An Elder Speaks

Avoiding Things That Perish With Use
An Article by Ronald Thompkins
November 23, 2003

Col 2:20-23

20 Since you died with Christ to the basic 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 all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. NIV

The Church of Christ at Colosse had allowed a lot of worldly influences to seep into the Church, thereby,  causing a lot of members to stumble. The Jewish influence was very prominent when one looks at verses 16-19 of the second chapter. The Jewish system still emphasized strict compliance over certain foods, as well as observance of certain days for “religious” value. What they had a lot of difficulty accepting was through the blood of Jesus, no man is now to be judged as it relates to meats or drink, or in respect of the feasts of days (annual celebrations), or the new moons (monthly celebrations), or the Sabbath Days (weekly celebrations)..

Paul admonished the members of the Church, “let no one judge you” and “let no one cheat you of your reward” (Col. 2:16, 18). As with a lot of other scriptures penned by the Apostle Paul, he used terms from the athletic world. In this instance he probably referred to judges in athletic events who could disqualify contestants based on their interpretation of the rules in effect. In fact he could have as much suggested these members should not have even participated in these events at all in the first place. As we can see elsewhere Paul was not one to give into false teaching (Gal 2:4-5). When problems arise in the Church this is the time where mature, knowledgeable, and determined Christians will stand firm and stay close to fellow Christians (Col 2:19).

The Apostle reminded the members that when true conversion takes place in the life of the Christian, they become dead to their former love for sin (Col. 2:20-21). And they were also warned you should not continue to flirt with things regulated or commanded by men: “do not touch”, “do not taste”, “do not handle” (Col 2:21). As should have been evident from Jewish history, these regulations did not work. The people were not able to keep them, and they brought no redeeming value of a spiritual nature. Even for those who may have outwardly displayed an appearance of humble dedication to God, no lasting value was found, because these regulations and commands could not quench their thirst for sin.

Yes Christ, Our Redeemer, taught that we should respect our bodies, and to avoid excesses (Rom 12:1-2), but he never taught we were to hate our bodies or deform (e.g., tattoos) them in any way for simply show (Eph. 5:29-30). This is a good time to reflect on the way in which we worship, as well as celebrate certain days and festivals. It is a good time to ask ourselves, is this something that was created through the will of man (which will have also no value against the insatiable desires of the flesh) or by the will of God revealed through the Holy Spirit? (Col 2:23)

UP