Grow • Devotion #3: Captive

Dr. Randy T. Johnson

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

I have enjoyed sports my whole life. I have experienced success as a player and as a coach. I have also been on the other side of the story. I hate losing. I hate losing more than I enjoy winning. After a victory, I forget to celebrate and immediately start thinking about the next event. However, after a loss, I mull over it for too long. Unfortunately, it can consume me. Through the years and maturity, I am realizing my identity and value are not determined by a scoreboard. I have found three interesting points on philosophy and competition.

The best defense is a strong offense.

Offense wins games; defense wins championships.

Offense sells tickets; defense wins games.

In our passages for today, Colossians 2:8 starts, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit.” This passage emphasizes defense. We need to be on our toes and not let the enemy in. The word “captive” is also translated as “spoil you” (KJV) or “cheat you” (NKJV). These words are so important to realize how dangerous the enemy is. We need to make sure we are not flirting with the world. Romans 7:6 adds, “But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” This is such a powerful concept. He reminds us that we have “died to that which held us captive.” The enemy is not our friend.

The battle is not just about defense. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul gives a mindset of offense, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” This is not a dodgeball game where we just avoid attacks. There need to be times when we pick up the dodgeball and throw it at the opponent. We do not need to just tolerate. We need to study the Word regularly in order to be fully equipped for the spiritual warfare that is and will take place. After reading the Word, get books or resources that address topics you are or could be facing. Spend time with other believers studying the Word to better understand it and how to share it with others.

The battle is not just about offense or defense and which one is more important. We need both! Finally, in 1 Timothy 6:12, we are told, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Know why you believe what you believe. Be ready to use it in love.