What does Colossians 2:8 warn believers against?
It cautions believers not to be led astray by human philosophy, empty deception, and man-made tradition, nor by the basic principles of the world, because these are not according to Christ. The verse sets these against Christ and calls for alignment with the Word.
Les teaches that Colossians 2:8 is read to flow into verse 9. The danger is being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. He notes that most have been inundated with tradition, and while tradition is all right as far as it goes, it must always be lined up again with the Word. So believers are not to fall through the philosophy of vain deceit and the traditions of men. Verse 9 then declares that in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.