Verse 20: The Foundation and Question

Dead with Christ (ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ): Greek Analysis:Aorist active indicativeDefinite, completed actionHappened at conversionUnion with Christ in His deathTheological Meaning:Romans 6:3-8 (KJV): Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: hat like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Baptized into Christ's death Old man crucified with HimDead to sin's power'Freed from sin's dominion'Galatians 2:19-20 (KJV): For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: evertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Dead to the lawCrucified with ChristChrist lives in usLive by faithWhat We Died To:1. Sin's Dominion (Romans 6:11)2. The Law's Condemnation (Romans 7:4)'3. The World's System (Galatians 6:14)'4. Self's Control (Galatians 2:20)'Application:Understand your union with ChristYou died with Him at conversionLive according to your new identityDon't return to what you died to' Rudiments" (στοιχεῖα - stoicheia):Greek Meaning:Basic elements", first principlesElementary componentsFoundational building blocksABC's, basics Three Interpretations:1. Elemental Spirits (Demonic Powers):Spiritual beings behind false religionPowers that ruled before ChristNow defeated by ChristColossians 2:15 supports this2. Basic Religious Principles:Elementary teachings of JudaismBasic rituals and regulationsLaw's elementary requirements'Galatians 4:3, 9 uses this term3. Both/And:Elements include bothReligious system backed by powersPaul may intend both meaningsComprehensive rejection Of the World (τοῦ κόσμου - tou kosmou):The world systemFallen human orderOpposed to God's kingdom Temporary", passing awayWhat This Means:Christ died to the world's system'We died with HimNo longer under its powerFree from elementary principlesGalatians 4:3, 9 (KJV): Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world... But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Were in bondage under elementsNow know GodDon't return to bondage Elements are weak and beggarlyApplication:You died to the world's system'Don't return to elementary principles'Live in gospel freedomChrist is your sufficiency Why (τί - ti):Rhetorical questionExpects negative answer For what reason? No valid reason exists As Though Living in the World" (ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ): As if you were still worldlyContradicts realityYou're dead to the world But acting like you're alive to it'The Inconsistency:Position: Dead with ChristPractice: Living as though alive to worldPaul exposes the contradictionPractice should match positionThe Question's Force: Why are you doing this?" What possible reason?" It makes no sense! Logical inconsistency exposedApplication:Examine your practicesDo they match your position?Don live as worldly when you're dead to worldLet practice reflect position Subject to" (δογματίζεσθε):Greek Meaning:Passive voice: being subjectedTo be ruled by decreesTo submit to regulationsTo be dominated by ordinances Ordinances" (δόγματα - dogmata):Decrees", regulations, rulesHuman impositionsNot divine commandsExternal requirementsThe Problem:Believers are being subjectedBy false teachersTo human regulationsAs if still under lawFreedom in Christ:Galatians 5:1 (KJV): Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Christ made us freeStand fast in libertyDon't be entangled again Yoke of bondage rejectedApplication:Guard your freedom in ChristDon't submit to human decrees'Christ is your only MasterFreedom is not license but liberation---'

Verse 21-22a: The Regulations Exposed

The Three Prohibitions:1. Touch Not" (μὴ ἅψῃ - mē hapsē):Aorist middle subjunctiveDon't touch", don't handlePhysical contact forbiddenExternal separation2. Taste Not" (μηδὲ γεύσῃ - mēde geusē):Don't taste, don't sampleDietary restrictionsFood laws imposedAscetic practice3. Handle Not" (μηδὲ θίγῃs - mēde thigēs):Don't handle, don't graspSimilar to touch but strongerComplete avoidanceExtreme separationThe Progression:Touch (external contact)Taste (internal consumption)Handle (full engagement)Comprehensive prohibitionOld Testament Background:Levitical Laws:Clean and unclean foods (Leviticus 11)Touching unclean things (Leviticus 5:2)Ceremonial washings (Leviticus 15)Sabbath observance (Leviticus 23)New Testament Fulfillment:Mark 7:18-19 (KJV): And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught? This said he, making all meats clean. Jesus declared all foods cleanExternal things don't defile Heart is the issueCeremonial laws fulfilledRomans 14:14, 17 (KJV): I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself... For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Nothing unclean of itselfKingdom not about foodRighteousness, peace, joyEssential vs. non-essential1 Timothy 4:3-5 (KJV): Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. False teachers forbid foodsGod created foods to be receivedEverything good with thanksgivingSanctified by word and prayerThe Error:Imposing Old Testament ceremoniesAdding extra restrictionsCreating new legalismBinding consciences unlawfullyApplication:Don't impose external rules Food doesn't make holy or unholy'Conscience must be informed by ScriptureFreedom with responsibility To Perish (εἰς φθορὰν - eis phthoran):Greek Meaning:Destruction", decay, corruptionPassing away, temporaryPerishable, not eternalDestined to fade With the Using" (τῇ ἀποχρήσει - tē apochrēsei):In the consumptionIn the using upThrough use, destroyedTemporary natureThe Point:These regulations concern perishable thingsFood, drink, material objectsAll temporary, passing awayNot eternal or spiritualThe Irony:Legalists claim spiritual superiorityBut focus on material thingsExternal, temporary mattersNot truly spiritual at allColossians 3:1-2 (KJV): If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Seek things aboveNot things on earthHeavenly perspectiveEternal focusApplication:Focus on eternal, not temporaryDon't major in minors Spiritual things matter mostPerishable things will pass away Commandments" (ἐντάλματα - entalmata):Precepts, injunctionsHuman impositionsNot divine commandsExternal requirements Doctrines" (διδασκαλίας - didaskalias):Teachings, instructionsHuman traditionsFalse theologyMan-made religion Of Men" (τῶν ἀνθρώπων - tōn anthrōpōn):Human originNot from GodEarthly, not heavenlyFallible, not infallibleJesus' Condemnation: Matthew 15:7-9 (KJV): Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Quoting Isaiah 29:13Hypocritical worshipHeart far from GodCommandments of men = vain worshipMark 7:7-8 (KJV): Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the precepts of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men. Vain worshipPrecepts of menLay aside God's commandment Hold human traditionThe Problem:Human commands replace God's'Traditions elevated to ScriptureExternal obedience valued over heartMan's wisdom replaces God'sApplication:Test all teachings by ScriptureDon't elevate tradition to God's WordHeart obedience matters mostHuman commands cannot bind conscience---'

Cross-References

Galatians 2:4-5 (KJV): And that because of false brethren unawares brought in", who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. False brethrenSpy out libertyBring into bondagePaul resisted for gospel truthGalatians 4:9-11 (KJV): But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. Turn again to elementsObserve days and seasonsBondage rejectedLabor in vain if returnGalatians 5:1-6 (KJV): Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing... For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Stand fast in libertyDon't be entangled Circumcision profits nothingFaith working by loveRomans 14:1-6, 17 (KJV): Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations... One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind... For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Receive weak in faithDays and foodsBe persuaded in own mindKingdom not meat and drinkFreedom in Christ:John 8:36 - Son makes you free2 Corinthians 3:17 - Spirit of Lord is libertyGalatians 5:13 - Called to liberty1 Peter 2:16 - Free, not using for evilWarning Against Legalism:Matthew 23 - Woes to PhariseesLuke 18:9-14 - Pharisee and publicanActs 15:10-11 - Yoke on disciples' neck Hebrews 10:1-4 - Shadow vs. substanceTrue Holiness:Romans 6 - Dead to sin, alive to GodGalatians 5 - Fruit of SpiritEphesians 4-5 - Walk in loveColossians 3 - Set affection on things above---

Introduction

Colossians 2:20-23 contains some of the strongest words against legalism in all of Scripture. The Apostle Paul confronts a false teaching that was threatening the Colossian church—a mixture of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophy, and mystical asceticism that promised spiritual superiority but delivered only bondage. In these powerful verses, Paul exposes the emptiness of human regulations and calls believers to live in the freedom Christ has purchased for them. This comprehensive exposition examines the biblical text, explores the historical context of the Colossian heresy, analyzes the nature of legalism, and applies Paul's teaching to contemporary Christianity where legalism continues to threaten gospel freedom."---

Verse 23: The Evaluation of Legalism

Have Indeed (ἔχοντα - echonta): Present active participleCurrently possessingAppearing to haveSeemingly wise A Shew" (λόγον - logon):Word, account, appearanceSeeming, outward showNot necessarily realityImpression of wisdom Of Wisdom" (σοφίας - sophias):Wisdom, clevernessHuman wisdomPhilosophical appearanceIntellectual appealThe Deception:Legalism looks wiseAppears spiritualSeems reasonableBut it's deception1 Corinthians 3:19 (KJV): For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written", He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. World's wisdom = foolishness with God God catches wise in craftinessHuman wisdom unreliableGod's wisdom different'1 Corinthians 1:20-21 (KJV): Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. God made worldly wisdom foolishWorld didn't know God by wisdom God uses foolishness of preachingSalvation through faith, not wisdomApplication:Don't be impressed by appearance'Test by Scripture, not appearanceGod's wisdom may seem foolish'True wisdom fears the LordGreek Meaning:From ἐθέλω (willing) + θρησκεία (worship)Self-chosen worshipVoluntary religionWill-worshipTranslation Options: Self-imposed worship (NASB) False humility" (NIV margin) Will worship" (KJV) Self-made religion" (ESV)The Concept:Worship of one's own choosing Not commanded by GodSelf-devised religious practicesVoluntary but misguidedCharacteristics:1. Self-Selected - Not divinely ordained - Human invention - Personal preference - Voluntary adoption2. Self-Pleasing - Makes worshipper feel good - Sense of accomplishment - Spiritual pride - Self-satisfaction3. Self-Righteous - Creates sense of superiority - Looks down on others - Measures by external standards - Pride in performanceThe Danger:Seems spiritual but isn't'Replaces true worshipFocuses on self", not GodProduces pride, not humilityApplication:Worship must be God-ordainedDon't invent religious practices'True worship glorifies GodAvoid self-made religionThe Irony:Legalism claims humilityBut produces prideOutward show of lowlinessInward reality is arroganceFalse Humility:Characteristics:External displaySelf-deprecating languageBut inwardly proudJudges othersTrue Humility:Philippians 2:3 (KJV): Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Lowliness of mindEsteem others betterNot vaingloryInternal realityJames 4:6, 10 (KJV): But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. God gives grace to humbleResists proudHumble yourselves before GodHe will lift upThe Contrast:Application:Examine your humilityIs it real or show?True humility serves othersGod gives grace to humble Neglecting (ἀφειδίᾳ - apheidia):Greek Meaning:Severity", harshnessNot sparingRigorous treatmentAscetic discipline Of the Body" (σώματος - sōmatos):Physical bodyBodily needsPhysical comfortMaterial existenceAscetic Practices:What This Includes:Fasting beyond biblical requirementSleep deprivationPhysical discomfortDenial of legitimate needsNot Condemning All Discipline:1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV): But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Paul disciplined his bodyFor ministry effectivenessNot for salvationDifferent purposeThe Error:Asceticism for spiritual meritBody denial as holinessPhysical = evil (Gnostic influence)Salvation by self-denialBiblical View of Body:1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV): What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: herefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Body is temple of Holy GhostNot evil but sacredGlorify God in bodyBought with price1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV): For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Bodily exercise profits littleGodliness profits for all thingsBalance, not extremesSpiritual priorityApplication:Don't abuse your body It's God's templeDiscipline for godliness, not meritBalance physical and spiritual Not in Any Honour" (οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι):Of no valueNo true honorWorthless for true spiritualityNo genuine worth To the Satisfying" (πρὸς πλησμονὴν - pros plēsmonēn):For filling, satisfyingGratificationFulfillment of desiresComplete satisfaction Of the Flesh" (τῆς σαρκός - tēs sarkos):Two Interpretations:1. Sinful Nature (Most Likely):Flesh = sinful natureLegalism satisfies prideFeeds spiritual arroganceSelf-righteousness2. Physical Body:Flesh = physical bodyRegulations don't truly help body No real benefitIneffective for physical goodBest Understanding:Both meanings may be intendedLegalism satisfies sinful prideWhile claiming to discipline bodyParadox: indulges flesh through prideThe Final Verdict:Human regulations = worthlessFor true spiritualityThey feed the flesh (pride)Not honorable before GodGalatians 3:3 (KJV): Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Begun in SpiritCan't be perfected by flesh Legalism = flesh effortContradicts gospelApplication:Legalism has no spiritual valueIt feeds pride (flesh)True holiness is by SpiritDon't be deceived by appearance'---'

The Colossian Heresy: Historical Context

What We Know: Not fully described by PaulReconstructed from his correctionsMixture of influencesSyncretistic religionComponents of the Heresy:1. Jewish Legalism:Food laws (2:16)Festival observance (2:16)Sabbath keeping (2:16)Circumcision (implied)2. Pagan Philosophy: Philosophy and vain deceit (2:8)Greek intellectual influenceHuman traditionWorldly principles3. Mystical Asceticism: Voluntary humility" (2:23) Neglecting of body" (2:23)Severe treatment of bodySpiritual elitism4. Angel Worship: Worshipping of angels" (2:18)Visionary experiencesClaimed special revelationDiminished Christ's supremacy"5. Gnostic Tendencies:Secret knowledge (γνῶσις - gnōsis)Matter = evil", spirit = goodAsceticism to escape matterElitist spiritualityChrist Is Supreme Over:1. God (1:15) - Image of invisible God2. Creation (1:16-17) - All things created by Him3. Church (1:18) - Head of the body4. Resurrection (1:18) - Firstborn from dead5. Fullness (1:19) - All fullness dwells in Him6. Reconciliation (1:20) - Made peace by blood7. Believers (2:10) - Complete in Him8. Powers (2:15) - Spoiled principalities9. Religious Ceremonies (2:17) - Substance is Christ10. Human Tradition (2:8) - Not taken captiveThe Antidote to Legalism:Christ's supremacy'Union with ChristCompleteness in ChristFreedom from human regulations---'

Theological Themes

What Is Legalism?1. Adding to the Gospel - Faith plus works for salvation - Christ plus something else - Grace earned", not received - Contradicts gospel2. External Over Internal - Rules over relationship - Outward over inward - Performance over faith - Form over substance3. Human Commands as Divine - Tradition equals Scripture - Man's word = God's word - Binding consciences unlawfully - Usurping God's authority"4. Pride and Judgment - Spiritual superiority - Looking down on others - Measuring by externals - Self-righteousness1. Obscures the Gospel:Adds to Christ's finished work'Confuses salvation by faithMakes grace uncertainUndermines assurance2. Produces Pride:Self-righteousnessJudgment of othersSpiritual elitismLack of love3. Burdens Consciences:Impossible standardsConstant guiltNever enoughBondage instead of freedom4. Distracts from Christ:Focus on rulesExternal observanceMisses the substanceChrist diminished5. Kills Spiritual Life:Formalism replaces vitalityJoy turns to dutyLove becomes lawDeath instead of lifeWhat Freedom Is Not:1. Not License to Sin: - Galatians 5:13: Not occasion to flesh - Romans 6:1-2: Dead to sin - Freedom from sin, not for sin - Holy living still required2. Not Lawlessness: - Romans 3:31: Establish law through faith - Matthew 5:17-18: Christ fulfilled law - Moral law still binding - Ceremonial law fulfilled3. Not Self-Indulgence: - Galatians 5:13: Serve one another in love - 1 Peter 2:16: Not using freedom for evil - Love constrains freedom - Consider weaker brotherWhat Freedom Is:1. Freedom from Condemnation: - Romans 8:1: No condemnation in Christ - Justified by faith - Peace with God - Assurance of salvation2. Freedom from Ceremonial Law: - Colossians 2:16-17: Shadow vs. substance - Hebrews 10:1: Shadow of good things - Christ is the reality - Ceremonies fulfilled3. Freedom from Human Regulations: - Not bound by man's rules' - Conscience free in Christ - Scripture only binds - Christian liberty4. Freedom to Serve in Love: - Galatians 5:13: Serve through love - John 13:34-35: Love one another - Love fulfills law (Romans 13:10) - Motive is love, not obligation---

Practical Application

Modern Forms of Legalism:1. Dress Codes:Certain clothing = spiritualExternal appearance over heartJudgment based on attireCultural preferences as commands2. Entertainment Restrictions:Lists of forbidden movies/musicBeyond biblical principlesPersonal conviction as universalBinding consciences3. Worship Style:Only one style acceptableTraditional vs. contemporary warsPreference as doctrineDivision over non-essentials4. Dietary Rules:Certain foods forbiddenFasting required for spiritualityHealth laws as spiritual requirementsJudgment over eating5. Sabbath Observance:Specific day requiredActivities forbiddenRest as burden not giftNew Testament freedom ignored6. Church Attendance:Missing once = backslidingMultiple services requiredQuantity over qualityGuilt-based motivation7. Tithing as Salvation:Must tithe to be blessedPercentage as requirementGiving from guilt not graceProsperity gospel distortionQuestions to Ask:1. Is This Commanded in Scripture? - Clear biblical teaching? - Or human tradition? - Principle vs. specific command - Context matters2. Does This Add to the Gospel? - Faith plus something? - Christ plus work? - Grace earned or received? - Test by Galatians3. Does This Bind Consciences? - Required for all believers? - Or matter of liberty? - Romans 14 principles - Personal conviction4. Does This Produce Pride or Humility? - Spiritual superiority? - Or grateful dependence? - Judgment or grace? - Fruit reveals root5. Does This Focus on Christ or Rules? - Christ-centered? - Or rule-centered? - Substance or shadow? - Gospel or law?1. Know Your Position:Dead with ChristRaised with ChristComplete in ChristFree in Christ2. Walk by the Spirit:Galatians 5:16: Walk in SpiritNot fulfill lust of fleshSpirit produces fruitNot law but Spirit3. Let Love Guide:Love fulfills law (Romans 13:10)Consider others (Romans 14)Don't cause stumbling Freedom limited by love4. Maintain Unity:Ephesians 4:3: Unity of SpiritBear with one anotherNon-essentials: libertyEssentials: unity5. Grow in Grace:2 Peter 3:18: Grow in graceKnowledge of ChristMaturity over rulesRelationship over religion1. Show Them Christ:Focus on JesusHis finished workSufficiency of graceNot more rules2. Teach Gospel Clearly:Salvation by faith aloneNot by worksGrace vs. earningJustification truth3. Model Freedom:Live in gospel joyNot legalistic burdenBalance and wisdomLove-motivated obedience4. Be Patient:Legalism runs deepChange takes timeGentle correctionTruth in love5. Set Boundaries:Don't accept judgment'Protect your freedomDon't enable legalism'Stand firm in truth---'

Conclusion: Standing Fast in Freedom

Colossians 2:20-23 delivers a powerful verdict on legalism: it looks wise, it appears spiritual, it seems humble, but it's worthless for true holiness. Human regulations cannot transform the heart; only the gospel can do that.Key Takeaways:1. You Died with Christ - Dead to world's elements - Free from human regulations - Live according to position - Don't return to bondage'2. Human Regulations Are Worthless - Commandments of men - Concerning perishable things - Show of wisdom only - No true spiritual value3. Legalism Feeds the Flesh - Produces pride - Satisfies sinful nature - False humility - Self-righteousness4. Christ Is All You Need - Complete in Him - No addition required - Substance", not shadow - Gospel is sufficient5. Walk in Gospel Freedom - Stand fast in liberty - Don't be entangled' - Serve through love - Glory in Christ aloneFor Today:Examine your beliefsAre they from God or men?Test by ScriptureStand firm in freedomDon't impose rules on others'Personal conviction not universalLove guides freedomUnity in essentialsFocus on ChristHe is your righteousnessNot your performanceGospel transformsMay we stand fast in the freedom Christ has purchased. May we reject the bondage of human regulations. May we walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh. And may Christ be all in all—our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).Final Challenge:Where have you submitted to human regulations? Where are you imposing rules on others? Where do you need to embrace gospel freedom? Repent of legalism. Rest in Christ's finished work. Walk in the freedom of the gospel. And let Christ be magnified in your life.'---'

Appendix: Quick Reference

On Freedom: Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast in libertyJohn 8:36 - Son makes you free2 Corinthians 3:17 - Spirit is libertyRomans 8:1-2 - Free from condemnationAgainst Legalism:Galatians 2:16 - Not by works of lawGalatians 3:3 - Perfected by flesh?Ephesians 2:8-9 - By grace through faithTitus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousnessOn True Holiness:Romans 6 - Dead to sinGalatians 5 - Fruit of SpiritColossians 3 - Things above1 Peter 1 - Holy in all manner of lifeOn Christian Liberty:Romans 14 - Receive weak brother1 Corinthians 8-10 - Liberty and love1 Peter 2:16 - Free, not for evil1 Corinthians 6:12 - All things lawfulColossians 2:20-23 (KJV): Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Galatians 5:1 (KJV): Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Colossians 2:10 (KJV): And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Romans 14:17 (KJV): For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."1. What forms of legalism do you see in modern Christianity?2. How can we distinguish between biblical commands and human regulations?3. Where have you struggled with legalism in your own life?4. How does understanding your union with Christ help fight legalism?5. What's the difference between gospel freedom and license to sin?"6. How should we respond to brothers who are legalistic?7. Where do you need to embrace more gospel freedom today?---This article is intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes. For counseling related to legalism, scrupulosity, or spiritual abuse, consult qualified pastoral counselors.

Key Verses

• Dead to the law- Crucified with Christ- Christ lives in us- Live by faith — For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: evertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
• 'Nothing unclean of itself- Kingdom not about food- Righteousness, peace, joy- Essential vs. non-essential — I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself... For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.