August 3, 2018

Free in Christ

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink…” Col. 2:16

Verse 16 begins with the word “Therefore,” directly inferring the result of everything Paul presented in the preceding verses.  After all Christ had done, “so let no one judge you” and again in verse 18, “let no one cheat you.”  Paul instructs the church to let no one judge them in the things, which are but a shadow, and not the substance.  The apostle states that the substance of all things is Christ.

He then writes to not be cheated out of our reward, through certain deceits:

• Delighting in false humility;
• Worship of angels;
• Entering into discussion (or agreement) with things we have not experienced or witnessed;
• Vanity of our earthly thoughts; and,
• Letting go of the Head, who is Christ.

Beloved, so much of this has to do with our mindset and our thoughts.  Paul is stating that the above list is not Kingdom thinking, but thinking that will cheat us of our reward.  He continues to instruct the church that if they truly died with Christ, then they should not be subject to regulations that are no eternal value.  The church is to be subject to Christ, for Christ is eternal.  His commandments are of eternal value.  Paul opposes the commandments and doctrines of men, for those things will perish.