The more you read Scripture, the more you realize that Satan’s tactics against those seeking reconciliation with their Creator have not changed much over the years. The work of Jesus Christ, living the perfect life and laying down that life as a sacrifice to atone for sin just isn’t enough, the great deceiver proclaims. You need more. YOU must add SOMETHING to the equation. In Colossae, the great lie threatening those early followers of Jesus was a Greek-influenced form of Jewish spirituality whereby “true” disciples MUST continue to follow certain dietary rules and/or celebrate the right festivals in order to deliver themselves from the guilt and dominion of sin. Is there anything wrong with trying to live a more holy life?

[Colossians 2.20-23]

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.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Paul mean that those who follow Christ “died to the elemental spirits of the world”? Some translations read “basic principles” instead of “elemental spirits”. Read Galatians 2:20 and Romans 6:1-7. What things in your life have you “died” to for Christ’s sake?

+ Jesus says in Matthew 16:24-27 that to follow Him, one must deny himself. How does this reconcile with what Paul is teaching here in Colossians 2? In essence, the question is what separates a true pursuit of holy living from acting in legalism?

+ Is there a way to “stop the indulgence of the flesh”? If so, what is it?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Being transparent, I have always struggled with Question 2 that I posted above. I AM thoroughly convinced I cannot add to the work of Christ in obtaining the free gift of salvation offered to those who place their faith in Him. And yet, I find myself always questioning whether I am doing enough in my walk with Jesus. After 44 years into my spiritual journey, here’s how I deal with the question “am I involved in a righteous pursuit of holiness or am I falling into the sinful trap of legalism”? I must check my motivation. The Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin drives me to the foot of the cross, to the crux of the Gospel message of my need for a Savior. If performing any action leads me to haughtiness or feeling superior, I am heading into legalism.

All such legalistic rules may have an appearance of wisdom, but they have no real value. Legalism doesn’t restrain the flesh; it feeds the flesh in a subtle, powerful way. “In fact, the most rigorous asceticism can coexist with insufferable spiritual pride, one of the subtlest and most intractable of the ‘works of the flesh.’” (FF Bruce)

“Preach the Gospel to yourself, every day”. Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness”. (I had heard and liked this quote for years, but never read the book. I just ordered it to help me with Question 2. Ask me what I am learning when you see me)!!!

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?