In Col 2:8, Paul talks about human traditions and empty philosophies can be a problem:
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
Our Mind is the battleground!
Our battle is not in the spirit realm, where we already have complete victory in Christ, nor is it directly in the natural realm. It is in the mind, which is why the Bible instructs us to bring every thought captive to Christ:
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
How do we know if our mind is captive to the Word, or in other words renewed, or if it is captivated by these empty traditions. Firstly, when you see that you need “Jesus plus something”, thats the biggest red flag. Jesus plus something starts with the premise that he is insufficient for you, but Paul contradicts that big time when he says :
“And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”— Colossians 2:10
This can be through rules added by your church that you need to wear white, remove jewellery, not wear jeans, to be “perfect” before Christ. These are heretical teachings that come from the asceticism and legalism.
“Jesus Plus X” are Traditions from the pit of Hell
For example, during the Middle Ages, practices like indulgences (selling forgiveness), acts of penance, and veneration of saints and relics prioritized human traditions over Scripture, obscuring the gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). These distortions contributed to the Reformation, yet similar traditions persist today.
In contemporary Christianity, legalism and ritualism still pose challenges. Some churches enforce strict dress codes, dietary rules, or rigid worship styles, treating them as essential for holiness. Asceticism, including extreme fasting, deprivation of comfort, or wearing only white clothing, mirrors past practices of self-denial intended to subdue the flesh but often devolve into legalism and self-reliance. Even today, groups enforce such traditions, with some judging others’ spirituality based on adherence to these external rules, rather than the freedom found in Christ.
Let’s Get Back To Christ
Paul’s take on these traditions is pretty straightforward in Colossians 2:20-23. He throws shade at this “Do nots” christianity. Sure, these rules might seem very pious and spiritual, but they really can’t help with your spiritual life.
Instead, Paul points out the antidote to this problem.
Know that we’re already complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10) .
Real spiritual growth isn’t about following a bunch of external rules, but instead, it’s about trusting in the life-changing power of Christ. So, live it out.
Conclusion
Therefore guard Your mind: Be diligent in protecting your thoughts from philosophies and traditions that oppose Christ’s sufficiency. If it’s Jesus plus something, then it’s not the gospel. Just rest in the Sufficiency of Christ (Colossians 2:10).
Avoid the trap of thinking that self-denial or legalistic rules will bring you closer to God. If your church preaches that, get out now and find a church that preaches the gospel. True spiritual growth is not about external practices but about internal transformation through the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
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