Colossians 2:16-23 (NLT)
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 were only shadows of
the real thing, Christ himself. 18 Don’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.
19 But 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. 20 You 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.” 22 Such rules are mere human teaching about things
that are gone as soon as we use them. 23 These 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.
Once again the
Apostle challenges the bad teaching that says you have to follow special
religious rules to be a “proper” Christian and even that you have to
have help from angels or special spiritual experiences. This is all
nonsense—our faith is not based on fear—but on freedom in Christ!
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Don’t be condemned by those who like to make up religious rules and
holy days and judge people by them [v16,17].
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Don’t be intimidated by those who claim special experiences or tell
you that you need the help of angels [or special saints!] [v18-19].
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Such rules may seem wise, spiritual, and clever [v23] but you can rest
secure in that your confidence and faith in Jesus—and what he has
already done—is enough.
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Think—Are you feeling condemned—or fearful as a Christian? You
don’t need to be. You are safe. He already loves you—and has done
enough.
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Pray and thank him now. Pray for those you know who base their faith on
fear, special experiences, and rules.
Go to Day Six
