Putting Christ First: The Root of Righteousness, Colossians 2:16-23

Putting Christ First: The Root of Righteousness

Colossians 2:16-23

Wrong Judgments (v. 16-17)

• Because of the spiritual fullness that we have in Christ alone
  • Paul urges us not let anyone impose a means of spiritual growth that does not have Christ at its heart
• This false judgment is based in:
  • What we eat/drink
    • Or refrain from
      • “A real Christian doesn’t…”
    • This could be a reference to the dietary law
      • But that does not prohibit the drinking of anything
    • What we celebrate
      • Or refrain from
        • “Christians shouldn’t celebrate…”
      • This included the OT holidays
        • Sabbath & new moons
        • “Shadows of things to come”: They were meant to point to Jesus
      • But also pagan-based celebrations

 

Wrong Priorities (v. 18-19)

• Paul warns against ‘false humility’
  • Which can mean self-deprecation for the purpose of actually drawing attention to oneself
  • Or, extreme asceticism
    • Prolonged fasting, abject poverty, etc.
  • To gain some sense of self-righteousness
• Paul warns against ‘the worship of angels’
  • Which can mean worshipping angels
    • Rather than God Himself
  • Or worshipping with angels
    • Claiming some sort of ‘greater’ worship experience
  • Paul warns against those who claim special spiritual experiences
    • Including visions
  • All of these things lead to a false sense of spiritual importance
  • This line of thinking is the result of not being rooted in Jesus
    • We cannot add to the work of Jesus with anything expect more of Jesus’ work in us

Wrong Logic (v. 20-23)

• Paul points out that this way of thinking is illogical
• Since we are no longer to find understanding from the ‘basic elements of this world’ (see v. 8)
  • Then we should also not use those elements to gain righteousness
• These ascetic rules which some would put upon Christians:
  • Are man-made
  • Appear wise
  • But have no spiritual value
    • Because they cannot help us overcome our sinful desires
  • Only Jesus can do that!

 

So What?

• What guides us?
  • Human rules and regulations
  • Or the Spirit of Jesus
• Are we known for what we avoid?
  • Or the good we do

Meditation Verse: Colossians 2:16