How can Colossians 2:16 help us understand Christian freedom from legalism? Setting the Scene • Colossians 2:16: “Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.” • Paul has just affirmed Christ’s full deity (2:9) and our complete forgiveness through His cross (2:13-14). The “therefore” ties our freedom directly to that finished work. What the Verse Says—And Means • “Let no one judge you” – Believers are not to accept condemnation for failing to keep Old-Covenant dietary laws or festival calendars. • “By what you eat or drink” – Food regulations (Leviticus 11) were shadows of cleansing now fulfilled in Christ (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15). • “A feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath” – Annual feasts, monthly celebrations, and weekly Sabbaths pointed forward to Jesus (Colossians 2:17). Because He is the substance, the shadows have served their purpose. Freedom From Legalism • Legalism = Attempting to gain favor with God by rule-keeping rather than resting in Christ’s completed work. • Colossians 2:16 frees us from: – Mandatory observance of Mosaic food laws. – Binding religious calendars as prerequisites for righteousness. – Judgmental attitudes that measure spirituality by external rituals. Why We Are Free—Christ’s Finished Work • Colossians 2:14: He “canceled the record of debt … nailing it to the cross.” • Hebrews 10:1-4: The Law was “only a shadow.” • Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Christ’s sacrifice satisfies the Law, so believers walk in liberty, not bondage. How to Walk in This Freedom • Guard your conscience – Romans 14:4-5: Each believer answers to the Lord, not to human gatekeepers. • Exercise liberty with love – 1 Corinthians 8:9: Use freedom without becoming a stumbling block. • Keep first things first – 1 Corinthians 10:31: Whatever we do—eat, drink, celebrate—do all for God’s glory. • Reject prideful judgment—both directions – Romans 14:10: Do not despise those who exercise stricter diets or calendars, nor condemn those who do not. Practical Checkpoints • Gospel filter: Does this practice point to Christ or replace Him? • Motive test: Am I obeying out of love or fear of human approval? • Unity concern: Will my choice build up or divide the body? Living the Liberty • Delight in Christ’s sufficiency instead of striving for acceptance. • Celebrate biblical holidays if they enrich worship—but never as conditions for salvation. • Welcome diverse practices among believers, provided they do not deny the gospel. • Rest in the truth: “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Colossians 2:16 anchors our confidence that in Jesus we are free from legalistic judgment and empowered to enjoy God in Spirit-led, grace-filled living. |
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