Word@Work Col24 - Colossians 2:16-17
Published: Fri, 06/24/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
POWERFUL APPROVAL
Colossians 2:16-17 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. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (NIV)
We all want to be liked. As a part of our desire to relate well with others, we want their approval of what we do. Every kind of society provides affirmation for people who keep the rules. The principle is the same for tribes and clubs, professional associations, businesses, sports, religious organisations and even criminal gangs ... keep the rules and all is well, break them and beware.
Before Christ, God's people had a law. But although none of them could keep it perfectly, they found it difficult to understand that the redeeming sacrifice of Christ bought, for believers, freedom from the rules of the law. Old habits are difficult to erase. Some Jewish believers wanted the Church to keep the old traditions, and looked down on those who did not. But that sort of teaching was wrong because Christ had redeemed His people from the obligations of the law - He paid the cost of all our sins which would keep us out of heaven, and nothing we can do can add to that (Ephesians 2:8-9).
However many people find religion (which depends on what we do) easier than faith (which depends on trusting what Christ has done for us). Even true believers are lured back by those who want them to conform to a style of religious behaviour which is considered 'right' by the majority. That is not to say we should abandon any practice which builds us up in Christ and promotes true unity in Christ, but when those things become more important than the grace of Christ they cannot be serving His kingdom. So we need to be encouraged by the Apostle's words and not let the wrong expectations of others deflect us from wholeheartedly trusting in the grace of Christ, being free to live in a dynamic relationship with Him. It is His approval which matters most!
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for loving me, not because of the good things I do but because I am trusting in the grace of Christ. Thank You for Your approval and for removing the condemnation which was due because of my sin. Forgive me when I feel rejected because I do not meet the religious expectations of others. Please enable me to enjoy an honest relationship with You, in which You exchange my sin for Your righteousness; and give me a daily desire to please You in the way I live. Help me to be wise to discern truth from error as I listen to teaching, and may I be a good advocate of Your truth. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
We all want to be liked. As a part of our desire to relate well with others, we want their approval of what we do. Every kind of society provides affirmation for people who keep the rules. The principle is the same for tribes and clubs, professional associations, businesses, sports, religious organisations and even criminal gangs ... keep the rules and all is well, break them and beware.
Before Christ, God's people had a law. But although none of them could keep it perfectly, they found it difficult to understand that the redeeming sacrifice of Christ bought, for believers, freedom from the rules of the law. Old habits are difficult to erase. Some Jewish believers wanted the Church to keep the old traditions, and looked down on those who did not. But that sort of teaching was wrong because Christ had redeemed His people from the obligations of the law - He paid the cost of all our sins which would keep us out of heaven, and nothing we can do can add to that (Ephesians 2:8-9).
However many people find religion (which depends on what we do) easier than faith (which depends on trusting what Christ has done for us). Even true believers are lured back by those who want them to conform to a style of religious behaviour which is considered 'right' by the majority. That is not to say we should abandon any practice which builds us up in Christ and promotes true unity in Christ, but when those things become more important than the grace of Christ they cannot be serving His kingdom. So we need to be encouraged by the Apostle's words and not let the wrong expectations of others deflect us from wholeheartedly trusting in the grace of Christ, being free to live in a dynamic relationship with Him. It is His approval which matters most!
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for loving me, not because of the good things I do but because I am trusting in the grace of Christ. Thank You for Your approval and for removing the condemnation which was due because of my sin. Forgive me when I feel rejected because I do not meet the religious expectations of others. Please enable me to enjoy an honest relationship with You, in which You exchange my sin for Your righteousness; and give me a daily desire to please You in the way I live. Help me to be wise to discern truth from error as I listen to teaching, and may I be a good advocate of Your truth. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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