May 28, 2014
LIFE IN THE SHADOWS
Colossians 2:16-23
Liz Johnson
Central Truth
Christ's death on the cross demolished our dependence on the Law and replaced it with grace. Are you chasing after the shadows of Christ or the truth of His Word?
Key Verse | Colossians 2:20
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations? (Colossians 2:20)
Colossians 2:16-23
Let No One Disqualify You
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, 1 2:18 Or about the things he has seen puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Dive Deeper | Colossians 2:16-23
After last year's Journey through the Law and Grace, I decided to take 90 days to read through the Bible cover to cover. Halfway through Leviticus, I received this passage to write about for The Journey. Comparing the two, I was totally overwhelmed with gratitude for Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which removed me from a life under the Law to a life under grace.
Imagine going through life having to watch your every move . . . and not just yours! Someone else's actions could cause you to be unclean and in need of sacrifice to be made clean again. If you have spent any time reading through the Levitical Law, you know the overwhelming reality that there is NO WAY we could ever attain true perfection and purification from our sins without Christ. The list in Leviticus is daunting. And that is exactly what Paul is trying to put a magnifying glass to in Colossians 2:16-23.
He warns us to keep hold of our prize (freedom in Christ) and not be swayed by those who are caught up in legalism or emotionalism. Our growth and salvation comes from God, not from our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Verse 20-23 calls to question the common reality of our society. Why do we allow ourselves to get caught up in the "appearance of wisdom" and the "commandments and teachings of men"? (Colossians 2:22-23, NASB)
The church in Paul's day had to fight a battle with tradition after Christ's death. For generations upon generations, the Law dictated all that they did and how they lived. In a moment, that all passed away (Matthew 27:51). For over 2,000 years, the freedom that grace offers has been at our fingertips (Galatians 5:1), and yet, we still fight the lie that we can do it apart from Christ. Paul clarifies the conflict through 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NASB) which says, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." As followers of Christ, we are called to the battle lines of freedom and restraint, where Scripture, discernment, and community help guide our steps.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to "have died with Christ" (Colossians 2:20, NASB)?
2. Have you lost sight of the grace you have in Christ through His death on the cross? Do you rely more on your strength or His?
3. What are the "shadows" you are chasing after in your life?
4. Discuss some of the things in your life that you struggle with being lawful or permissible, but not profitable, beneficial, or edifying. What would Scripture call you to do in these areas?