What does "destined to perish with use" reveal about earthly regulations? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Warning in Colossians 2:22 “ ‘These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.’ ” (Colossians 2:22) Key Term: “Destined to Perish with Use” • “Perish” points to total disappearance, not mere decline. • “With use” shows the moment the regulation is applied—handled, eaten, observed—it is already on its way to the trash heap. • Paul is spotlighting rules about food, drink, festivals, and ascetic practices (vv. 16–23). What This Phrase Reveals about Earthly Regulations • They are temporary by nature—use them once and their worth is spent. • They rely on physical materials (food, drink, fabric, calendars) that eventually spoil (Matthew 6:19). • They cannot touch the heart; they end at the stomach or skin (Mark 7:18–19). • They originate from “human commands and teachings,” not from God’s eternal decree (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:9). • Because they are self-made, they carry no lasting spiritual power (Hebrews 9:10). The Contrast: Eternal Truth vs. Temporary Rules • 1 Peter 1:24–25—“All flesh is like grass… but the word of the Lord stands forever.” • 2 Corinthians 4:18—“What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” • Galatians 4:9—Earthly “weak and miserable principles” enslave; Christ frees. • Hebrews 10:12–14—One sacrifice “for all time” secures what no rule can. Together these verses emphasize that only Christ and His word endure; all man-made add-ons expire. Application: Guarding Our Freedom in Christ • Identify any rule we treat as a spiritual badge—does it perish with use? • Hold fast to Scripture’s commands; let man’s add-ons fade. • Measure every practice by Christ’s finished work: if it overshadows the cross, it is already destined to perish. • Live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), producing fruit that never spoils (John 15:16). Summing It Up “Destined to perish with use” unmasks earthly regulations as disposable. They may look impressive, but the moment they’re applied they start their countdown to nothingness. Only the eternal word of God and the completed work of Christ possess lasting power, calling us to cling to Him rather than to rules that are already on their way out. |
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