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Some were condemning believers in Colosse for not observing Jewish dietary laws or celebrating their holy days. False teachers were promoting self-made rules (legalism), and seeking spiritual growth by discipline of the body (asceticism) and visions (mysticism). Like the Colossians, our hunger for a fulfilling Christian experience could tempt us to trust in a teacher, a group, or a system of thought more than in Christ Himself.

Colossians 2:16-23

1. Would some in your congregation censure you for not performing to standards they've set?
2. Would they criticize you for engaging in activities they frown on?
3. What gives a surface attraction (v. 23) to rules added on to the gospel?
4. Why doesn't a rules-based form of Christianity actually work?
5. What is the gospel formula that does work?
6. Paul called Old Testament ceremonial regulations shadows (v. 17), pointing to the reality to come with Christ's advent. How can focusing on "shadows" obscure your vital connection with Christ: the "real thing"?
7. How has dying with Christ (v. 20) set us free from evil powers and restrictive rules?

Ask for Holy Spirit-imparted motivation and power to fully follow Christ without unwarranted taboos and requirements.

16So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new-moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17For these rules were only shadows of the real thing, Christ himself. 18Don't let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial. And don't let anyone say you must worship angels, even though they say they have had visions about this. These people claim to be so humble, but their sinful minds have made them proud.

19But they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For we are joined together in his body by his strong sinews, and we grow only as we get our nourishment and strength from God. 20You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, 21"Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch."

22Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. 23These 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.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me aware of the cultural blinders I bring to your Word, and please keep me from becoming a modern Pharisee.

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