Avoid Legalism, Stay Connected to Christ

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Avoid Legalism, Stay Connected to Christ “Colossians: Together for Christ” Colossians 2:16-17

June 24, 2018 BIG IDEA The Old Testament Law forecasted the coming Christ. Believers have been liberated from legalism because Christ has fulfilled the Law and its rules regarding foods and festivals.

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context: Satanic entities tie believers in knots by convincing them that rules bring righteousness. Jesus, though, disarmed them on the cross. As a result, Jesus-followers are not judged on outward adherence to legalistic practices but by their relationship to him. Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

MAIN IDEA False teachers were trying to tie down new believers by teaching that they had to follow the Old Testament Law in order to be saved. Paul was concerned that they would lose their newfound freedom in Christ. Thus, he reminded them that they are free to follow Jesus because he has done a saving work in their lives.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. Christ Nailed Our Debt With Its Legal Demands to the Cross True spirituality does not consist merely of keeping external rules, but of having an inner relationship with Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:13-15 - And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. a. Why do you think people drift toward legalism?

b. Christ fulfilled the Law and its obligations. Have you found freedom in Jesus, or are you still trying to live up to rules that are discouraging and hurtful?

2. Old Testament Ceremonies Were a Taste of What is to Come What the Old Testament foreshadowed, Christ fulfilled. A “shadow” (skia) is only an image cast by an object which represents the object’s form. Once we find Christ, we no longer need to chase the old shadow. Paul had sharp words for those that were suggesting people need to take additional steps in order to have faith in Christ. Titus 1:13-14 - Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. a. What are some legalistic things that you feel pressured to do or be a part of within your Christian experience?

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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3. Our Substance is in Christ Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Becoming an heir means you’ll inherit God’s great riches and blessings. Jesus promised that he would secure a place for us in his Father’s House (John 14:2-3). As adopted children, he has chosen us and given us all the blessings of heaven (Ephesians 1:3,11). He has revealed his plans to us and enabled us to be heirs of his Kingdom. 1 John 3:1 - See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

a. What does it mean to be an heir? What does it mean to get your identity from Christ? What are other places people can get their identity?

RELATED SCRIPTURE Galatians 4:10 – You observe days and months and seasons and years! 1 Timothy 4:3 – …who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. Hebrews 8:5 – They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 10:1 – For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.

PRAY Lord, it is tempting to judge my righteousness according to the rules I keep. Help me to put my trust in your grace. Help me never to wander from your grace. Help me to live in the joy of my salvation. Amen.

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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DIG DEEPER For further study this week:  

On the Grace of God – a book from Justin Holcomb (Crossway) The Grace and Truth Paradox: Responding with Christlike Balance – a book from Randy Alcorn (Multnomah)

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA As Paul commanded the Colossians to avoid the worship of angels, we are to avoid the trickery of false religion, such as the Prosperity Gospel. (Colossians 2:18-19)

Ridgewood Church www.myrwc.org

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