Colossians 2:16-23

Colossians 2:16-23
16) Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; tyhe reality, however, is found in Christ. 18) Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you fot the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his inspiritual mind puffs him uo with idle notions. 19) He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
20) Since you died with Christ to the casic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21) “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch! 22) These are destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23) Such regulations indeedhave the appearance of wisdom, with their selfimposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Devotion
Colssians was written while Paul was in prison in Rome. It was written as a result of a visit to Paul by Epaphras who had brought the good news of Jesus Christ to Colosse. The visit was to bring Paul news of false teachers who were preaching about the need to follow strict riles regarding food and drink, religious festivals and circumcision. They were discrediting Jesus as the Christ. Paul advises the Colossians that such teachings consist of false humility and lack any value.

I see Paul imprisoned, yet who has completely surrendered to God’s will, forgetting about his own circumstances, being an encourager for those new in Christ, reminding them of the path true path to Christ. Paul is an encourager for me. He reminds me how easy it is to be distracted or be led astray by the world around me. Alone I would fail, but with those around me in the Jar, small group, CR, etc. I can stand firm in my relationship with Christ.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the avenues of support we have in the Jar and through fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who help us to remain strong and true to our Lord and Saviour.