The Delights of Christian Liberty- Col. 2:16-19

Since the beginning of the church, there have always been questions about what is right and what is wrong for believers to do.

In the early church, there were debates on what you could eat (no doubt due to the Jewish heritage).

There were later questions about what people could wear, what places Christians could frequent, and even what types of music a Christian could listen to.

Paul is expanding his discussion on the glorious work of Jesus Christ, and he bridges his next discussion, spanning four verses, on Christian liberty as a result of that glorious work.

But what is Christian liberty? It is a doctrine that has been near and dear to believers, especially Baptists, throughout history. But what is it?

It is just a list of things believers can do?

No, although it certainly includes those freedoms, it is much more.

Jim Savastio defines it this way,

“At its core, Christian liberty is freedom purchased by Christ, delineated in Scripture, and enjoyed under the present influence of the Holy Spirit.” Jim Savastio

Paul has labored hard for these believers, for us, to know our liberty in Christ, our freedom from the bondage of the Law, freedom from slavery to sin, freedom from the influences of the world, the flesh, and the devils, freedom to access God whenever we need Him.

I. Christ Purchased Christian Liberty- 2:16-17

II. Christ Protects Christian Liberty- 2:18-19

A. Protection from Syncretic Influence

1. Self Abasement (unpacked more in 2:21-22)

2. Angel Worship (Previously addressed 1:16; 2:15)

B. Protection from Legalistic Influence

C. Protection from Licentious Influence

III. Christ is Personified Christian Liberty- 2:18 “Your Prize”