Though the Colossian church was full of life and unity, dangerous influencers were gaining access to the community. They threatened the unity and faith of the young believers. Their teaching was impressive, but they peddled distorted versions of the gospel that divided the righteous based on human ideas and strivings.
Paul’s response was clear and strong.
1. Don’t let anyone judge you by shadows. (16-17)
Questions of food, drink, festivals, and sabbaths are a shadow, not the reality. Legalism elevates rules into a standard of our standing before God. It seems right, but he problem is the law is only a shadow. The substance belongs to Christ. A Christian is defined by their relation to Christ, not their adherence to restrictions and requirements.
2. Don’t let anyone disqualify you with substitutes. (18-19)
Mysticism pursues spiritual fullness through experiences, intermediaries, and hidden knowledge. It gives the appearance of superior spirituality but in reality it is empty. It comes from the puffed up heads of men, not the true Head that is Christ.
3. Don’t submit to the shallow striving of self-made religion. (20-23)
Asceticism has an appearance of wisdom and legitimacy. But it has no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. The answer is not self-focused striving, but a new life—the Spirit of Christ dwelling in you.
Christian, in light of this passage, every one of us has a responsibility. Each of us must practice discernment and guard our lives, families and our church against the subtle influence of false gospels.
We are the body of the living Christ – we lack nothing in Him!
As we continue to grow in Him, we will experience an authentic and wonderful spirituality – alive with the growth that comes from God.
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown