Living in Christ: Free from Old Covenants, False Worship, and Worldly Ways
Living in Christ: Free from Old Covenants, False Worship, and Worldly Ways
In our spiritual journey, we often encounter teachings and practices that can lead us astray from the true path of following Christ. Today, we'll explore some crucial truths from the book of Colossians that shed light on how we can stay rooted in Jesus and avoid the pitfalls of false doctrines and worldly influences.
The Transition from Old to New Covenant
One of the foundational truths we need to grasp is the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, established with Abraham and later formalized through Moses, was always meant to be temporary. It served as a shadow of things to come, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 marked the beginning of this covenant relationship. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the unfolding of God's plan - from the establishment of circumcision as a covenant sign to the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. However, even as early as Jeremiah 31:31-34, God spoke of a new covenant that was to come.
The New Covenant, sealed by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, fulfills and supersedes the Old. As Hebrews 8:13 states, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." This new covenant is not based on external observances but on the inner transformation of the heart.
What does this mean for us today? It means we are free from the burdensome requirements of the Old Covenant. As Colossians 2:16-17 reminds us, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
This freedom, however, comes with responsibility. We're called to live by the spirit of the law, not just its letter. Our obedience should stem from a heart transformed by Christ, not from a legalistic adherence to rules and regulations.
The Danger of Angel Worship and False Teachings
Another crucial warning we find in Colossians is against the worship of angels and adherence to false teachings. Colossians 2:18 cautions, "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind."
This warning extends beyond just angel worship. It encompasses any form of idolatry - putting anything or anyone before God. In our modern context, this could manifest in various ways: obsession with celebrities, sports teams, material possessions, or even our own desires and ambitions.
The first commandment given to Moses was clear: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). This fundamental principle remains unchanged in the New Covenant. Our worship, devotion, and ultimate allegiance should be to God alone.
Even seemingly spiritual practices can lead us astray if they're not centered on Christ. Whether it's seeking guidance from horoscopes, fortune-telling, or any form of mysticism, these practices divert our focus from God and can open doors to deception.
Staying Connected to Christ
How do we guard against false teachings and maintain our spiritual integrity? The key lies in staying firmly connected to Christ. Colossians 2:19 emphasizes this, stating that those who fall into error are "not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."
Our spiritual nourishment and growth come from Christ alone. When we're truly connected to Him, we're better equipped to discern truth from error. This connection is cultivated through regular prayer, studying God's Word, and yielding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It's crucial to test everything we hear or read against the truth of Scripture. Even well-meaning teachers can sometimes err, which is why we're called to be like the Bereans, who "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Dead to the World, Alive in Christ
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of our Christian walk is living as those who are "dead to the world." Colossians 2:20-23 confronts us with this reality: "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances...after the commandments and doctrines of men?"
Being dead to the world means our primary allegiance and source of identity is no longer rooted in worldly systems, values, or pursuits. It's a call to live counter-culturally, guided by God's principles rather than societal norms or human traditions.
This doesn't mean we completely withdraw from the world. Rather, we engage with it from a transformed perspective. Our decisions, actions, and motivations should reflect our new life in Christ, not our old life governed by fleshly desires.
Living this way requires constant vigilance and regular self-examination. We must continually ask ourselves: What truly drives us? Are we following God's leading or merely conforming to human expectations? Are we satisfying the flesh or nurturing our spiritual life?
The path of being dead to the world and alive in Christ is not always easy. It often involves making difficult choices, facing opposition, and sometimes feeling out of step with those around us. Yet, it's the path that leads to true freedom and fulfillment.
In conclusion, as we navigate our spiritual journey, let's hold fast to the truths we've explored. We're free from the burdens of the Old Covenant, called to worship God alone, and meant to live as those dead to the world but alive in Christ. May we continually seek to deepen our connection with Jesus, allowing His life to flow through us and transform us from the inside out.
Remember, this journey of faith is not about perfection, but progression. It's about daily choosing to align ourselves with God's will, repenting when we fall short, and consistently turning back to the grace and truth found in Christ. As we do so, we'll find ourselves growing in spiritual maturity, discernment, and the ability to impact our world for God's kingdom.
In our spiritual journey, we often encounter teachings and practices that can lead us astray from the true path of following Christ. Today, we'll explore some crucial truths from the book of Colossians that shed light on how we can stay rooted in Jesus and avoid the pitfalls of false doctrines and worldly influences.
The Transition from Old to New Covenant
One of the foundational truths we need to grasp is the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, established with Abraham and later formalized through Moses, was always meant to be temporary. It served as a shadow of things to come, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 marked the beginning of this covenant relationship. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the unfolding of God's plan - from the establishment of circumcision as a covenant sign to the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. However, even as early as Jeremiah 31:31-34, God spoke of a new covenant that was to come.
The New Covenant, sealed by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, fulfills and supersedes the Old. As Hebrews 8:13 states, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." This new covenant is not based on external observances but on the inner transformation of the heart.
What does this mean for us today? It means we are free from the burdensome requirements of the Old Covenant. As Colossians 2:16-17 reminds us, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
This freedom, however, comes with responsibility. We're called to live by the spirit of the law, not just its letter. Our obedience should stem from a heart transformed by Christ, not from a legalistic adherence to rules and regulations.
The Danger of Angel Worship and False Teachings
Another crucial warning we find in Colossians is against the worship of angels and adherence to false teachings. Colossians 2:18 cautions, "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind."
This warning extends beyond just angel worship. It encompasses any form of idolatry - putting anything or anyone before God. In our modern context, this could manifest in various ways: obsession with celebrities, sports teams, material possessions, or even our own desires and ambitions.
The first commandment given to Moses was clear: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). This fundamental principle remains unchanged in the New Covenant. Our worship, devotion, and ultimate allegiance should be to God alone.
Even seemingly spiritual practices can lead us astray if they're not centered on Christ. Whether it's seeking guidance from horoscopes, fortune-telling, or any form of mysticism, these practices divert our focus from God and can open doors to deception.
Staying Connected to Christ
How do we guard against false teachings and maintain our spiritual integrity? The key lies in staying firmly connected to Christ. Colossians 2:19 emphasizes this, stating that those who fall into error are "not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."
Our spiritual nourishment and growth come from Christ alone. When we're truly connected to Him, we're better equipped to discern truth from error. This connection is cultivated through regular prayer, studying God's Word, and yielding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It's crucial to test everything we hear or read against the truth of Scripture. Even well-meaning teachers can sometimes err, which is why we're called to be like the Bereans, who "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Dead to the World, Alive in Christ
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of our Christian walk is living as those who are "dead to the world." Colossians 2:20-23 confronts us with this reality: "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances...after the commandments and doctrines of men?"
Being dead to the world means our primary allegiance and source of identity is no longer rooted in worldly systems, values, or pursuits. It's a call to live counter-culturally, guided by God's principles rather than societal norms or human traditions.
This doesn't mean we completely withdraw from the world. Rather, we engage with it from a transformed perspective. Our decisions, actions, and motivations should reflect our new life in Christ, not our old life governed by fleshly desires.
Living this way requires constant vigilance and regular self-examination. We must continually ask ourselves: What truly drives us? Are we following God's leading or merely conforming to human expectations? Are we satisfying the flesh or nurturing our spiritual life?
The path of being dead to the world and alive in Christ is not always easy. It often involves making difficult choices, facing opposition, and sometimes feeling out of step with those around us. Yet, it's the path that leads to true freedom and fulfillment.
In conclusion, as we navigate our spiritual journey, let's hold fast to the truths we've explored. We're free from the burdens of the Old Covenant, called to worship God alone, and meant to live as those dead to the world but alive in Christ. May we continually seek to deepen our connection with Jesus, allowing His life to flow through us and transform us from the inside out.
Remember, this journey of faith is not about perfection, but progression. It's about daily choosing to align ourselves with God's will, repenting when we fall short, and consistently turning back to the grace and truth found in Christ. As we do so, we'll find ourselves growing in spiritual maturity, discernment, and the ability to impact our world for God's kingdom.
Recent
Living in Christ: Free from Old Covenants, False Worship, and Worldly Ways
June 1st, 2025
The Supremacy of Christ: Finding True Freedom
May 26th, 2025
Rooted In Christ: Living As True Disciples
May 20th, 2025
The Supremacy Of Christ: Our Foundation and Hope
May 13th, 2025
Walking in the Spirit: Embracing God's Power and Peace
May 5th, 2025
Archive
2025
March
April
May
Categories
no categories
No Comments