Colossians 2:20-23

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: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 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.

Paul’s words here in Colossians point to the reality of the empowering presence of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Paul inextricably ties this power to correct soteriology (the study of how we are saved).

There were those who sought justification by means of observation of philosophical principles. Others by means of adhering to aspects of the Law of Moses. Still others looked to the alignment of the stars and other basic elements of the created world. They sought to attain higher levels of knowledge or morality through these practices. The problem was that they failed to connect, intellectually, to the power source. They created rules for what a “religious” person could and couldn’t do.

These rules, however, lacked any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Why? Because they derive their power from the “flesh” or the “sinful nature” and not from the Spirit.

This week we will study these passages and their implications in the life of the believer.

Here’s the question. If rule-keeping lacks value in restraining sensual indulgence, then what practical means do we have in restraining sensual indulgence?