Shownotes
Welcome to Day 2484 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2484 – Living Forgiven and Forever Free – Daily Wisdom
Putnam Church Message – 10/13/2024 Jesus Christ, Our Lord – Living Forgiven…and Forever Free - Colossians 2:11-23 Last week, we continued in the letter of Colossians and learned of Paul’s heart and his love for the early church. Today’s passage is Colossians 2:11-23 on page 1833 of your Pew Bibles. We will learn how we can live forgiven and forever free. I am reading from the NLT. 11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed[d] the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. 16 So 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. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,[e] saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. 20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Strange as it may sound, one of life’s most challenging aspects is learning how to live our lives. Far too many Christians are merely proceeding from one day to the next. They don’t know how to truly live. Yes, their hearts may be beating, their minds may be racing, and their senses may be active, but they don’t realize the full meaning of Jesus’ words: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10). Instead of receiving all the benefits that are theirs to claim, many settle for a lifestyle that is anything but fulfilling and gratifying. This isn’t true only of our current generation; it’s been going on for centuries. It can even be traced back to the era in which the apostle Paul lived and ministered. For example, the Christians in the ancient city of Colossae needed Paul’s strong words of warning because they lacked an understanding of what it meant to live as fully forgiven people. Additionally, the Colossian believers were being seduced by those who criticized them for what they ate and drank, what holy days they observed, and what rituals and regulations they followed. Instead of living like fully forgiven people who were truly free, they were being held captive by the rules and requirements of legalistic Judaizers and ascetic Gnostics. As it was in those days, so it is today. Many believers in our own time fail to live forgiven … and forever free. —2:11–15— The saving gospel message centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 2:9–10, Paul powerfully articulated his thoughts on the person of Christ. He is the God-man, in whom “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” (2:9). As such, “who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (2:10). In 2:11–15 Paul emphasizes the saving work of Christ and how the forgiveness of sins is personally applied to every believer. In 2:11, Paul begins with a metaphor that would have been familiar to Jewish believers and anyone who knew the Old Testament Law: circumcision. As instituted by God, the ritual of cutting away a male’s foreskin served to identify the male child as a participant in God’s covenant with Abraham. This distinguishing feature symbolized the Israelite people, the covenant, and the culture in time. Many Jews thought that the covenant sign of circumcision entitled them to blessings from God and exemption from the divine judgment rightly deserved by the Gentiles. However, Paul taught that in Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision had any eternal significance—only salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (see Gal. 6:15). When Paul uses the analogy of circumcision in Colossians, he does so knowing that his readers would recall its significance as a physical act that identified the recipients as having a special covenant relationship with God. It was the external sign of a spiritual reality. In Colossians 2:11, however, Paul doesn’t have literal circumcision in mind when he says to the primarily Gentile believers in Colossae, When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. Several interpretations have been posited regarding the meaning of this last phrase. I think the best way to understand it is a reference to Christ’s body when He suffered and died on the cross. Believers participate in His death spiritually by identifying with Him through faith, and they participate physically by submitting to baptism as an external sign of a spiritual reality, thereby reenacting the events of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Thus, in 2:12, Paul shifts from the spiritual reality to a physical analogy: For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Being “in Christ” means sharing what was accomplished through His death. By believing, we participate in His death, burial, and resurrection and receive the eternal benefits of His work in a new covenant relationship with God. We died to our former way of life when we turned from our sins, and we rose to a new lifestyle when we pledged to live as disciples of Christ in the new covenant community of the Spirit. These actions were symbolized by baptism. In 2:13, Paul refers to the spiritual reality that stands behind the physical sign of baptism mentioned in 2:12. We were once dead in our transgressions, unclean, and separated from the covenant of God and His people—“uncircumcised” in the flesh. However, by grace through faith based on the death and resurrection of Christ, we have been forgiven of all our sins. Our debt has been canceled. Any outstanding warrants against us have been suspended. Christ “took it away by nailing it to the cross” and abolished it forever (see 2:14). Furthermore, because we are now under the domain of the King of kings and Lord of lords, “who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (2:10), we have also been liberated from the power of demonic forces. How? In this way, he disarmed[d] the spiritual rulers and authorities. (2:15). To illustrate Christ’s vanquishing of wicked spiritual powers, Paul invokes the image of a victorious general leading a procession, parading his conquered enemies in shackles to humiliate them in their defeat. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Believers are, therefore, reckoned among the triumphant victors! They were forgiven … and free! —2:16–23— In 2:11–15, Paul emphasizes the vertical aspect of Christ’s person and works to secure forgiveness and liberation for those who trust in Him alone for salvation. In 2:16–23, Paul turns to the horizontal features of this salvation. He begins verse 16 by pointing to the connection between the practical application that follows and the theological discussion of salvation just outlined. From here to the end of the chapter, Paul focuses his attention on three lingering threats to Christian freedom: Judaistic legalism (2:16–17), Gnostic mysticism (2:18–19), and dualistic asceticism (2:20–23). Charles Ryrie defines legalism as “a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for the purpose of exalting self.” Legalism always involves artificial rules and regulations enforced through guilt and shame. Legalists portray God as a severe judge ready to pounce at every infraction—and the leaders and teachers among the legalists have deputized themselves as God’s agents to make sure everybody toes the line. The threat of legalism probably came not from the developing Gnostic teachers but from Paul’s original opponents, the Judaizers. These men wanted to soften Paul’s radical emphasis on grace and liberty, mixing the Old Testament Law with the New Testament gospel. They believed the stipulations of the Mosaic Law—or at least some of them—were still in force for the Christian as a rule of life. In response to this brand of old-fashioned legalism, Paul gave a brief but crushing critique. He instructed the Colossians to stand against anyone who would judge them regarding dietary laws or feast days (2:16). Though the people of God under the old covenant were obligated to observe these rules and regulations as part of their unique arrangement with God, these practices were merely “only shadows of the reality yet to come,” the substance of which is Jesus Christ’s person and work. For legalists to force the observance of these old rules and regulations on Gentile believers in Christ would be to go backward,| mixing the old covenant with the new, |grace with merit,| faith with works. |Paul’s message for those threatened by legalism was simple: You’re forgiven and forever free. Live like it! EXCURSUS: WERE THE OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS SAVED BY OBEYING THE LAW? Rabbit Trail - COLOSSIANS 2:16–17 says that the Old Testament laws regarding food and drink, festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths were “only shadows of the reality yet to come,” pointing forward to the reality of Jesus Christ. This leads to an important question: How were Old Testament saints saved? Were they saved by good works like eating and drinking only certain foods or religiously keeping the holy days prescribed in the Law of Moses? Did the old system save them temporarily until Christ came to save them permanently? Some people mistakenly believe that the Old Testament saints were saved and bound for heaven by obeying the Law and seeking forgiveness through animal sacrifices when they fell short. However, as Hebrews 10:4 says, For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Christians must understand that God never promised eternal life in heaven for those who were faithful to keep the dietary laws,>religious rites and rituals,>and the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Law. Instead, God said to Israel, Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” (Exod. 19:5–6). In Deuteronomy 28:1–2, Moses declared, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God. The blessings for obedience that are then listed in Deuteronomy 28:3–14 relate to their safe, secure, bountiful lives in the Promised Land. Not a single line offers Israel eternal salvation in heaven for obedience. Likewise, the list of curses that will result from breaking the covenant contains no threat of eternal punishment in hell—only temporal judgments on earth, including death and destruction (Deut. 28:15–68). How were Old Testament saints born again, eternally saved, and sealed for heaven? The Bible makes it clear that eternal salvation has always come by grace through faith (Rom. 4:1–17). It has never been earned by works, by obeying the Law (see Gal. 2:21), or by offering animal sacrifices (see Heb. 10:4). Rather, eternal salvation is based on the atoning work of Christ (Rom. 3:21–26). Of course, the Old Testament saints under the Mosaic covenant didn’t have the full story that came with the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. The Law provided “only shadows of the reality yet to come” (Col. 2:17). However, they had prophecies, promises, and glimpses of the ultimate salvation that would come through the future Messiah (see Rom. 1:1–4; 1 Pet. 1:10–12). They could, therefore, exercise simple, childlike faith in God’s goodness, mercy, and promises (see Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3). Their salvation, like ours, was by grace through faith, not by works. As theologian, Charles Ryrie famously put it, “The basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ; the requirement for salvation in every age is faith; the object of faith in every age is God; the content of faith changes in the various dispensations.” Besides facing the threat of legalism, |the Colossians also had to contend with mysticism (2:18–19). Fledgling Gnostic heresies thrived on speculations, spiritual experiences, and encounters with the invisible realm. Paul warns against those who sought to rob believers of their freedom by parading their own “self-abasement.” These individuals projected a phony humility, claiming to have become the chosen channel of special revelations. They used their feigned encounters with “the unseen realm” to inflate their egos and puff up their reputations as prophets and seers. These frauds had strayed so far from the centrality of Jesus Christ that they were even promoting “the worship of the angels”! Paul may have had in mind an early version of the essentially polytheistic Gnostic notion of emanations—spirit beings that served as mediators between the earthly and heavenly realms. As these mystics turned the spotlight on themselves and their own fictitious revelations, they drew attention away from Jesus Christ and did damage to His body, the church. Having confronted the threats of Judaistic legalism and Gnostic mysticism, Paul concludes this section with a sound rejection of dualistic asceticism (2:20–23). This form of asceticism believed that a harsh discipline could purify the soul of the body. It is associated with a dualistic view of humanity, in which the good, spiritual part of a person is trapped in the wicked, physical part (the body). Until a person escapes the prison of the flesh through death, they must punish the body, beating it into submission so the soul can thrive. However, this kind of dualistic approach to spirituality, resulting in asceticism, is contrary to the Christian view of humanity and spirituality. Both aspects of humanity—material and immaterial—were created good (Gen. 1:26–27, 31; 2:7). However, after the Fall, the whole person—body and soul—fell into sin and death (Eph. 2:1–3). When we are saved by grace through faith, we are to worship, serve, and honor God with our minds and bodies—indeed, with our whole selves (Matt. 22:37; Rom. 12:1–2). The ascetics who were threatening the Colossians were trying to enslave unsuspecting saints with artificial decrees like “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” (Col. 2:21). These rules led to “self-abasement and severe treatment of the body.” Still, they did nothing to deliver them from fleshly desires (2:23). Such principles had no foundation in the teachings of Jesus or the apostles. There were no biblical passages these teachers could use to support their rules and regulations. Their dualistic asceticism was propped up because “These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” (2:23), that is, by sophisticated arguments supporting human traditions set forth as being from the mouth of God. Paul’s defense against the triple threat of legalism, mysticism, and asceticism in Colossians 2:16–23 was the same: the person and work of Jesus Christ. Against legalism, Jesus is the Liberator who forgave our sins through the...Transcripts
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day: /:Jesus Christ, Our Lord – Living Forgiven…and Forever Free - Colossians 2:11-23
Last week, we continued in the letter of Colossians and learned of Paul’s heart and his love for the early church.
on page:11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed[d] the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
16 So 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. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,[e] saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
and satisfying life.” (John:Instead of receiving all the benefits that are theirs to claim, many settle for a lifestyle that is anything but fulfilling and gratifying. This isn’t true only of our current generation; it’s been going on for centuries. It can even be traced back to the era in which the apostle Paul lived and ministered. For example, the Christians in the ancient city of Colossae needed Paul’s strong words of warning because they lacked an understanding of what it meant to live as fully forgiven people.
Additionally, the Colossian believers were being seduced by those who criticized them for what they ate and drank, what holy days they observed, and what rituals and regulations they followed. Instead of living like fully forgiven people who were truly free, they were being held captive by the rules and requirements of legalistic Judaizers and ascetic Gnostics. As it was in those days, so it is today. Many believers in our own time fail to live forgiven … and forever free.
—2:11–15—
The saving gospel message centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 2:9–10, Paul powerfully articulated his thoughts on the person of Christ. He is the God-man, in whom “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” (2:9). As such, “who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (2:10). In 2:11–15 Paul emphasizes the saving work of Christ and how the forgiveness of sins is personally applied to every believer.
In 2:11, Paul begins with a metaphor that would have been familiar to Jewish believers and anyone who knew the Old Testament Law: circumcision. As instituted by God, the ritual of cutting away a male’s foreskin served to identify the male child as a participant in God’s covenant with Abraham.
This distinguishing feature symbolized the Israelite people, the covenant, and the culture in time. Many Jews thought that the covenant sign of circumcision entitled them to blessings from God and exemption from the divine judgment rightly deserved by the Gentiles. However, Paul taught that in Christ, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision had any eternal significance—only salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (see Gal. 6:15).
When Paul uses the analogy of circumcision in Colossians, he does so knowing that his readers would recall its significance as a physical act that identified the recipients as having a special covenant relationship with God. It was the external sign of a spiritual reality. In Colossians 2:11, however, Paul doesn’t have literal circumcision in mind when he says to the primarily Gentile believers in Colossae, When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.
Several interpretations have been posited regarding the meaning of this last phrase. I think the best way to understand it is a reference to Christ’s body when He suffered and died on the cross. Believers participate in His death spiritually by identifying with Him through faith, and they participate physically by submitting to baptism as an external sign of a spiritual reality, thereby reenacting the events of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Thus, in 2:12, Paul shifts from the spiritual reality to a physical analogy: For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Being “in Christ” means sharing what was accomplished through His death. By believing, we participate in His death, burial, and resurrection and receive the eternal benefits of His work in a new covenant relationship with God. We died to our former way of life when we turned from our sins, and we rose to a new lifestyle when we pledged to live as disciples of Christ in the new covenant community of the Spirit. These actions were symbolized by baptism.
In 2:13, Paul refers to the spiritual reality that stands behind the physical sign of baptism mentioned in 2:12. We were once dead in our transgressions, unclean, and separated from the covenant of God and His people—“uncircumcised” in the flesh. However, by grace through faith based on the death and resurrection of Christ, we have been forgiven of all our sins. Our debt has been canceled. Any outstanding warrants against us have been suspended. Christ “took it away by nailing it to the cross” and abolished it forever (see 2:14).
Furthermore, because we are now under the domain of the King of kings and Lord of lords, “who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (2:10), we have also been liberated from the power of demonic forces. How? In this way, he disarmed[d] the spiritual rulers and authorities. (2:15). To illustrate Christ’s vanquishing of wicked spiritual powers, Paul invokes the image of a victorious general leading a procession, parading his conquered enemies in shackles to humiliate them in their defeat. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Believers are, therefore, reckoned among the triumphant victors! They were forgiven … and free!
—2:16–23—
In 2:11–15, Paul emphasizes the vertical aspect of Christ’s person and works to secure forgiveness and liberation for those who trust in Him alone for salvation. In 2:16–23, Paul turns to the horizontal features of this salvation. He begins verse 16 by pointing to the connection between the practical application that follows and the theological discussion of salvation just outlined. From here to the end of the chapter, Paul focuses his attention on three lingering threats to Christian freedom: Judaistic legalism (2:16–17), Gnostic mysticism (2:18–19), and dualistic asceticism (2:20–23).
Charles Ryrie defines legalism as “a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for the purpose of exalting self.” Legalism always involves artificial rules and regulations enforced through guilt and shame. Legalists portray God as a severe judge ready to pounce at every infraction—and the leaders and teachers among the legalists have deputized themselves as God’s agents to make sure everybody toes the line. The threat of legalism probably came not from the developing Gnostic teachers but from Paul’s original opponents, the Judaizers. These men wanted to soften Paul’s radical emphasis on grace and liberty, mixing the Old Testament Law with the New Testament gospel. They believed the stipulations of the Mosaic Law—or at least some of them—were still in force for the Christian as a rule of life.
In response to this brand of old-fashioned legalism, Paul gave a brief but crushing critique. He instructed the Colossians to stand against anyone who would judge them regarding dietary laws or feast days (2:16). Though the people of God under the old covenant were obligated to observe these rules and regulations as part of their unique arrangement with God, these practices were merely “only shadows of the reality yet to come,” the substance of which is Jesus Christ’s person and work. For legalists to force the observance of these old rules and regulations on Gentile believers in Christ would be to go backward,| mixing the old covenant with the new, |grace with merit,| faith with works. |Paul’s message for those threatened by legalism was simple: You’re forgiven and forever free. Live like it!
EXCURSUS: WERE THE OLD TESTAMENT SAINTS SAVED BY OBEYING THE LAW?
Rabbit Trail - COLOSSIANS 2:16–17 says that the Old Testament laws regarding food and drink, festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths were “only shadows of the reality yet to come,” pointing forward to the reality of Jesus Christ. This leads to an important question: How were Old Testament saints saved? Were they saved by good works like eating and drinking only certain foods or religiously keeping the holy days prescribed in the Law of Moses? Did the old system save them temporarily until Christ came to save them permanently? Some people mistakenly believe that the Old Testament saints were saved and bound for heaven by obeying the Law and seeking forgiveness through animal sacrifices when they fell short. However, as Hebrews 10:4 says, For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
death and destruction (Deut.:How were Old Testament saints born again, eternally saved, and sealed for heaven? The Bible makes it clear that eternal salvation has always come by grace through faith (Rom. 4:1–17). It has never been earned by works, by obeying the Law (see Gal. 2:21), or by offering animal sacrifices (see Heb. 10:4). Rather, eternal salvation is based on the atoning work of Christ (Rom. 3:21–26).
Of course, the Old Testament saints under the Mosaic covenant didn’t have the full story that came with the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. The Law provided “only shadows of the reality yet to come” (Col. 2:17). However, they had prophecies, promises, and glimpses of the ultimate salvation that would come through the future Messiah (see Rom. 1:1–4; 1 Pet. 1:10–12). They could, therefore, exercise simple, childlike faith in God’s goodness, mercy, and promises (see Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3). Their salvation, like ours, was by grace through faith, not by works. As theologian, Charles Ryrie famously put it, “The basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ; the requirement for salvation in every age is faith; the object of faith in every age is God; the content of faith changes in the various dispensations.”
Besides facing the threat of legalism, |the Colossians also had to contend with mysticism (2:18–19). Fledgling Gnostic heresies thrived on speculations, spiritual experiences, and encounters with the invisible realm. Paul warns against those who sought to rob believers of their freedom by parading their own “self-abasement.” These individuals projected a phony humility, claiming to have become the chosen channel of special revelations. They used their feigned encounters with “the unseen realm” to inflate their egos and puff up their reputations as prophets and seers.
These frauds had strayed so far from the centrality of Jesus Christ that they were even promoting “the worship of the angels”! Paul may have had in mind an early version of the essentially polytheistic Gnostic notion of emanations—spirit beings that served as mediators between the earthly and heavenly realms. As these mystics turned the spotlight on themselves and their own fictitious revelations, they drew attention away from Jesus Christ and did damage to His body, the church.
Having confronted the threats of Judaistic legalism and Gnostic mysticism, Paul concludes this section with a sound rejection of dualistic asceticism (2:20–23). This form of asceticism believed that a harsh discipline could purify the soul of the body. It is associated with a dualistic view of humanity, in which the good, spiritual part of a person is trapped in the wicked, physical part (the body). Until a person escapes the prison of the flesh through death, they must punish the body, beating it into submission so the soul can thrive.
with our whole selves (Matt.:The ascetics who were threatening the Colossians were trying to enslave unsuspecting saints with artificial decrees like “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” (Col. 2:21). These rules led to “self-abasement and severe treatment of the body.” Still, they did nothing to deliver them from fleshly desires (2:23). Such principles had no foundation in the teachings of Jesus or the apostles. There were no biblical passages these teachers could use to support their rules and regulations. Their dualistic asceticism was propped up because “These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” (2:23), that is, by sophisticated arguments supporting human traditions set forth as being from the mouth of God.
Paul’s defense against the triple threat of legalism, mysticism, and asceticism in Colossians 2:16–23 was the same: the person and work of Jesus Christ. Against legalism, Jesus is the Liberator who forgave our sins through the Cross and freed us from the Law. Against mysticism, Jesus is the One in whom the fullness of Deity dwells bodily; He alone is the sole Mediator between God and humanity and the One through whom we have all wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual insight. Against asceticism, Jesus is the One who sprung us—through our association with His death—from the prison of worldly rules and regulations that can’t please God.
Application: COLOSSIANS 2:11–23
Fully Forgiven … Forever Free
If you are in Christ, you are completely forgiven and totally free. It’s not a matter of if or when. There are no strings attached to His forgiveness and no conditions on your liberty from the domination of sin, the dominion of evil rulers in the unseen realm, or the destruction of legalism, mysticism, and misdirected asceticism. How does this spiritual reality work out in the Christian’s life? Let me share three practical directives.
First, be strong in the Word of God and keep worshiping Christ. When false teachers lead people astray, they take them down one or both of these paths: a neglect or rejection of Scripture, or a diminishing or dethronement of Christ. They’ll divert you from a careful, faithful, personal study of the Word of God and distract you from the honor, worship, and obedience due to the Lord Jesus. To live forgiven and free, you must keep your feet firmly planted on the unshakable foundation of Scripture and your heart and mind focused on the person and work of Christ.
Second, refuse and resist all substitutes. False teachers who trade in spiritual bondage will try to swap out the authentic Scriptures for convincing forgeries—new revelations,>authoritative interpretations,>or supplemental sources of divine truth. I’m not talking about legitimate insights from orthodox commentators—gifted teachers who respect God’s Word and preach truth. I’m referring to those who undermine the Word and offer up a powerless Jesus and a weak gospel. I have been eminently blessed in my life in many ways, not the least of which has been the joy and privilege of studying theologians and being influenced by those who have helped shape my thinking. Every one of my mentors has been strongly committed to the Word of God and a sincere worshiper of the Lord Jesus. They didn’t point me to their own opinions based on their authority; they stepped aside and pointed me to the Word of God and Christ. They were the real thing. And by knowing what’s real, I learned to refuse and resist all substitutes.
Third, don’t be afraid to risk living your life unshackled. Remember that your true Master is Christ. We are bond-servants to Him and no other. Only by submitting to the liberating lordship of Christ can we be free from the enslaving oppression of false teachers. When we seek to serve only Him, we won’t even be tempted to shackle ourselves under the bondage of frauds. I love how Paul wrote about this in Galatians: “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (Gal. 1:10).
If I tried to please others by tolerating their twisted doctrines or accommodating their artificial traditions or legalistic rules and regulations, I would soon become a doormat. They wouldn’t stop with just one or two demands. It would become an epidemic. I could never please them all or live up to their unending requirements. My goal is to please the Lord Jesus Christ. And He tells you and me to be free from sin, free from Satan, and free from legalism, mysticism, and misdirected asceticism. In Christ, we’re fully forgiven and forever free. Let’s live like it!
Next week, we will continue our series in the letter to the Colossians. The second section is Jesus Christ, Our Life, and the message is titled ‘Spot-On Advice From a Seasoned Mentor. Invest time reading Colossians 3:1-14 for next week’s message.