Col 2:8  8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.

Plato-4th cen. B.C. philosophy has permeated the church and affected our philosophy

Helped create heresies such as Gnosticism in church

overview of plato’s philosophy-

reality made up of 2 parts- material (secular) and spiritual (sacred)

material – tangible, now, physical, imperfect, temporary, valueless, neutral, no eternal significance

spiritual -- eternity, perfection, permanent, divine

Plato says spiritual takes precedent over material realm

Plato says no value to belong to material world, which meaning all material realm that are working are second class citizens (they can redeem themselves w/ partime acts inside of the church)

This heresy has affected the church---statements on desires of the flesh, worldliness, earthly passions seen from his point of view. plato says that in our everyday lives the material realm has no value as you continue to spiritual lives.

That idea is not what the bible teaches---temporal perspective, eternal perspective is not the same thing

1 Tim. 4:1-5  1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

God invented pleasure.

In the Bible, we have two categories of living the Sacred and the Sinful…..notice secular is not included like many Christians include

Unlike Plato’s philosophy, when the Bible talks about worldliness it is talking about life in which God’s spirit is rejected. A world that rejects the Lordship of Jesus and things that become an end in itself and become idols. corrupting what is good by worshiping it. that is what the Bible says is wrong.

this philosophy guarantees that we have secular days ….this philosophy leads to feelings of guilt.

--how are the beach boys secular?

--ex:to have someone serving family and taking care of people is actually biblical and spiritual…sacrificing yourself and giving yourself

--women are being told that they cannot go and serve God working at home

--men are being told that they have to wait to retire to really serve God

Col 3:23  23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

the secular does not exist from a biblical worldview! there is no gray area

because of sin, something that belongs to God(sacred) turns it into evil. corrupts it…

there is no inherently sinful object—all things created have their sacred origin in God

Luke 11:23 (New King James Version)

23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

what about being lukewarm???

Psalm 24:1-2

1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,    the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas    and established it on the waters.

If we call most of our activities and life activities in culture secular, religion becomes insignificant and irrelevant in the lives of those outside of the church. nothing you do is relevant

John 10:10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (more abundantly)

through him all things were made that nothing of him had been made

everything we do and life itself is set apart for God. sin is to be avoided, life is to be embraced and enjoyed….all the pleasures of life should be enjoyed.

Col 3:17 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Tim 6:17 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

We are being robbed of our freedom and joy by buying into these lies that are against scripture

Psalm 57:11 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Matt. 5:13 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

As salt of the earth we are to protect and preserve those things from the corruption of sin….

Example: 2 most famous tax collectors in the Bible….Matthew and Zaccheus

Matthew is told to leave position…..bring out of darkness into His wonderful light

Zacchaeus was told to hold his position…he said today you and your household are saved…

Jesus did not say to Matthew your secular and Zacchaeus your worldly….

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.