DT – 5/1 – Colossians 2:16-23 – The Sufficiency of Christ
What mistaken understanding of piety is described in this passage? Why is it wrong, and why would some people be drawn to it? The mistaken understanding of piety that is being described here is a form of asceticism. According to some commentaries, there were some who added rules (regarding what they were allowed to eat) as a practiced that was required in addition to their faith in Christ. This is wrong because Christ is sufficient for salvation. To add rules that must be adhered to suggests that Christ sacrifice was not enough and there some discipline based on effort that is required. Some people are drawn to it because they are “doers.” It’s hard for them to understand how on earth it’s possible to just receive salvation because it doesn’t seem fair. Meritocracy makes a lot of sense because of the semblance of justice attached to it. These doers also participating in ascetic practices because they can see results. From a certain perspective, though, this practice seems very self-serving. This way of practicing Christianity is unbiblical and unordained by God. Christ died and was raised and salvation is offered as a gift that must humbly be received. There’s no way on earth that any man can pay back the debt nor earn it. And life is not a matter of tacking on additional rules, but by loving God and others, which is now possible to do because a follower of Jesus “died with Christ.”
What would characterize someone whose Christian life is based on the all-sufficiency of Christ alone? Someone whose Christian life is based on the all-sufficiency of Christ alone would be characterized by freedom to love. He or she has the ability to love others because he recognizes that Christ took care of his most important need (salvation from sin and death). And having recognized that he also recognizes that there really is no other need or goal that must be done in life. In addition, he recognizes that Christ promises to provide for his daily needs, not just physical but spiritual. Because Christ is sufficient, the Christian is assured of unconditional love, unrelenting attention, significance and security. And given all of that, the Christian is filled with gratitude and wants to shared this good news with others. He is freed up from providing for his own needs and looks to providing for the needs of others.
Tags: Colossians, Sufficiency of Christ
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