The Place to Be #72

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— 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.

Having made his call for the centrality and sole-sufficiency of Christ in our salvation and sanctification, Paul is ready to confront his readers (and us) with a soul-searching question: Why?  Is there any way that we have chosen to trust someone or something else in addition to or instead of Christ alone?  The word "if" that begins our paragraph can be translated "if" or "since".  Paul is hopeful of the "since" (and as we have seen in his opening greetings had good reason to do so), but for the sake of self-examination it has to be "if."  If indeed we have turned our back on all forms of self-righteousness, be it asceticism, legalism, or any other "system" of justification and sanctification, might there be any way that we are living that way?  These are hollow, empty, and powerless ways to godliness.  They look "holy" but they are really "holey." When one comes up to temptation with these as a defense, they will prove powerless in spiritual battle. Therefore, put absolutely no trust in their power. Trust in Christ and Him alone for the power we need.