The Question of Regulations

Intro

[Thank worship team]

Good morning Bethel Church, and good morning to our network of rural churches that are joining us live on YouTube. And if you are new here, I want to extend a special welcome to you. If you would, there are “i’m new” cards in the seat in front of you. If you would fill that out there or at the Welcome Center outside of the sanctuary. We even have a free gift for you if you are new to Bethel. We would love to get in touch with you and discuss how to get connected to our church family.

Announcements:

Men’s Event

Arlynn H

Pie and Praise

Tonight at 6:30 for worship, pie to follow.

Need people at noon to help set up tables/chairs

Congregational meeting

Next week at 11 am

For members, but non-members are welcome to attend

Grab-And-Go Meals

Yesterday the care team and about 10 more volunteers assembled 60 grab-and-go meals.

This was in response to the government shut down, and SNAP benefits ceasing.

If your family would benefit from a meal, please take one after the service. No questions asked. They are located in the hallway by the church offices.

Any meals that are left we will freely give out to community members starting tomorrow. The care team knows that more meals may be necessary, so be on the lookout for the opportunity to help create more meals next Saturday.

Today we will be continuing our study of In, But Not Of. If you are reading out of the Bibles in front of you, our passage can be found on page 984. If you do not have a Bible, please stop by the Welcome Center and take one. It is our gift to you.

TRANS: Pray

Opening Hook

Context of Paul’s letter:

Jesus is greater than

We must avoid worldly and demonic philosophies

Christ has conquered sin and rebellious demonic forces of evil

With all of this power, with all of Christ’s victory, why is it that many Christians don’t “feel it?”

We go to church

Read our bibles

Pray

Maybe even try putting artsy Bible verses from Hobbie Lobby on our walls

Yet… we don’t feel it. Why isn’t this working?

A Common Question

Why do various spiritual practices not seem to “work?”

TRANS: [text]

Colossians 2:16–17 ESV

16 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. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

Regulations and Christ

Spiritual practices are not an end in itself.

Colossians 2:16-17

The church in Colosse clearly had some issues of focus. Here starts the list of things that, apparently, people were making a fuss about. So we must make two key observations, first what the issue was, and second why it misses the point:

Max Anders summarizes the issue:

Anders describes Paul’s discussion of “diets (what you eat or drink) and days (religious festival, New Moon celebration, Sabbath day)” in terms of legalism. In his view, the false Colossian teachers went “far beyond the Mosaic code” by observing regulations more intense than those in the law itself.1

1 Derek R. Brown, Colossians, ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Research Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013), Col 1:24–2:23.

Some people were focusing so heavily on keeping customs that they forgot the purpose of the customs. Paul’s problem is not that the thing they are doing is bad, but that they’ve forgotten why they’re doing it.

Diets and days, as Max Anders summarizes it, are meant to point to Christ. Festivals, dietary restrictions, etc are meant to be reminders, pointers, to Jesus. They are a shadow, Jesus is the fullness. But some people think that because they perform the habits, that they’ve understood the “heart” behind it. But habits do not equate heart.

This is not a new problem. The prophets regularly got after the Israelites for obeying the letter of the law, but their hearts being far from the Lord. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

But even worse, these Christians were “passing judgement,” meaning, they were attaching their strict rule-following emphasis to gaining forgiveness from God. This is legalism. It is saying that you in some way must “earn” your salvation by obedience.

What about this? Is the Christian bound to strict observance of diets and days? No. Two passages of Scripture make this clear (Heb. 9:10; Gal. 4:8–11). Here in Colossians 2:17, Paul informs us that rule keeping is just a shadow: there is no real spiritual substance. The reality (literally the “body” which casts the shadow) is found in Christ. Again and again, whatever the topic, Paul brings believers back to Christ.1

1 Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 308.

TRANS: The habits can be good, they can honor God, but the warning is that they ought not be an end in themselves.

Colossians 2:18–19 ESV

18 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, 19 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.

Beware of Christless spirituality.

Colossians 2:18-19

Now Paul’s concern is that no one should “disqualify” them. Clearly there were some who were promoting what we’ll call “the colossian heresy” that emphasized not only legalism, but various kinds of mystic experiences.

Hendriksen considers the presence of the definite article in the phrase “worship of the angels” (thrēskeia tōn angelōn) indicates that Paul is addressing actual angel-worship in Col 2:18. He adds that several passages in Revelation reveal that this spiritual practice may have been further attested among the Christian communities of the first century (see Rev 19:10; 22:8, 9).1

1 Derek R. Brown, Colossians, ed. Douglas Mangum, Lexham Research Commentaries (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013), Col 1:24–2:23.

Even angels know it is wrong to receive worship from humans:

Revelation 19:10 ESV

10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation 22:8–9 ESV

8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

A hint: if there is an angel that in any way receives honor, glory, or praise from humans, it is not the good kind.

Paul is warning of these practices all have a flavor of one who is “puffed up.” A false humility, pride, that is fueled by ego and hollow so called “spiritual experiences.” Perhaps this person has “found themselves” or “become whole.” they “discovered their true self” or “they are new.” Because any counterfeit has to steal from the truth to make itself look more legitimate, here’s a diagnostic question: is this “spirituality” based in the wisdom and fullness of Christ?

Paul’s instruction is that the church would not hold fast to these hollow mystic practices, but to Christ! Only habits that are connected to the “Head” will produce growth and healing.

“Why are my spiritual practices not working??” Well, perhaps because you’ve become so focused on the practice you’ve forgotten Christ.

This is the mistake of:

Those who still follow the Jewish regulations. They’ve missed Christ.

Those who dabble in new spirituality and occult: taro cards, crystals, eastern meditation: They’ve missed Christ.

Those who tell you that you must “empty yourself,” but all you’re thinking about is yourself… they’ve missed Christ.

Those who treat the Bible like a list of spells or charms: they’ve missed Christ.

Those who call themselves “spiritual but not religious.” They’ve missed Christ.

There is a rising sentiment in our world that wants “spiritual sounding things” but rejects Jesus. Because to embrace Jesus is to acknowledge that He is King, and not us. He’s the final authority, I am not. But when we set ourselves up to be god, we fall for the first lie that Satan ever told: “Eat this, and you will be like God.”

Reject this lie. We were made to be in relationship with our Creator, yet embracing our role as His creation.

We must “take hold” of Christ. That phrase, “take hold” is also translated elsewhere as “seize.” Grab and hold on, cling to, attach yourself with, connect to. This is how we grow. We stay connected to Jesus. Some Christians will try to disqualify you because you “haven’t experienced” x, y, or z. But the point is to be connected to Christ.

From this relationship, you will grow, because the growth is from God.

TRANS: But Paul is not done. He takes one final blow, and shows the real problem with such a legalistic, mystic, and hallow approach.

Colossians 2:20–23 ESV

20 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— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 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.

Man-made religion cannot produce heart-change.

Colossians 2:20-23

Here’s that idea again, “elemental spirits.”

Because death by its very nature severs existing relationships (e.g., Rom 7:1–6), so the Colossians are depicted as dead to the stoicheia of this world.259 Though the world is created by the Son and though it has been reconciled to the Father through the Son (Col 1:15–20), the stoicheia of this world are still in rebellion against the Son (1:13; 2:8, 20).1

259 Technically, they do not die to (as in Rom 6:2) but die from the στοιχεῖα: ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου. The preposition indicates separation from death and the στοιχεῖα that lead to death, and therefore to liberation (BDF §211; Harris, 127–28; Moo, 233). Wright has “out from under” (130). See above at 2:8. On “world,” see BDAG 561–63; John Painter, “World,” DPL 979–82; NIDNTTE 2:730–36.

1 Scot McKnight, The Letter to the Colossians, ed. Ned B. Stonehouse et al., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 281–282.

Here’s these fallen spiritual beings once again. I told you it’s all over the place! Paul links these legalistic/mystic teachings to a demonic source.

You are in the world, but you are not OF the world! You are not OF the worldly systems of thought, the hallow and deceptive philosophies, or the spiritual forces of evil (that Christ Conquered on the cross!). This is fleshly and demonic spirituality disguising itself as Godly and righteous.

But a spirituality that puts all the emphasis on your own effort makes you God.

Colossians and Philemon Contemporary Significance

A do-it-yourself religion puts “self” at the center and consequently is doomed to failure. If we set as our goals self-discipline, self-awareness, self-fulfillment, self-esteem, self-actualization, or self-help, we usually wind up with a worship of the self.59

Why can’t all of these things stop the indulgence of the flesh? Because these indulgences come from YOU. You are powerless to stop yourself, fix yourself, remake yourself. Not in any ultimate sense.

Now you might be thinking “this is the least uplifting message I’ve heard in a while. Plus, it’s inaccurate. I’ve grown in discipline, I’ve stopped bad habits, I’ve become more self aware.” Ahh, yes. I agree with you. You likely have. But let me ask you, when you fix one problem do more pop up? Have you fully mastered yourself? Have you never failed in being self-disciplined?

Our flesh is like a bottle of pop that is being shaken up. We might keep the lid on for a while, but eventually we pop.

The flesh loves when we feel in control, it is actually one of the great lies that comes from the flesh, that *we don’t need God to grow.* This is why wide is the road that leads to hell, because few acknowledge that they cannot fix themselves.

Christ is the only solution, and we’ll get there next week in chapter 3. One of my favorite passages in the whole New Testament.

The answer to legalism is the continual realization of the grace of Christ. The answer to mysticism is an understanding of how profoundly we are related to Christ. The answer to asceticism is the reckoning that we have died, been buried, and are resurrected with Christ. The answer is where it all began: at the foot of the Cross.1

1 R. Kent Hughes, Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ, Preaching the Word (Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1989), 87.

TRANS: The drum I keep beating through this series is this: Christ is greater. So lay aside earthly things, for you are not of the world, and take hold of Christ. We do this by taking two steps:

In, But Not Of

Beware of what appears to be wise, but is hollow.

Colossians and Philemon Contemporary Significance

We should be on our guard against any religious practice or worldview that promotes any or all of the following things:

• anything that judges and disqualifies others according to arbitrary human measures

• anything that substitutes sham battles with asceticism for the real struggle with sin (3:5–11), which Christ has already won for us

• anything that makes subjective feelings or mystic states the norm over the historical event of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection

• anything that places more importance on divine intermediaries, such as angels, than on the divine reality in Christ

• anything that cuts people off from Christ, the Head, or Christ’s people, the body

TRANS: [text]

Remember, Christ is the aim.

Illustration: The Fitness Tracker Faith

A few years ago, a man named Mike bought a fitness tracker. Every morning, he’d strap it on, proud of himself for “getting healthy.” He synced it to his phone, tracked his steps, and even joined a group challenge at work. But after a few months, he noticed something odd — he hadn’t actually lost any weight or built any strength. He was doing all the tracking, but not much of the exercising. He walked just enough to check the box and then rewarded himself with donuts.

One day, a coworker asked how his new fitness plan was going, and he laughed:

“Well, the tracker says I’m doing great. My body disagrees.”

This is a great example of “missing the point.” The tracker is meant to aid in a lifestyle of fitness, not replacing it.

Likewise, we can miss the point of spiritual habits. They are meant to orient us toward Christ, not be an end in itself.

Did I spend time with Jesus? Or did I just pray quick so I could eat.

Did I turn my attention fully to Christ? Or did I just get through today’s reading.

Did my affections toward God grow? Or was I just thinking about what I was going to eat for lunch.

I texted the church staff this morning, because we have Pie and Praise this evening, contata practice, small groups, all sorts of things happening today. And I encouraged them to remember that all of this “ministry activity” is not the end in itself, Christ is the aim. Yes, even church leaders get so busy “doing ministry” that we forget Christ.

Conclusion : It must be a constant reminder, which Paul then expresses in chapter 3, to set your minds on things above. To remember, remember, remember christ. This moves us to the ordinance of communion.

Invitation

Brothers and sisters, as we draw near to the Lord’s Table to celebrate the Communion of the body and blood of Christ.

At Bethel, we practice what is called “open communion.” Meaning, you do not have to be a formal member to take communion. However, we believe that communion is something that is reserved for those who have a relationship with Jesus. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, I would suggest that taking communion would be like like celebrating an anniversary with a stranger! (a silly thing for sure)

But on the contrary, if you have given your life to Christ, communion is a joyful celebration of your relationship with Jesus, and what he has done for you. We are grateful to remember that our Lord instituted this ordinance:

• For the perpetual memory of his dying for our sakes and the pledge of his undying love; • As a bond of our union with him and each other as members of his body, the church; • As a seal of his promises to us and a renewal of our obedience to him; • For the assurance of his presence with us who are gathered here in his name; • As an opportunity for us who love the Savior to be fed spiritually in Christ, who is the Bread of Life; and • As a pledge of his coming again.

[[[Pass the plates]]]

Fencing This sacred time at the Lord’s Table is for believers who have rested all their hope on the death and resurrection of Christ. If you are not yet a believer, you should refrain from partaking until you come to faith in Christ—and then joyfully partake along with the body of Christ. We encourage those of you who are believers to examine your hearts, so that you can partake in a worthy manner. If your heart is not right, refrain until you can come freely to partake.

Prayer for the Bread Christ Jesus, when you came into the world, you said to the Father: “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.” Then you said, “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book” (Heb. 10:5–7).

And then you came in the incarnation, and by a single offering of your body on the cross you achieved what all the offerings on Jewish altars could never accomplish—the complete forgiveness of our sins. Bread of heaven, as we now partake of the symbol, ravish our hearts and refresh our souls. Amen.

Partaking of the Bread Jesus said: “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:24).

Silence

The Cup

“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me’ ” (1 Cor. 11:25).

Prayer for the Cup

Our gracious God, we thank you this day for the new covenant, the covenant sealed through the blood of Jesus Christ, your Son. And we drink this cup in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, asking him even now, through the Spirit, to commune with us as we commune with each other. With grateful hearts, O Christ, we drink of you and to you. Amen.

Dismiss

Talk About It/Think About It

Why do we often treat spiritual practices as a checklist instead of a means of deepening our relationship with Christ?

What are modern examples of “Christless spirituality,” and how can we stay connected to the Head, who is Christ?

Why do self-made religious rules often appear wise but fail to change our hearts?

How can we discern whether something that sounds spiritual is actually hollow or self-serving?

What helps you reorient your life and faith on Christ when distractions or religious expectations pull you away?

What is one practical step you can take this week to keep Christ at the center of your life?