Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians2:20-23
The word Paul uses for "basic principles" implies "elemental beginnings" or "original rudiments." In this context it implies returning to a kind of primitive superstition that we should outgrow.
One can imagine how this worked out in the Colossian context: They were being urged to return to the basics of Judaism: circumcision, diet, tassles on their robes, beards, kosher eating, cleanliness laws etc.
There is a certain comfort in these rituals...
They provide structure, a sense of identity and, most importantly, a sense of progress - if you can tick all the boxes, you are are doing alright.
But Paul is clear: these "superstitions" cannot save. They appear wise and one could even argue that they make people behave nicely, but Paul says "they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence" - they try to change us from the outside-in instead of from the inside-out.
Today we have our own set of basic principles: "Read your Bible, go to church, don't drink, don't smoke, don't .... "
These are external practices, and, to be sure, they are good habits, BUT they cannot save us. And the practices alone won't transform us.
We have to be careful... Although there are many good habits, we can end up relying on the habits instead of a real and living relationship with the real and living Christ.
Change happens from the inside out and this is what Paul talks about in ch.3....
------------------------------------
As schools close on Thursday, I am going to stop here so that we start ch.3 in the new term...
Have a blessed Easter and don't forget that the Emmanuel Easter Service will be broadcast on SAFM at 11h00 on Easter Sunday...
---
--------------------------
Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
