Colossians 2:16-23
A Shadow and the Body
Read the passage
16Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.
17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.
18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.
19He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow.
20If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations:
21“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”?
22These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Because they belong to Christ, the Colossians must not let others judge them over food, drink or observance of festivals, new moons and Sabbaths. These are shadows pointing toward the reality found in Christ. The shadow cannot replace the One to whom it points.
Paul also warns against people who delight in false humility, worship angels and rely on speculation about visions. Such people may appear spiritual, but their pride reveals an unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with Christ, the head.
The church grows from its head. Like a body supported and joined together, it receives the growth God gives. A supposed spiritual advance that leaves Christ behind cuts itself off from the source of life.
The believers died with Christ to the world's spiritual forces. Why submit again to human rules about handling, tasting and touching things that perish with use? These restrictions concern temporary objects and rest on human commands.
Harsh treatment of the body and self-prescribed worship can look wise without overcoming sinful desire. Paul calls the church away from that appearance of holiness to life in Christ. The next chapter will describe the real obedience that grows from belonging to Him.
Questions
1 What is the relationship between the shadow and Christ?
AnswerThe observances point toward the reality found in Christ. Believers must not let others treat the shadow as a requirement beyond Him.
2 What is wrong with the spirituality Paul describes in verse 18?
AnswerIt combines false humility, angel worship and speculative claims with pride. The person has lost connection to Christ, the head.
3 Where does the church's growth come from?
AnswerIt comes from Christ the head as God causes the whole body to grow, supported and joined together in Him.
4 Why are harsh, humanly prescribed restrictions inadequate?
AnswerThey may look wise but do not overcome sinful indulgence. Their appearance of holiness cannot supply the life and growth found in Christ.
What This Means for Us
A strict personal rule can be useful without becoming God's command for everyone. Before judging another believer by a practice you follow, ask whether Scripture requires it or whether you have made your preference a measure of holiness.
Real growth includes turning from sin, loving others and remaining in Christ. A practice that makes us proud while leaving greed or cruelty untouched needs honest examination. Seek the change God gives through His Son.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us joined to You. Free us from pride in appearances, teach us to distinguish Your commands from our preferences and grow true holiness in Your people. Amen.