July 23, 2015 | Self-Made Religion

“These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23 NASB)

 

The Greek ἐθελοθρησκία ethelotreskia [eth ell o tray ski’ ah] is what we translate “self-made religion.” Paul is describing the typical human practice where people make up the religion they want out of bits and pieces they select from various sources. Truth doesn’t matter as long as the person feels good about themselves and their personal religion.

Much of theological liberalism is driven by ethelotreskia. The liberal enjoys the smug feeling of self-satisfaction contained in his religion. As the personal arbiter of what is and is not sin, this person needs no atonement from Christ. He comforts himself instead with the practices he has deemed worthy for worship of the god he has made in his own image.

In Colossians 2, Paul shows us how to spot these foolish heresies in our society, churches, and our own soul. Once identified, we can then lovingly combat them with scripture. God says to watch for:

  • Practices that are legalistic, mystical, or ascetic.
  • Biblical disciplines and spirituality twisted into self-serving formulas.
  • Praxes defined by what they are against.
  • Systems that diminish Jesus and/or His scripture.
  • Philosophies that appear humble or nobly sacrificial but actually inflame the human sin nature.
  • Leaders who exacerbate fear or practices that contribute to a state of fear.

Wherever we find ethelotreskia, we must respond by exalting the glory and grace of Jesus. As Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:

The substance is the Messiah. (Colossians 2:17b HCSB)