Friday, May 24 | Colossians 2:16-23 | Amy Jackson
At the end of Colossians 2, Paul gives us a little more information about this mysterious false teaching which has taken the Colossians captive. It seems, from these verses, that part of the pagan-Jewish mysticism focused on rules about eating and observing holy days and also encouraged asceticism (self-denial) and angel worship.
With the exception of angel worship (because we believe even angels are creatures of God and the first commandment reminds us that God alone is worthy of our worship!), these other rules and observances aren’t anything bad in and of themselves - the issue is when we fall into legalism as a result of these rules and observances.
I can be honest with you and tell you that, almost all of my life, I have had to fight against legalism in my heart - against the belief that, in the words of preacher Kent Hughes, “I can get to God on my own terms, by my own might.” I grew up as an overachiever, especially when it came to academics. As a follower of Christ, I have to fight against the tendency toward legalism - toward making my relationship with Jesus more about checking off boxes and following rules and less about walking in faithful obedience because of my gratitude for what Jesus has done for me. I have a feeling that many of us struggle in this way because our flesh has no trouble setting up religious rules to make us feel like we can bring something to the table. The problem (and - the good news!) is that the truth of the gospel is complete in what Christ has done for us. Nothing can be added to it through our own works or observances - Christ’s work on the cross is fully finished and complete.
My prayer for us today is that we would remember that “with Christ we died to the elemental spirits of the world” (Colossians 2:20). We don’t have to fall back into legalistic ways, thinking we can earn our salvation or our good standing before the Father! Rather, we get to live out the truth of the gospel that, despite our own insufficiency, God drew near to us in Christ and gives us salvation we don’t deserve and we can’t earn! This news frees our hearts to draw near to God in faith, walking in obedience with Him out of gratitude for what He has done for us instead of trying to earn being in His good graces.
Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26 | Colossians 1:1-2:23
Reread Colossians 1:1-2:23 over the weekend. Reflect on all that God has been saying to you through His word this week.
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