Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
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— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 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.
– Colossians 2:16–23
What does it look like to live as a Christian?
Most of us have been blessed with wonderful examples of Christian living. Examples might include parents, aunts and uncles, older members of the congregation, Sunday School teachers, Directors of Christian Education, teachers, pastors, and I’m sure we could add even more examples.
But remember that the Colossian congregation didn’t have that. They were the first generation of Christians.
What should Christians eat? Should Christians observe the Old Testament festivals? What do we do with angels? Are Christians bound by all of the Old Testament laws? Or do some of the laws no longer apply?
These seem to be some of the questions the Colossians asked Paul and had answers.
Questions: Are Christians bound to worship on certain day? What should Christians eat or drink?
Answers: Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
Christians have great freedom in matters of eating and drinking. Christians have great freedom in regards to when we worship too. We’re not bound by the Old Testament festivals or worship practices.
Early on Christians started to worship on Sunday, rather than the Old Testament Sabbath Day of Saturday, because Christ had set them free to do so and it was a way to remember the resurrection each week. But we’re free to worship on any day we would like!
The Sabbath Day and dietary laws in the Old Testament were shadows of the greater reality, Jesus.
We don’t go back the shadows when we have the real thing! So, Paul says, don’t let anyone convince you that you have to practice certain dietary restrictions or days of worship because those things were there in the Old Testament in order to point us forward to Jesus.
Questions: What about other “spiritual things?” Should we worship angels? Should we treat our bodies harshly in order to be more spiritual? What about those who claim to receive special visions from God?
Answers: Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Fasting can be a very good thing, but nobody should insist that it is necessary. Angels are indeed amazing creatures, but they certainly should not be worshiped. Those who claim to be super spiritual because they have “visions” are trying to impress you, but they don’t have anything to offer you that isn’t already yours in Christ! Paul encourages the Colossian Christians to hold fast to Jesus instead, reminding them that Jesus is the head of the church.
Finally, Paul wraps up chapter 2 with these words:
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— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 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.
“If with Christ you died…” Did I die with Christ? If you are baptized, then the answer is yes! In Baptism you died and were raised as a new creation in Christ we saw earlier in chapter two! So, Paul says, don’t look to add asceticism (disciplining the body) or some new supposed wisdom, but hold fast to Jesus and what Jesus gives you in Holy Baptism!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I have died with you and been raised with You. Keep me from seeking to grow by looking elsewhere for help or wisdom, but instead to look to you and to remember who I am as a baptized child of God. I thank You for the freedom I have in you! In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
Questions for conversation
- Fasting can be a good thing, but how could it also be problematic?
- If we have freedom in Christ, why do we follow a Church calendar year?
- Note how the freedom in Christ is tied directly to Baptism. How does your baptism impact your daily life?
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