Rely on Christ Alone: Colossians 2:16-23

Introduction:

It’s important for us to recognize the reliance of the text before us on the first 15 verses in this passage. Therefore, I want to give a brief summary of what Jessy shared last week starting from verse 8 as the background to our discussion this morning. Colossians 2 revolves around Paul’s use of the word ‘therefore’. That is, it forms the structure of the passage in which Paul presents teaching and then gives the application. For example, Paul began the passage with the truth “Christ possesses the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” (Colossians 2:3) to which he concluded with “walk in Christ” (Colossians 2:6), the application being framed with Paul using ‘therefore’.

Thus, we’re prompted to inquire, what is the central truth that will guide our study today?

Be taken Captive by Christ (v. 8)

From this main theme, Paul elaborates as to why we should be taken captive by Christ instead of philosophy and empty deception.

Christ is the fullness of Deity in bodily form (v. 9)

He makes us complete (v. 10a)

He is the supreme authority (v. 10b)

He has circumcised our sinful hearts (v. 11)

He has raised us up as He was victoriously raised from the dead (v. 12)

He has made us alive when we were dead (v. 13a)

He has forgiven our sins through nailing them to the cross (v. 13a-14)

He has disarmed hostile spiritual forces and triumphed (v. 15)

All the reasons listed above demonstrate Christ’s sufficiency that not only shows our insufficiency but the insufficiency of anything else as compared to Christ in both salvation and growth in holiness.

Therefore, I want for us to consider today the need to Rely on Christ alone.

Rely on Christ alone instead Religious Observances (Colossians 2:16-17)

When reading through the list of Colossians 2:16, what piece of Scripture might come to mind concerning these items?

Observances of certain aspects of the Mosaic Law; hence, what is in view concerns religious observances.

Consider, eating and drink related to the dietary regulations in the Law (Lev. 11) that had otherwise been nullified by Christ (MacArthur; Mk 7:14-19; Ac 10:9-15).

The reference to ‘festivals’ referred to those on the Jewish calendar such as Passover, wherein Paul wrote about freedom to observe but not a requirement in Romans 14:5, 6 (MacArthur, Lev 23).

‘New Moon’ draws attention to the sacrifices that were offered on the first of the month (MacArthur, Nu 28:11-14).

Interestingly, the Sabbath observance has been absorbed into worshipping on Sunday on account of the fact that the Lord rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Ac 20:7; MacArthur).

In light of verse 17, the problem that is primarily in view concerns a challenge to Christ’s superiority.

They’re elevating something over Christ.

That is, they’re elevating their efforts to observe these items (food & drink distinction; festival, new moon celebrations, and Sabbath observance) over Christ.

Instead, Christ is superior.

These elements of and the Mosaic Law itself merely pointed to Christ and He fulfilled them.

Put another way, what’s superior: a picture or the subject of the picture?

The subject

Similarly, the Mosaic Law and these observances pointed to Christ.

Now that Christ has come, His superiority is clearly on display

The problem with elevating something over Christ is twofold.

His superiority is clearly on display.

If we downplay Christ’s superiority then we have to turn somewhere, even if it means relying on our own efforts, such as in strict religious observances.

We’re not living in the first century, apart of the Colossian church.

Instead, we’re living in the 21st century, apart of North Bedford Baptist Church.

Therefore, we could be tempted in one of two directions.

How does this affect me?

Or, walking away from this text thinking this is nothing that I have a problem with.

Rather, the problem affects us in the way we approach the traditions associated with worshipping the Lord.

Let me explain it another way.

What prompts you to come to church?

What prompts you to partake in church functions?

With these questions, it’s not meant to discourage participation.

Instead, we need to let the Lord’s Word evaluate our hearts.

We worship the Lord corporately as His church on Sundays as a fresh celebration that our Lord is alive.

Therefore, we must rely on Christ alone instead of traditions for, without Christ, these become personal efforts that can save no more than just mere observance of the Law could.

Transition: Colossians 2:16-17 challenges us to rely on Christ instead of religious observances for Christ is sufficient and our own efforts fail. Next, let’s consider that we must …

Rely on Christ alone instead of Spiritual Experiences (Colossians 2:18-19)

Notice, there are three things that help us to understand that Paul is talking about spiritual experiences. (Colossians 2:18)

Self-abasement which we would otherwise understand as a false demonstration of humility.

it has the appearance of humility

However, it is motivated by something else.

In other words, there is a sinister element associated with this.

This can only be motivated by pride and selfishness.

We could then say it’s not true humility but served by pride.

There are two possible ways for us to understand the phrase ‘worship of angels’.

First, the traditional interpretation is understood as worship that is directed towards angels.

This is specifically outlawed in Scripture. (MacArthur, Mt 4:10; Rv 19:10; 22:8, 9)

Christ has already demonstrated Himself as superior to the hostile spiritual forces so it’s absurd to think of worshipping anything else! (Colossians 2:15)

The other way of understanding this statement concerns the manner of worship. (DBI)

This observation concerns claiming individual transcendence that led to viewing and thereby learning how angels worship.

Thus, these individuals were claiming that their worship manner was superior to others in that it was in line with how the angels worship.

Hence, they were making prideful claims about their own spiritual development as compared to others who did not have the same experience.

Between both possibilities, I’m inclined to go with the former given the Scriptural support against the worship of anything but the Lord.

By implication, what inspired this false humility and worship directed towards angels?

Visions

Another way we could understand this is that they were claiming to have received special revelations about these practices.

The problem with this, in light of verse 19, concerns the fact that they were elevating and obeyed revelations that were opposed to Christ.

Hence, they were elevating these revelations over the very Word of God. (MacArthur)

According to verse 18, what is the source of their visions?

Their fleshly mind.

Therefore, in all actuality, they were following their own sinful desires and coming up with their own revelations to justify their behaviors.

What is so strikingly ironic is that they are attempting to claim a superior spirituality.

Instead, Paul makes it evident that they are clearly unspiritual.

Verse 19 puts everything in clearer perspective: they are alienated from Christ, the true source of spiritual life. (cf. John 15:5; BKC)

In the end, what Paul references here concerns those that were elevating their experiences to the level of determining their salvation.

The reality is that now, just as then, we cannot trust our experiences to lead us to the truth.

Instead, we must be led by God’s Word.

Transition: So far, we’ve considered that Christ is far superior to our own efforts put forward in religious observances along with our spiritual experiences. Finally, let’s consider that we must …

Rely on Christ alone instead of Self-Denial (Colossians 2:20-23)

Herein, the phrase ‘elementary principles of the world’ surfaces again just as it did in verse 8.

As a reminder, these are spiritual forces hostile to Christ.

Further, Christ has already defeated them as referenced in verse 15.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that Paul’s tone takes on an element of shock since Christ has proven Himself superior!

How is it that v. 21 helps us to understand that Paul is referring to self-denial?

All the negative statements that have to do with those senses that are related to self-indulgence.

What is the inherent value of this self-denial for its own purposes? (Colossians 2:22)

None, for those things that one is denying are destined to perish.

In other words, just denying one’s self for its own purpose to achieve spiritual progress is worthless because those things that are being denied pertain to this life only.

Keep in mind, the difference between keeping ourselves from certain things and the self-denial that Paul references here concerns motivation.

Those that Paul is accusing pursue self-denial apart from Christ in their own strength to merit salvation and increase in holiness.

This is evident from the very next verse.

They pursue self-denial to restrain self-indulgence (ie. holy behavior).

However, what is the result of this effort?

It’s of no value.

In other words, self-denial in and of itself is of no effect against curbing self-indulgence.

This is because self-denial cannot change your desires.

Where do desires come from?

The heart. (DBI)

Who is the only One who can change the heart?

The Lord.

Thus, even in the personal effort to limit oneself, one only increases their appetite for sinful things.

The danger associated with this lifestyle of self-denial concerns just how attractive it can be.

It’s attractive on account of the strict self-discipline that is displayed.

Think about it, we marvel at the determination that athletes demonstrate on the field and their dedication to a physical regimen that includes a restricted food intake and the willful choice to exercise their body instead of undertaking other sedentary activities.

When we see this displayed in a religious sense, there’s a temptation to elevate that person on account of their efforts.

Paul’s method of combating this temptation to hold these kinds of people in awe concerns truth.

That is, the truth that these efforts ultimately have no impact on restraining sin nature.

Hence, we can only rely on Christ to restrain our sin nature for, in His sacrifice, He has nullified the power of our sin nature over us. (cf. 2:8)

Whereas those who have truly been redeemed have a changed lifestyle because of the work Christ is doing in them as they rely on Christ.

Paul will take up more of this discussion in the next chapter, which I can’t wait for!

Conclusion: Truthfully, while we may not be facing the specific temptations outlined concerning Judaism, we do face this temptation in a similar way. That is, we’re prompted to consider, are we relying on our own observances of organized religion as the mark of our salvation or holiness? Are we relying on our spiritual experiences to determine our salvation or holiness? Are we relying on our own efforts to deny ourselves certain things as a means of becoming holy?