“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules?”
Colossians 2:20
Paul challenges his Colossian friends and us to put into daily practice what we experienced when we first met Jesus. Alive in Christ (v. 13), we need not get bogged down with regulations that come out of human traditions, commands, and teachings (v. 22). Our new life with Christ is determined in a moment, but our sanctification—the living-out of that—is a day-by-day process.
But meticulous commitment to legalism only leads to pride and enslavement rather than to Christian freedom. We all know how unattractive it is when we see it in others. By making our self-discipline and adherence to religious rules most important, there is no drawing close to Jesus.
Only God’s Spirit can change a person’s heart. “By grace you have been saved, through faith …. it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). A daily diet of Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service enables others to see our freedom in Jesus so that we become to them the sweet “aroma of Christ … the fragrance of life” (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16).
But meticulous commitment to legalism only leads to pride and enslavement rather than to Christian freedom. We all know how unattractive it is when we see it in others. By making our self-discipline and adherence to religious rules most important, there is no drawing close to Jesus.
Only God’s Spirit can change a person’s heart. “By grace you have been saved, through faith …. it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). A daily diet of Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service enables others to see our freedom in Jesus so that we become to them the sweet “aroma of Christ … the fragrance of life” (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16).
Scripture Focus
Colossians 2:20-23; 2 Peter 5:6-10
Insight
Christian freedom comes with the beauty of Christ being in us and us in Him. It does not come from restraining rules and regulations.
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 7-8
- Psalm 134
- Galatians 5-6
