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In Colossians 2:18a it says, “Let no one keep DEFRAUDING you of your prize….”
Other translations say, “Let no one DISQUALIFY you from your prize” or “Let no one CHEAT you out of your reward.”
This sounds like an important warning, but what Paul is saying? What is the prize? And how can we be disqualified?
First, take a deep breath – RELAX – remember that since God qualifies us, Colossians 1:12, no one can disqualify us. We are saved, and kept by Jesus. No one can snatch us from His hand.
Second, in the original text, there is no word for “prize” or “reward.” The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, pardon my Greek, means “to judge against.” In other words don’t let anyone act like an umpire or judge deciding against you. He repeats this in Colossians 2:16 to emphasize this point.
So what’s Paul saying? Don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views. Don’t let anyone suggest you are a poor excuse for a Christian because you don’t do what they do or want you to do. Don’t let anyone insist you must earn God’s love or complete the good work He is doing in you. In Christ, we are already saints – Colossians 1:2, holy – Colossians 1:22, beloved – Colossians 2:10, and complete – Colossians 3:12.
Today there are many voices out there seeking to have us follow them. Voices such as social media influencers, big mouths, conspiracy theorists, self-appointed experts, all trying to steer us away from simple faith in Jesus.
Paul is saying don’t follow those who do not themselves possess a simply faith in Jesus. I recently read about a race, people running, where the lead runner took a wrong turn. About twenty other runners followed him up onto a busy highway. Thankfully, nobody got hurt, but none of those runners finished on the podium. What a way to lose out!
How about you? Are you stressed, anxious – going nowhere these days? Maybe you have gone off course with the Gospel by following a narrative contrary to the gospel of grace.
Your salvation is not in danger, but like those confused runners, you are not on God’s path of love, joy, peace and acceptance in the Beloved.
Paul gives us a simply remedy: Colossians 3:1 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Reject voices stressing self-discipline, self-denial, or self-improvement. Live from the reality of “Christ in us.”
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Trust your Father to lead and guide you through the trials and challenges of life.
Do that. YOU’LL — COME ALIVE!
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