What a Difference One Letter Can Make Week 1

Watch the Video then begin the study:

Song Connection: 

Verse 1 – “If you listen to the world, you’ll be deceived…”

Key Scripture:  

Colossians 2:8 – "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." (ESV)

Introduction: 

The world constantly tells us our worth comes from achievements, looks, money, or talents.

But these are temporary gifts, not eternal truths. If we root our identity in them, we’ll always feel insecure. God’s Word tells us our value comes from being created in His image and redeemed by Christ.  

Paul warned the Colossians—and us—that there are real dangers trying to pull us away from Christ. False ideas, lies, and deceptions come in attractive packages, but if we don’t stay alert, we can be “taken captive.”  Remember, satan has a LOT of practice at taking things that aren’t good and making them look good!

Let’s break down Colossians 2:8 to identify tools satan will use to deceive.

Colossians 2:8 Breakdown!

Key Words:

  •      “See to it” (Greek: blepete)

Means watch out, be on guard. It’s like being on security duty.  If you were the owner of a company and were going to hire folks to protect your property.  What attributes would you be looking for in those potential hires?  Christians must be alert, and not be careless in a world gone crazy.

  •      “Take you captive” (Greek: sylagogeo)

Means to carry off as spoil or booty. Like a prisoner of war. Satan’s lies are meant to enslave us, not just confuse us.  Look into the eyes of those who are the most active and antagonistic.  There are many people that are enslaved to evil.  We must stand against that.

  •      “Philosophy” (Greek: philosophia)

Literally “love of wisdom.” But here, Paul warns against worldly philosophies—man’s attempts to explain life apart from God. It’s not saying all philosophy is bad, but that human-centered philosophy leads away from Christ.  Unfortunately, many today are focusing on self, rather than Christ.

  •      “Empty deceit”

Lies that look good but are hollow. Promises without substance. Like cotton candy—sweet at first but no nourishment.

  •      “Human tradition”

Man-made rules, opinions, or cultural values that are passed down but not rooted in God’s truth. Jesus warned against traditions that nullify God’s Word (Mark 7:8).

  •      “Elemental spirits of the world” (Greek: stoicheia)

This can mean basic worldly principles or even demonic influences. In either case, Paul is saying these are forces Satan uses to keep people enslaved.  I’m not trying to be weird, but if you look at the latest school shooters there is no doubt that there was demonic activity involved.  The Minneapolis shooter very clearly drew a picture depicting what he saw when he looked in a mirror and it was a demon telling him to “kill”!  Be careful what you let into your eyes and mind.

  •      “Not according to Christ”

The bottom line: Ito doesn’t matter how good it looks, how many people sing praises about it, if it’s not built on Jesus, it’s dangerous and deceptive.

The Danger of Deception:

  •      Satan rarely attacks head-on; he works through subtle lies and innuendo.

  •      In Genesis 3, he twisted God’s Word: “Did God really say…?”

  •      Today, his attacks often sound “reasonable” or even “good”:

  •      “Follow your heart.” (Jeremiah 17:9 – the heart is deceitful)

  •      “Truth is whatever you make it.” (John 14:6 – Jesus is THE truth). 

  •      “If it feels good, it must be right.” (Proverbs 14:12 – leads to death)

  •      These are “empty deceit”—they sound wise but lead away from God.

How to Stand Guard:

  •      Know God’s Word. Jesus resisted Satan in the wilderness by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4).

  •      Test everything against Christ. If an idea doesn’t align with Him, it’s false (2 Corinthians 10:5).

  •      Stay rooted in Him. Just a few verses later, Paul says: “Rooted and built up in Him” (Colossians 2:7).

  •      Rely on the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives discernment to recognize lies (John 16:13).

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some lies the world tells teens today about where their worth comes from?

2. How have you seen people chase after things like popularity, looks, or money? Did it satisfy them?

3. What does it mean that money, looks, and abilities are “gifts from God, not identities”?

Conclusion & Application: 

Paul’s warning is urgent: Don’t let anyone take you captive. Satan’s goal is not just to distract you but to enslave you. But if you’re rooted in Christ, alert to deception, and standing on the Word, you’ll be able to spot the counterfeit and cling to the truth.

Watch DeBunked 9 - “There is NO Truth . . . DeBunked!

Challenge:

This week, write down three lies you’ve believed about yourself and replace them with three truths from Scripture.

Take Away: 

Every idea you hear—on social media, in school, in music or movies—ask: “Is this according to Christ or against Him?” That question alone can protect your heart from being carried off by deception.