^NAS Colossians 2:23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

 

Paul is dealing with an issue in the Colossian church where it would seem certain church members are placing rules before newcomers in an attempt to present them before society as being more pious.  How soon we forget that we are saved as a result of faith instead of works.  Let us not cast stones in the direction of Colosse too quickly lest we fail to recognize the stipulations we apply to our belief systems.

 

Thou shall sing the proper songs and they must be out of someone’s hymnal if they are to be spiritual at all.  Punctuality and clarity are essential if I am going to sense the Holy Spirit today.  You must not get my seat and cause me step out of my comfort zone.  After all, I don’t know those people on the other side of the church. 

 

The truth is that if I were actually typing the unwritten rule book for our churches, all the books of the earth could not contain all of the legislation that is mandated in our holy huddle.  Paul says that all of these rules and regulations will pass away and one day be recognized for their true value in obtaining righteousness. 

 

In fact, all of our rules do very little in keeping us from fleshly indulgence.  The implication is not only addressing sexual purity but all of the other fleshly indulgences that we are tempted to partake.  Look at the waistline of America and see that we are not too good at handling fleshly indulgences.  Ah, but we sure do know how to spot the righteous in the sanctuary don’t we?  We can’t handle our own appetites but we sure do have the gift of telling others how to walk closer to Jesus.

 

The bottom line is that all of our self-made regulations will not draw anyone closer to the throne room of Christ.  It is only through redemption and sanctification that Christ is able to present us as lambs without spot before his Father.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--  ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.