, you have all that is needed to live life on planet earth.

The Bible is full of “Watch-outs” but often we ignore them, is it because we are so smart in our spiritual lives or is it just being lazy?  In Romans 16:17-18, the apostle Paul is giving final instruction to the church at Rome; “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.”

The following is what the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth; “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)  Paul goes on in verses 13-15, with this insight, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.  Their end will correspond to their deeds.”

Paul is not the only voice of warning about being deluded by a plausible argument, this is what the apostle John said: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.  Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.  Watch yourselves, so that you nay not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. (2 John 7)  John tells that the key is to abide in the teaching of God’s word.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice