Asceticism

1 John 2:15–17 ESV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Luke 14:26 ESV

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 9:23 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow

Colossians 2:16–23 ESV

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.

Luke 9:23 ESV

Colossians 2:16-23, Paul warns against being judged by others regarding food, drink, festivals, new moons, or sabbaths, emphasizing that these are mere shadows of the true reality found in Christ, not sources of spiritual growth. He cautions against ascetic practices and self-imposed regulations, urging believers to focus on Christ's sufficiency and avoid being ensnared by empty philosophies. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

The Context:Paul is addressing the Colossian church, which was facing false teachings that emphasized legalistic practices and self-denial, rather than the sufficiency of Christ. 

The Warning:

"Let no one judge you in matters of food or drink, or with respect to a festival, a new moon, or a Sabbath.": (Colossians 2:16) 

Paul is warning against being judged by others for not observing certain Jewish customs, which were seen as shadows of the things to come. 

These are not binding on Christians, who are free in Christ. 

"For these are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.": (Colossians 2:17) 

The Old Testament laws and practices were symbolic and preparatory, pointing to the fulfillment in Christ. 

Believers are to focus on the reality of Christ, not the shadows. 

"Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and worship of angels, as if he had seen some visions.": (Colossians 2:18) 

Paul warns against those who promote self-imposed regulations and rituals, claiming to have special knowledge or visions. 

These practices are not rooted in Christ and can lead to a false sense of spiritual achievement. 

"These things have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value against God's desires.": (Colossians 2:23) 

Paul exposes the emptiness of these practices, which may appear impressive but ultimately lack true spiritual value. 

They are based on human precepts and teachings rather than God's truth. 

The Emphasis:

Christ's Sufficiency: Paul emphasizes that believers have everything they need in Christ, and there is no need to rely on external practices or regulations. 

Freedom in Christ: Believers are free to live in accordance with their faith in Christ, without being bound by legalistic rules or traditions. 

Focus on Christ: Paul encourages believers to focus on Christ and the gospel, rather than on external practices or human teachings. 

Jesus wants relationship not ritual

Matthew 15:1–9 ESV

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”