The Weakness of Legalism – Colossians 2

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (20-22)

Many people are confused by the bible and see it as a book of “do’s” and “don’ts.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, God does not advocate hedonism and licentiousness, but there is a freedom in Christ that the Law cannot contain. Perhaps, most who believe the bible is all about “rules” believe this because of the inclusion of the Old Testament law. Yet, Paul makes it clear that the Law can show us our sin, but it never had the power to free us from it. Indeed, there is a moral law that God expects all of us to follow, and this truth is not relative depending on your time, culture, or perspective. But, the ability to live righteously does not come from the power of rules but from the grace of God and the power of His Spirit living in us.

The Colossians were confused because they wanted to replace their freedom in Christ with a laundry list of manufactured regulations. These regulations consisted of what could be touched, tasted, and handled—in short, physical things according to human precepts and teachings. Interestingly, Paul said these things had the appearance of wisdom and produced people who looked very spiritual on the surface but had no power to control the lust of the flesh. We see this principle at work in the lives of Christians today. Many believe if they are in the right church, have enough willpower, and follow all the rules, then they will somehow please God and be holy. Yet, no amount of willpower or human striving can produce holiness. Only God’s Spirit can give us freedom from sin, and only His power at work within us can give us victory. No matter how ascetically you live, you can never be perfect. Perfection is found only in Christ, and our lives are lived by grace through faith in Him. Everything else is just a worthless counterfeit.