“Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.” (v. 23)

Funny thing about religious rules:

They don’t actually help.

Let me clarify: There can be little question that Jesus’ church and her people need quality boundaries. We need to turn from sin, and we need to choose the good. And, further, we do have to boundary the church with doctrine and polity, so that it can be ordered for decency.

But if we think that religious rules will be enough to overcome the desires of our flesh, we’re kidding ourselves.

Paul, by the Spirit, commends the Colossian church for its faithful hope in Christ. But he also cautions them: some among them are preaching a not-gospel, insisting that religious strictures are their only hope against their sinful desires. They’re even making those rules the standard by which they would judge their fellow church members.

What’s the answer from Paul?

(We should pay attention, because it matters in our lives, too.)

The strictures can’t do that, can’t be that, for the believer or for the church! The only hope we have against the desires of our flesh is a faith that is rooted in Christ, growing in Christ, and satisfied in Christ—whose sufficient work has saved us.

Boundaries are good. But, to conquer the flesh, you need faith in the Conqueror.

— Tyler