Settling - Colossians 2 (and a glimpse into 3)

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: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 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. Colossians 2:20-23

I loved what one of the commentaries said that I read…why do we settle for lighting a candle, when we can bask in the noonday sun?

Gnostic beliefs were already present in this church and Paul was writing a letter to help set them straight. Gnosticism was or is a belief system that you can enhance your spirituality through increased wisdom and deeds. That there are different levels of salvation and spirituality, and that Christ came to impart this wisdom necessary for salvation.

Like modern day ‘Legaists’, Gnostics placed greater weight to what they abstained from and their perceived piety and knowledge than the redemptive work Christ did for us on the Cross.

I love the last verse….. but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence….meaning your head knowledge and repetitive abstention from doing things, does nothing for your heart. As a matter of fact….the first couple of verses in Chapter 3 points out….to set our hearts and minds on the things above….Paul continually makes the Christian Journey about the do’s and not about the don’ts.

Christ tells us he wants us to have life….and life to the full…..yet Christians tend to be (like Brandon pointed out Sunday) some of the meanest and most unhappy people around. Thank you guys for setting your hearts and minds on things above….as we continue to search the scriptures to learn about Our Father’s heart.