Colossians 2:18–23 (KJV 1900)
18 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, 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. 20 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, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 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.
Definitions:
Voluntary – 2527 θέλω (thelō): vb.; ≡ Str 2309; TDNT 3.44—1. LN 30.58 purpose, will, decide (Col 1:27), for another interp, see next; 2. LN 25.1 desire, want to
Humility – 5425 ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē), ης (ēs), ἡ (hē): n.fem.; ≡ Str 5012; TDNT 8.1—LN 88.53 humility, humbleness, modesty (Ac 20:19; Eph 4:2; Php 2:3; Col 2:18, 23; 3:12; 1Pe
5:5+)
Beguile – 2857 καταβραβεύω (katabrabeuō): vb.; ≡ Str 2603—LN 30.121 disqualify (for a prize), decide against giving out a reward (Col 2:18+)
1. Voluntary humility (humbleness) as spoken in Colossians 2:18 is NOT a good standard.
a. Voluntary humility means that you purposely make yourself appear humble.
b. Colossians 2:18 says that a man can beguile you of the reward due you if you have voluntary humility.
c. “Beguile” means to disqualify a reward.
d. If a pretend Christian shows “voluntary humbleness,” it is equal to worshipping the angels, and vainly puffed up in fleshly concerns. It is definitely NOT good!
2. To be pleasing to the LORD God and Lord Jesus Christ, you must display an honest INVOLUNTARY humility.
a. We know this because it is the exact opposite of voluntary humility.
b. Involuntary humbleness shows wisdom in worship and humility.
c. Involuntary humbleness neglects the body and does not satisfy the flesh.
d. It is GOOD to have involuntary humbleness!
