Paul now challenges
the Colossian believers with a question, my translation: “If you have died to the flesh and are new
creations in Christ, why are you being tempted to submit to the doctrines of
men rather than living in freedom in Christ?
It’s worded in the scripture as follows:
Colossians 2:20-22 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the
world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch
not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the
commandments and doctrines of men?
Many of the
false teachings being promoted were full of restrictions in areas that Christ
has given us freedom.
- Touch not – “attach oneself to”
- Taste not – “to eat or experience”
- Handle not – “to manipulate, to have to do with
In context,
this seems to refer back to the self-denial or self-mortification spoken of in
verse 18. The religions of men always
end up as expressions of ways that man can reach God through their works;
Christianity is dependent upon God reaching down to man through His Son to
provide for him what he can in no way provide for himself. Religion is based on works as represented by
the law; Christianity is based on relationship that is a gift of grace. Paul also addressed this issue in his letters
to the Romans and Galatians.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under
the law, but under grace.
Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered
from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in
newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Galatians 2:19-21 For I through the law am
dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for
me. I do not frustrate the grace of God:
for if righteousness come by the law,
then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us
free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Colossians 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and
humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of
the flesh.
I like the
NLT translation of this verse: “These
rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe
bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a
person’s evil thoughts and desires.”
God’s ways
are so beyond our understanding. We like
the feeling of earning our own way and of not being beholden to anyone for
anything. Our culture works on the
principle that you have to pay for what you get. We have a hard time relating to the truth
that salvation is a gift of grace from God through faith. Yes, there are strings attached. We have to
admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior.
We have to accept Jesus as Lord and trust Him according to the truth of
His word. It’s a relationship rooted in
the love of God that can only be established by grace through faith.
There are so
many in this world today—many who even call themselves Christian—that are
depending on their works to get them to heaven.
They think that if the good things they do outweigh the bad on the grand
scale, God will accept them into heaven.
Some even acknowledge that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but do
not accept His provision as sufficient alone.
They are still focused on their works as a necessary part of their
salvation. Those who embrace these false
teachings are in for a very sad confrontation with the truth.
Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast.”
It is only
through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that we can overcome sin. The Holy Spirit is only ours through faith in
Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that
ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because
greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is
the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
(to be continued...)
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