Devotional: Colossians 2:16-19

Today’s passage: Colossians 2:16-19

Helpful thoughts:

• The list of things people might try to pass judgments over were things false teachers were trying to add to what Jesus already fully accomplished for us at the cross.
  • Jesus + anything is not the gospel!
    • This would be the true definition of legalism.  Adding laws as extra burdens on people to make them “earn” their salvation.
• Asceticism is severe self-discipline.  This would have referred to forms of extreme fasting for spiritual “illumination” and “vision.”
• In Christ, in the gospel, in the Word of God, we (the church) have everything we need to be healthy and growing!  Don’t settle for less!

Questions to consider:

1. What kinds of various things were people trying to add to the gospel which Paul listed in this passage?  Which ones sound similar to what people might do in our culture today?  Which ones sound very different (Strange even)?  Why?
2. What is the root motive and desire behind all of these additions to the gospel and Christ (see the end of verse 18)?  Who is man trying to promote and appease when we altar the faith or create different forms of religion?  Why is that so sinful and destructive?
3. What would be some traditions and practices our church has that are not directly biblical (Not that they’re bad, just not biblically mandated), that if we were to make it more important to our existence and life than it is, they would become legalistic and detrimental to our growth and health?