How does Colossians 2:22 connect with Jesus' teachings on traditions in Mark 7? Setting the Scene: Two Passages, One Concern • Colossians 2:22: “These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.” • Mark 7:8–9, 13: “You have disregarded the command of God to keep the tradition of men. … You nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down.” Both Paul and Jesus expose the same problem: man-made regulations masquerading as divine requirements. What Paul Is Tackling in Colossians 2 • Context (2:20–23): The church was being pressured to accept rules like “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch.” • Paul’s verdict: – They are “human commands and teachings.” – They “have an appearance of wisdom” but “are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” – Everything governed by these rules “perish[es] with use”—temporary, earthly, not eternal. • Implication: Christ’s finished work frees believers from rule-based religion. What Jesus Confronts in Mark 7 • The Pharisees elevate “the tradition of the elders” above God’s law. • Example: Corban rule (v.11–12) let a person vow possessions to the temple, dodging responsibility to parents, breaking the fifth commandment. • Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13—“These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” • Bottom line: Tradition becomes toxic when it overrides the clear word of God. Shared Diagnosis: Human Tradition Over God’s Word • Source: Both passages pinpoint “human commands.” • Effect: – Mark 7: “Nullify the word of God.” – Colossians 2: “No value” spiritually and “perish with use.” • Heart issue: Substituting external rules for internal devotion. • Other confirming texts: – Galatians 5:1—“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” – 1 Timothy 4:3–5—Prohibitions about foods are labeled “teachings of demons,” because God created foods “to be received with thanksgiving.” – Romans 14:17—“The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Why This Matters for Us Today • Traditions can help, yet they must stay subordinate to Scripture. • Any practice that distracts from the sufficiency of Christ repeats the Colossian error and the Pharisaic spirit. • Guardrails: – Measure every tradition by explicit Scripture. – Ask whether a rule points to Christ or merely polices behavior. – Remember that spiritual growth flows from union with Christ, not compliance checklists. Living Out the Freedom Christ Gives • Enjoy created gifts with gratitude (1 Timothy 4:4). • Serve God from the heart, not compulsion (Colossians 3:23). • Hold traditions loosely, God’s word tightly. • Keep the main thing the main thing: “In Him the whole fullness of Deity dwells bodily, and in Him you have been made complete” (Colossians 2:9–10). |
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