SCRIPTURE: COLOSSIANS 2
BIBLE VERSES:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10)
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)
“Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:20-23)
Paul was struggling for believers in Colossae and Laodicea because he had not met them personally. But he wanted to encourage them to be united in love so that they could understand the full riches and mystery of God which are hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge. He hoped to see their faith firm in Christ alone.
FREEDOM FROM HUMAN REGULATIONS THROUGH LIFE WITH CHRIST )vs. 6-23)
ADVICES OF PAUL:
- Continue to live in Christ (v. 6)
- Be rooted and strengthened in faith (v. 7a)
- Be thankful (v. 7b)
- Do not substitute human tradition and deceptive philosophy for God’s truth (v. 8)
- Let Christ who is head over every power and authority be your head (v. 10)
- Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink with regards to religious festivals, New moon celebration of Sabbath day.
- Do not submit to rules based on human commands and teachings (v. 22)
THOUGHTS:
There are 3 warnings for us to beware of: (By Warren Wiersbe)
- Empty Philosophies (vs. 1-14) – Human philosophies appear to be attractive with enticing words luring people to fall into its prey. We should walk by faith and grow in Christ through His Words and draw on His fulLness. We are made full in Him because Jesus can supply everything.
- Religious Legalism (vs. 11-17) – When the Spirit baptized us into His body, we are in union with Christ. Our identification with Christ is a spiritual operation that puts off the whole fleshly nature. Therefore, we should enjoy the liberty we have in Christ.
- Man-made Disciplines (vs 18-23) – Outward obedience to standards does not produce inward spirituality. Giving up of certain pleasures or habit does not automatically make a believer spiritual. Man-made disciplines are impossible for the flesh to control or perfect itself. We are being made perfect only by having His life within us.