You have
died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this
world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere
human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These
rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial,
and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s
evil desires. - Colossians 2:20-23
Paul continues to be concerned for the Colossians - that they are being manipulated by Judaizers to turn from the pure grace of Jesus Christ to become Christian (Messianic) Jews. Circumcision, dietary laws, ritual purity laws, etc would be added on to the moral law to bring these Jesus followers into Judaism.
This is what Paul was hinting at in yesterday's text and what he spells out clearly in this one.
Your sin died with Christ (again an allusion to baptism). You've been set free. So why follow this wordly, unnecessary stuff. It's all a shadow to the reality of Jesus Christ.
And he argues, these things won't make you righteous. You can't earn salvation or holiness. They can't help you overcome evil - that's Jesus' job though his gift of the Holy Spirit.
Those in recovery acknowledge that they are powerless to change without power from the Power. Why do we as Christ followers attempt to be good, do good, on our own? And then what happens when we fail again? What sins have you kept hidden? Where are you missing the mark? embarrassed to confide in anyone?
What sin in your life are you attempting to conquer in your own power? How's it working for you? Didn't think so. I know. I've tried. If you are struggling (and who isn't) with some area of your life that is still in rebellion to God, maybe you need to realize/remember how much you need Christ's power and that you need the gift of community (one or two trusted Christian friends who will walk the walk with you) and you need the Spirit working in you because Christ has already freed you - sin has no power over you - you died to that stuff.
I think AA has it right. It's time for recovery. Pray - what area of your life does God want to show you His victory. Pray - who can you trust to walk with you through the valley of the shadow. Pray - for courage to overcome and take the next step.
And I am here to help. I don't bite. We are all imperfect people. But God doesn't want us to stay that way.
Paul continues to be concerned for the Colossians - that they are being manipulated by Judaizers to turn from the pure grace of Jesus Christ to become Christian (Messianic) Jews. Circumcision, dietary laws, ritual purity laws, etc would be added on to the moral law to bring these Jesus followers into Judaism.
This is what Paul was hinting at in yesterday's text and what he spells out clearly in this one.
Your sin died with Christ (again an allusion to baptism). You've been set free. So why follow this wordly, unnecessary stuff. It's all a shadow to the reality of Jesus Christ.
And he argues, these things won't make you righteous. You can't earn salvation or holiness. They can't help you overcome evil - that's Jesus' job though his gift of the Holy Spirit.
Those in recovery acknowledge that they are powerless to change without power from the Power. Why do we as Christ followers attempt to be good, do good, on our own? And then what happens when we fail again? What sins have you kept hidden? Where are you missing the mark? embarrassed to confide in anyone?
What sin in your life are you attempting to conquer in your own power? How's it working for you? Didn't think so. I know. I've tried. If you are struggling (and who isn't) with some area of your life that is still in rebellion to God, maybe you need to realize/remember how much you need Christ's power and that you need the gift of community (one or two trusted Christian friends who will walk the walk with you) and you need the Spirit working in you because Christ has already freed you - sin has no power over you - you died to that stuff.
I think AA has it right. It's time for recovery. Pray - what area of your life does God want to show you His victory. Pray - who can you trust to walk with you through the valley of the shadow. Pray - for courage to overcome and take the next step.
And I am here to help. I don't bite. We are all imperfect people. But God doesn't want us to stay that way.
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