Colossians, Class 12

Class 12, in our study of the Book of Colossians, we begin Chapter 2, which addresses various false teachings threatening Colossian believers. These include a reliance on human, worldly-based philosophy (Colossians 2:1-10), Jewish legalism (Colossians 2:11-17), mysticism (Colossians 2:18-19), and ascetic living (Colossians 2:20-23). These ideas are all consistent with a philosophy known as Gnosticism, one of the earlier heresies troubling the church.
The first section of this chapter (Colossians 2:1-10) commences with Paul's deep concern for the Colossian believers (Colossians 2:1-5). His ultimate aspiration was for them to be firmly rooted in the faith (Colossians 2:7). This faith should not be swayed or compromised by any philosophy (Colossians 2:8). Instead, their focus should remain unwaveringly on Christ (Colossians 2:8-10), the cornerstone of their belief and the source of their strength.
The second section (Colossians 2:11-17) deals with issues related to Jewish legalism. Paul discusses the Jewish rite of circumcision, noting that believers receive the "circumcision of Christ" (Colossians 2:11) and so do not require human circumcision to please God. Food, drink, and special days were also noted as only a "shadow of the things to come" (Colossians 2:17).
The third section (Colossians 2:18-19) addresses areas of mysticism. This included ascetic living, worship of angels, and visions. This self-made religion was of no value in following Christ. Such practices contradict both the commands and the example of Jesus.
The fourth section (Colossians 2:20-23) discusses ascetic living or human rules about spiritual or religious matters. Paul said these have the "appearance of wisdom" (Colossians 2:23) but do not keep a person from sinning. It is Christ alone that can change the heart. A primary characteristic of Gnosticism was the belief that the physical body was evil, so anything connected to the flesh, in any sense, was to be shunned. Overly pious self-denial is not what we were created for, nor is it how God wants us to relate to our physical selves.