March 3
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ON HUMAN LAWS AND SELF-MADE RELIGION
20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? 23 These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
– Colossians 2:20-23:
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In this letter, Paul challenges the Gentile believers in Colossae to live a life of integrity. In verse 20, he questioned them about their bondage and submission to decrees and laws made by humans how and what they should do with their lives. He reminded them that if they have died with Christ when they became believers, why do they still follow human traditions and laws and not God’s law alone. In verse 21, Paul presents to the Colossian believers how these prohibitions about what they can and cannot handle, touch or not touch. Paul is targeting the tactics of these religious heretics who entice the believers with their own teachings and self-made religion and all kinds of rituals that actually oppose what God’s good news is.
Even though this letter is written to the Colossians who were surrounded by heresies and false teachers, we can clearly see it in our world today. So many religions, preachers, televangelists, megachurches that seemed like they are teaching the Good News, when they are actually giving you bad news. According to Wikipedia, there are 4, 200 different religions. There are 30, 000 Christian organizations (groups, branches, denominations) worldwide. This is exactly what Paul is referring to in verse 23 where these self-made religions were created by humans which seems to be leading you to heaven when they are actually leading you to hell. I had a share of my exposure to different Christian denominations that seemed to be teaching about Jesus, but is mixed up with the world systems and human traditions. Until I read the bible in-depth, I wasn’t able to discern which ones are teaching the true gospel and living it. This is why Paul were so concerned for believers being misled by these vultures, who wants to steal the faith of those who profess they want to commit to Jesus. In my experience as a new believer, I didn’t know the truth until I studied Scriptures in depth. The truth set me free.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to study and meditate on God’s word?