Experience True Freedom
16 Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ. 18 Let no one condemn you by delighting in ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind. 19 They don’t hold on to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with growth from God.
20 If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: 21 “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. 23 Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.
Colossians 2:16-23 (CSB)
This week's passage focuses on the danger of legalism in the church. Paul encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Jesus and to avoid falling into the trap of following human regulations, laws, and traditions. The passage calls believers to reject feelings of guilt and inadequacy caused by legalism. Instead, it reminds them to live in the freedom that only Jesus provides, and to strive to deepen their understanding of grace and spiritual growth.
Shallow Versus Substance. Paul recognized that relying solely on legalism results in superficial spiritual lives. True depth in spirituality cannot be achieved through trying to please God with legal obedience or good works alone, as this leads to a constant striving due to an inner void. Conversely, Paul emphasizes that genuine spiritual substance comes exclusively from Christ. In Him, we discover purpose, belonging, and identity. Christ provides the authentic substance that sustains us throughout life.
Hold on to Jesus. Paul emphasizes the importance of clinging to Jesus as the Head. When we let go, it creates space for human traditions and worldly philosophies to influence us. Paul warns that superficial religious actions can foster these influences because they don't connect to Jesus. Christ desires us to stay attached to Him as the Head so He can give us the discernment needed to overcome worldly threats.
Rule Bind, Freedom Frees. Rules can be restrictive, but true freedom comes through Christ. Worldly rules often lead us away from Him, binding us as we try to obey them. Following one rule tends to lead to another, trapping us in legalism. In Christ, however, we find real freedom, which allows us to grow spiritually. This freedom gives us the power to truly live, contrasting with the law, which brings only death. In Him, we have life; in the law, we face death.
QUESTIONS
Why must we strive to hold on to Jesus as the Head?
How would you explain the binding nature of legalism and the freedom found in Christ?
