Freedom Under Grace

Pastor Chang Kim

Colossians 2:20-23

20 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— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 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.

Introduction

Colossians 2:13-14   

Paul, on hearing of what is happening to the church of Colossae writes to them to warn and to help them realize though they have the appearance of wisdom and godliness, it is not so.

I.          A is not the way to Godliness

·  Asceticism sees the body to be evil, to be totally suppressed; self-discipline sees the body as good, but needing control

·  Asceticism is submitting my body to my will; self-discipline is submitting my whole life to God’s will

·  Asceticism labels all material things as evil; self-discipline properly uses and enjoys the things of the world

·  Asceticism is restrictive, self-discipline leads to greater freedom

·  Asceticism is often motivated by gaining acceptance from God; self-discipline is motivated by assurance of being accepted by God

Mark 7:6-7 

Mark 7:20-23

He calls these rules “self-made religion,” they are teachings of men. It’s a type of worship which people make up for themselves, apart from what God has revealed. They stretch the truth to meet their needs and beliefs. It’s a religion that takes some of God’s commands, but sets other commands aside.

Luke 18:11-12

II.        G is achieved through our identification with Christ

Romans 6:23 

John 3:16  

Romans 8:1-4  

In the Bible death always means separation, meaning that we died from the law, we are separated from the law’s power so that it no longer condemns us.

Romans 7:6

Galatians 2:19-21

Godliness is not achieved through the rules-keeping of ascetism but through our identification with Christ.

Conclusion

Philippians 2:9-11