Crossview Church
Dan DeRoche | Colossians 2:16-23
Colossians 2:16-23 CSB
This letter was written to Colossae, Laodicea and the region.
Threat #1 - Legalism (vv. 16-17)
You grow spiritually by following rules
Colossians 2:16-17 CSB
The false teachers: Judaizers
• Conform to a code to exalt yourself
• Always involves rules created by humans
• Portrays God only as a severe judge
• Always enforced through guilt and shame
Paul’s Response:
Gospel of grace: We are loved by God not because we are good, but because God is good
Threat #2 - Mysticism (vv. 18-19)
You grow by seeking spiritual experiences
Colossians 2:18-19 CSB
The false teachers: Gnostics
• Spiritual experiences have the highest authority
• All matter is evil
• Worshiped angels and the spiritual realm
• They serve as mediators between humans and God
Paul’s Response:
Only in Jesus is true knowledge found
Threat #3 – Asceticism (vv. 20-23)
You grow by beating yourself into submission
Colossians 2:20-23 CSB
The false teachers: Dualists
• The spirit is the good part
• The body is the bad part
• The spirit is trapped in the body
Paul’s Response:
When we are saved we worship God in body, mind, and spirit
So what is the solution for this church?
The Gospel: The person and work of Jesus Christ
Two practices to stay in Christ:
1. Be strong in the truth and worship Jesus
2. Refuse all substitutes
Galatians 1:10 CSB