LESSON 1, INTRODUCTION:

The next few days, Lord willing, we will be studying a paragraph from the Book of Colossians. It's an unusual section of Scripture, yet critical to understanding the Book.

Here are the verses. Try to read them several times in preparation for the coming Lessons. Every word is divinely inspired! Colossians 2:16-23, line upon line, King James Version.

"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. 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. And 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. 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. Touch not; taste not; handle not, which all are to perish with the using, after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."

Paul here is combating a false religious system that is apparently trying to creep into the Colossian Church. Here's the Pauline paradigm for refuting the enemy, the people who deny Jesus is the only Way to be saved.

Tomorrow we begin with the first verse.

Join  us. It should be an exciting and informative journey.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2:

The first line of our Text says so much, volumes really. "Let no man therefore judge you in meat." This command is taken from Colossians 1:16. Here Paul is using the verb "judge" in a negative sense, almost meaning "to condemn or censure." Actually "krino" carries the idea of determining truth, discerning that which is right or wrong in a situation.

The fact that Paul is prohibiting this kind of "judging" in the Colossian Church proves that it is already happening, to some degree anyway.

The negative "no man" expression here, "me tis" in Greek, literally says "no one, not a single thing!" In other words, no exceptions!

Do not allow anyone in town to judge you as a Christian, not in respect to what you "eat!" Yes, "in meat" translates "en brosis." The verb "bosko" means "to feed," hence this derivation.

It seems like some people had moved to Colossee and joined or at least tried to join the Church there ... people who had certain convictions about their eating habits. And sought to force those eating habits on everyone who professed Christ as Saviour!

Paul emphatically said, "No!"

Now, who are these people?

No one is exactly sure.

But it looks to me like they are religious folks who have adopted a "mixture" of different doctrines. A "blend" of theologies!

And the one being discussed today would have to be called "legalism" I guess. They wanted to put the newly saved Colossian Christians, all Gentiles mind you, under the Law of Moses!

Likely forbidding them certain meats, such as pork or catfish or shrimp. God did have rules about what the Jews could eat, prior to Jesus' Death and Resurrection anyway. But folks, those age old food laws do not apply nowadays! Jesus is all we need to live successfully. Not Jesus plus Moses!

And certainly those acts of dietary propriety do not save a man! Or even help save a person! Only Jesus and His shed Blood do that!

Nor does what one eats determine how good a Christian he is! The fullness of the Holy Spirit and our obedience to Him are the criteria for godly and mature Christian behavior!

So "Let no man therefore judge you in meat" sounds like wonderful advice! And it eliminates a crowd of religious bosses, bullies, throwing their weight around God's Children too!

Christians today, eat wisely.

But your spirituality is not connected to your stomachs!

We are free in Christ to enjoy all kinds of food.

In First Timothy 6:17 Paul brags on our great God a little bit. There he says of our Heavenly Father, "He giveth us richly all things to enjoy."

Including meat, thankfully.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3:

Looks like Paul is "jealous" of those souls whose welfare is trusted to his care. Even the Colossians, whom he has never seen face-to-face! Much of that Epistle is dedicated to teaching the Colossians Believers to enjoy their "liberty" in Christ. And to not yield to some unknown religious group, a "cult" we'd call them now. People who were trying to coerce the Gentile Christians to live in certain "pre-packaged" ways.

Hence today's Verse: "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." Colossians 2:16

Paul would have been up-set if these religious "bosses" had even tried, and probably they did, to force the Colossians saints to "eat" or "drink" in certain ways.

"Let no man judge you ... in drink," that's what the Apostle wrote them. I've wrestled with this clause for a day or two now.

How could anyone try to force me into a set of rules about consuming liquids? Coffee or tea or milk or just water?

In my research I came across facts that have led scholars to believe the "Gnostics," a group who could be identified with these detractors in Colossee, did practice rituals involving drinking certain detestable liquids.

Maybe they were trying to introduce this abomination to the Colossian Church.  Then again the legalists in Colossee may have just not wanted the Church to practice what we now call "Communion," eating the unleavened bread and drinking the grape juice to commemorate the Death of our Lord.

Whatever, Paul reacted!

"Don't let anyone condemn you over what you eat or drink," Paul was clear. To the Galatians, another group of Pauline Churches, these words thunder from the Apostle's inspired pen: "That because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage." Galatians 2:14

Then: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1

Then yet again: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty." Galatians 5:13

It's important!

Live the Way Jesus leads you.

Not the local religious dictators!

Or some other crowd who tries to lord over God's heritage.

The Holy Spirit is a Better Guide to sanctified behavior than anyone else could ever be. Follow Him, stay in line with Scripture, and you will surely live a godly life.

Spiritual bullying is always disallowed in the Word of God.

"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."

Amen.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 4:

It happened everywhere Paul went, preaching the Gospel. Folks followed him, city after city, and tried to confuse the new Christians, people brought to Jesus under Paul's influence.

Commentators today have named these false teachers "Judiazers." But in the city of Colossee they were really more than that. They represented a "mixture" of religious beliefs, a condition still commonly seen these days. Most often now we call it "syncretism."

Once when a little Gentile, a young man named Titus, was saved ... Paul adamantly refused to have this new Believer "circumcised" as these legalists would have wished. Because salvation is not determined by surgery ... but by faith in Jesus Christ! Faith in Jesus alone!

So it's again the same problem for Paul ... just a new location! They're at it again, these detractors from God's Grace! Obey the Old Testament Mosaic ceremonial Law! 

So Paul writes, powerfully: "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." Colossians 2:16-17, our text, or a part of it, these days.

Yes, some who have recently moved into Colossee are trying to promulgate their "let's go back to Moses" ways once again!

They apparently tried to force the Gentile saints in that city to observe Jewish "holydays," those special festivals that occurred seven times a year for God's people. Leviticus chapter 23 enumerates and describes them in detail.

Certain things happened also on the "new moon," meaning the first day of the month in the Jewish calendar. More rituals to be observed!

Then of course the Old Testament Jews worshipped God on the seventh day of each week, on the Sabbath. These "legalists" who do not recognize the power of the Grace of God in Jesus Christ our Saviour ... would insist on Sabbath observance, even for Gentiles!

Paul now intervenes!

And says a vehement "No!"

To his Christian friends in Colossee, to his sons and daughters in the faith, "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.

Pretty clear!

God saves souls, purely through faith!

No works necessary.

Jesus finished the Plan of Salvation on the Cross!

He paid it all ... there nailed to that old rugged Tree!

It no longer is necessary to go to Temple and sacrifice a lamb and do so on Saturday!

We do not have to observe a kosher lifestyle either!

Not to be saved.

Not to stay saved.

Not to be a better Christian either.

Paul says it best. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Let's rejoice today in the face of God's amazing Grace!

Not of works!

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell 

LESSON 5:

The little inspired clause we study today has been my goal for some time! We are two verses into our Text and finally rest in "Jesus!"

Let me show you. "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."

The rituals and practices and ordinances of the Old Testament, of Israel, of Moses are simply "symbols," abstract parables of life ... all pointing to our Saviour!

And when you have the Real Thing, Jesus, you no longer need the archaic little "reminders" of that Real Thing!

"Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Yes!

The noun "shadow" here is spelled "skia," meaning a "shade, dark place." It suggests merely an outline, just a sketch of a greater object.

Jewish dietary laws said in spirit, "Do not eat of the meat of the world, prepared by the Devil. Eat of Jesus, the Bread of Life! He is the True Source of nourishment and strength!"

Old Testament holy days and sabbaths declare: "We are just hints of the Real Day that's coming! The Day Jesus dies! The Day He comes forth from the Grave! The Day He ascends to Heaven! The Day He's coming back! The Day He saved my soul!"

Those old legal proceedings were just hints of the coming Jesus!

Maybe we could call them less-lighted shadows cast by the Real Son of God!

The Body of Christianity, the Substance is Jesus!

I don't need Sabbath worship ... I have Jesus worship! Any day will suffice for that! Even a Thursday!

Colossians says this to us again and again, just in different ways. "If you have Jesus ... you have it All!"

But I want Paul to tell us. "Jesus in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3

Amen!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Lord willing, tomorrow we will study more about this monstrous religious hybrid that is seeking to hinder real Christianity in Colossee. And now practically everywhere else as well.

LESSON 6:

"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. 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."

Our Text continues. Each new clause or phrase adds to the cumulative description of a new "religion" sweeping through this little hometown, a place called Colossee.

Today Colossians 2:18 sternly warns us about falling into the trap of some man-made theology. "Let no man beguile you of your reward." Just that!

Paul, writing to these new Christian converts in this Gentile city, says the Judaizers, the legalists, the new people who want to rob the Colossians of their "saved by grace through faith" beliefs ... these folks are dangerous!

Though genuinely saved, the members of the Colossian Church faced the possibility of "loss of reward," if they fell into this incipient cult, this deadly set of falsehoods. Sounds serious.

"Let no man beguile you of your reward."

The verb here is complex. It is translated in the English "beguile of reward." It is in Greek "katabrabeuo," meaning "as an umpire." But more than that is involved. It means "to decide as an umpire." But with that prefix, "kata," it fully means "to decide against as an umpire!"

If I follow some false tangent, after having been born again by the Grace of God, washed in the Blood of Jesus, I well may be "disqualified" as far as receiving rewards at the Judgment Sea of Christ!

It can happen or Paul would have never warned folks so plainly about the possibility of such a dreadful thing.

If I have been given eternal life in Jesus ... and I get mixed up in some crazy Bible defying belief, I might lose God's approval! God's commendation! One or more of the "Crowns" a Believer may earn for faithful service to our Lord.

Wow! That's how very important doctrinal orthodoxy can be. We must believe right ... in order to live right!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 7:

The phrase we study today, another of Paul's descriptive attempts of a false religion that's threatening the Colossians' Church. A group of born-again Gentile Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's the danger, one of the dangers I should say, from this apostate group, a strange combination of legalists and mystics and ascetics, as recorded in Colossians 2:19.

"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility ..." those last two words, "voluntary humility."

But what can they possible mean?

The Greek is "thelo en tapeinophrosune." It means "willing, gladly, freely," that's "thelo," plus "littleness, lowliness, modesty," the "tapeinophrosune."

Putting it all together we get something like "delighting in humility." In other words, these folks are "humble ... and proud of it!"

They, like the Pharisees in Jesus' Ministry, are given to bragging about how humble they really are.

This leads me to explain them this way: the "super-spiritual" among us! "Giants" of the faith, and if any of us doubt such, just ask them! They will humbly claim the prize. They think they are "the best of the best!"

These following Biblical thoughts may well verbalize this crowd, yet it is recorded of a Church other than the Colossian Assembly. Yet again not too many miles away. "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Revelation 3:17, spoken of the inferior Church at Laodicea.

"Voluntary humility, " or self-conscious humility!

One writer called it "advertised humility!"

Folks, hear me today. Real godly humility is seldom if ever self-recognized! If a  man or woman is truly humble, he or she will likely not even know it. And that humility is not something they have achieved on their own ... but rather has been given them of God!

Yes, God gives Grace to the humble, not to the egotistic religionist.

Think it over today.

James and Peter both tell us, "God resisteth the proud. And giveth Grace to the humble."

Amen.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8:

The Text we've been studying involves a unique clause, "worshipping of angels." It seems this expression is used by Paul to describe some of the religious practices of the detractors in Colossee. The men and women who have invaded the Church there who do not believe that the Grace of God alone is sufficient for salvation. Something must be added.

So Paul warns his converts: "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels ...." Colossians 2:18

It seems that crowd really did this, worshipped angels!

The verb utilized here for "worshipping" is "threskeia," which means "trembling, adoring, fearing" in a religious setting, thus "worship, veneration." It is derived from "throeo" which means "to wail, to cry aloud," again in a spiritual context.

Scholars who have analyzed the word suggest it carries the idea of "conjuration" or even "invocation." Thus literally, praying to angels!

Some in those ancient days believed that there were levels of angels standing between human beings and God, each of which must be known and pacified if eternal life and friendship with the Almighty were to ever be attained.

So frankly, they prayed to angels by the dozens, all kinds of principalities and powers.

But this is wrong!

All wrong!

According to Paul, according to the Holy Spirit, thus according to Scripture ... angel worship is terribly erroneous.

Jesus is to be worshipped, Jesus alone. He is the Son of God. He is God the Son. He is "better" than the angels according to Hebrews 1:4.

In fact, we who believe in the Lord Christ are not one whit inferior to the angels! The very angels the "enemies" in Colossians 2 worshipped! Angels are not to be elevated and treated as deity! They are "ministers" rather to anyone who is saved. Hebrews again: "The angels, are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Hebrews 1:4

I'm not sure angels yet understand the saving Grace of God. For that matter, we old converted sinners probably don't fully do so either.

Worship angels?

Foolish.

Worship Jesus?

Supremely wise!

                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9:

This crowd grows more amazing every day, the enemies described in Colossians 2:16-23. Now Paul tells us they "intrude" into things they have not "seen." Word for word, the King James Bible expresses it: "Intruding into those things which he hath not seen." Colossians 2:18

The verb "intruding" is a present participle here. "Embateuo" has a technical meaning when it's used in a spiritual, religious sense. It grammatically blends the preposition "en" with the noun "basis," rendering a meaning like "walking into" something. But here the context demands "taking one's stand" on what that person has seen in a vision. Or another scholar says, "claiming special powers because of what one has seen in a vision."

Some of the newer commentaries on this paragraph call these non-grace folks at Colosse "visionaries." The whole verse we're studying: "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."

The verb "hath seen" is "horao," properly meaning "to stare" at something. This crowd focuses on a multi-leveled complex of angels, thinking that one-by-one those majestic creatures can bring them to God!

Paul discounts all of that!

We had best as growing Christians not intrude anywhere the Word of God does not lead us. Spiritually speaking, doctrinally speaking, behaviorally speaking too.

Walk the straight and narrow way God has marked for our feet to travel.

Cultivate a relationship with Almighty God through his Son Jesus Christ, aided by the Power and Love of the Holy Spirit!

Leave the angels alone!

Leave visions and dreams alone!

Adore Jesus alone!

And avoid Paul's biting censure here.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest Name I know!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10:

I hope you're not bored by these lessons. Paul is giving a long and precise criticism, denunciation, of a false religion.

I would name it, but what could it be called? It's really a mixture of several faiths, mainly denying that Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven!

It involves doing things for oneself, observing certain holy days and eating or not eating certain foods ... working one's way into the Grace of God!

Paul today, in Colossians 2:18, labels them like this, "vainly puffed up in their fleshly minds."

These words themselves scarcely need explanation. "Vain" translates "eike" in Greek, meaning "without success." All the visions and fasts and rituals in the world, even when combined, will not get a man saved!

"Puffed up" is "phusioo," indicating "inflated, swelled, proud." And "fleshly" is "sarx," here implying the old sin nature we all possess. And most of this religion that's trying to invade the godly Colossians Church is a "mental" thing, an "intellectual" endeavor! So Paul employs the noun for "mind," in Greek "nous," likely from "ginosko," meaning "to know" analytically.

If I live a Christian life, so-called, that is only defined by what I do. Or what I don't do. Or how many trances or visions I've had ... the result will be a mindset that thinks of itself as being very "special!"

"Enlightened!"

"One of a kind!"

"Better than the others!"

Paul sure nailed it, didn't he? "Vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind." Not humble at all.

These folks think themselves spiritual, based on what they have done!

Truth be told, we saved people are spiritual because of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Plan of God!

Amen!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Now more than ever, we know some things to avoid. Some religious belief systems to eschew all the time. Like many Preachers have said again and again, "Christianity is Christ!"

LESSON 11:

The people in Colossee who had infiltrated the Church there, people who detract from Jesus Christ being the Only Way to Heaven, those folks had made a great mistake! According to Paul the Apostle anyway.

Here's their error. "And 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." Colossians 2:19

These out-of-towners, invading the Believers, were not "holding" onto the Head, the Originator, the Lord of the Church! That's Jesus, of course!

If I trust my diet to save me, or help save me, or make me a better religionist, I am NOT holding Jesus as my sole Saviour!

This means the reverse is true as well. If I am saved, trusting Christ and Christ alone, I am "holding" the Head, my Lord Jesus Christ!

That verb is significant. It's "krateo" in Greek, one of their main "strength, power, might" words! The noun is "kratos."

"Krateo" actually means "to seize!" More so, "to take!" Grabbing Jesus and not letting go, ever!

This concept goes against the grain in today's theological world, perhaps with good reason. Truthfully, the main thing about salvation is that Jesus is "holding on" to us! We are in His Hands! He is in the Father's Hands! We are safe, even when we are unfaithful. He still remains constantly steadfast.

But the obverse is true here. We are "holding on" to Jesus ... for strength. For growth. For spiritual health. For wellbeing, godly vitality.

Jesus saved me.

That salvation was and is a gift, not a wage.

But as a Christian, Jesus is the Object of all my attention. He's the Head! And I will, with all the strength I have, with all the power He gives me, "krateo" Him! "Hold on" to him!

Then I will grow properly!

Not by rules.

Not by the law of Moses.

Not by ecstatic experiences.

Not by asceticism, moving to the desert and living like a hermit.

Just obsessed with Jesus!

Spend your life ... holding Jesus!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12:

One of Paul's great statements concerning spiritual grown, reaching maturity in the Christian life, is forthcoming today.

Colossians 2:19 tells us the story. "And 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."

The verb "increaseth" and its noun cousin "increase" are both built on the "auxesis" stem. Found only twice in the Bible, obviously both times in our Text, it means "to grow, to become bigger, larger." To augment.

How do we "grow" in our great God?

Become more like Him.

Learn more of him.

Get closer to Him.

By "holding" onto Him, Paul here says.

And the more I do so, the more I "commune, delight, fellowship, hunger, love" Him ... the more I will "increase" in Him!

Spiritual augmentation via "dwelling" in Jesus Christ my Saviour!

And yet again, a question can be asked.

How does this growth occur, after I hold onto Jesus with all my being?

Here's the process, "Holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together ..."

Wow!

"Joints" just means "connections," in Greek "haphe."

"Bands" is "sundesmos," meaning "chained together" ... to Jesus!

"Nourishment ministered" is one Greek word, "epichoregeo." That's our word choreography! Everything "blended together" properly! The word literally means "to lead the choir!"

Spiritual harmony and music ... as I hold to Jesus!

Finally "knit together" represents "sumbibazo," meaning "to cause to coalesce." Really, "to force things together!" It must happen, to the saint, if he or she dwells in Christ Jesus our Lord!

And the person who is not holding onto Jesus ... but instead living by the law which is mainly Old Testament legislation, or mysticism which exalts experience above the Word of God, or asceticism which bases spirituality on what one does not do ... that person is certainly not growing in the Grace of God!

That person does not really know Jesus.

Now I am going to remove the word "not" from today's verse. This way it becomes the motto for the one who is abiding in Christ. "And holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."

That's the way we live and grow!

                           --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Jesus!

Jesus!

Jesus!

LESSON 13:

Today Paul writes to the Colossians and to us as well: "Therefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances," Colossians 1:19

Wow, I just noticed that our verse ends with a comma. Tomorrow's Lesson will discuss the appositive phrase that follows, verse 20.

Anyone who is saved is characterized by Paul as being "dead with Christ." As Jesus was crucified, symbolically we too have been crucified. We have identified to that extent with our Saviour! Listen to the Apostle elsewhere: "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20, partly.

In being dead this way, we Christians are also said here to be "dead" to the world. That's the system of wickedness and carnality that permeates the whole of society. The devil and his kingdom, virtually.

But Paul uses a noun that is quite unusual. The "rudiments" of the world. Spelled "stoicheion," the word means "a series" of elementary things, usually members of a set. An example, the "abc" abbreviation that stands for the whole alphabet. Those are the rudiments of the English language.

Technically we are taught that "stoicheion" likely meant a host of angels and demons and maybe even other spiritual entities that false religions worshipped and sought to contact. "Stepping stones to heaven," they would have said. Trying to trust an angel to counteract the evil work of some demon, for example! This is mystical, magical, non-Biblical, but it was happening in Colossee and the surrounding areas.

But the children of God do not need any such aids! We have Jesus! Jesus Who is greater than the angels, any of them. All of them! Jesus Who is far superior to demons too! Who cast demons out of men and women, demons by the thousands!

Jesus, Lord of all!

Forget these things, Paul says. We live beyond them. In Jesus we are already seated in heavenly places! That's what Paul will write to the Ephesian Church anyway.

Our verse again: "Therefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,"

The expression "subject to ordinances" is "dogmatizo," but here noticeably in the passive voice. It means "dogmatized, put under a set of strict rules and regulations." A "dogma" is a "decree, or doctrine," being derived from the verb "dokeo," which means "to think, esteem, value, to hold in repute." What one believes.

We, along with Paul, say "no" to these "rudiments."

In other words, we are free in Jesus!

Free from false religion.

Free to obey the Holy Spirit.

Free to follow the Word of God.

Free to adore Jesus, Jesus alone.

He's the Only Way to Heaven.

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 14:

Today we notice one of the most unusual verses in Scripture. It consists of three verbs and three adverbs, in English anyway.

"Touch not; taste not; handle not." Colossians 2:21, a short verse but presenting a whole lifestyle, a delinquent one when compared to living under the marvelous Grace of God!

The Greek verb for "touch" here means "to fasten onto" something or someone. To "cling" to them. The verb "taste" means "to try the flavor" of something. And "handle" means "to feel" of something, implying the use of one's fingers.

To the false religionists at Colossee "regulations" had become more important than Jesus. What one does or does not do ... to them ... was far more significant than having Jesus as Lord and Saviour!

And while these verbs, none of the three, are expressed in the imperative mood, they still carry the idea, "You had better do what we say!" Or else, the angels will not be attentive to your prayers!

Here's an example or two of what that crowd taught. What they might say in a given situation:

If your Dad dies, touch not his body to prepare it for burial, especially if the calendar is nearing the Sabbath!

If the moon is near full, taste not any food. You will lose power with the gods. Fast from all nourishment, including drink.

And if you desire real spiritual power, handle not thy wife. Do not have any intimate relations with her. To do so would render you powerless with the angels who contend with the many devils in the universe!

Again, Paul quotes the cult members: "Touch not; taste not; handle not." And if this is not a direct quote, it's certainly a paraphrase.

Now, what would Jesus say to all this? What's the sense the New Testament places on it?

Certainly not "touch, taste or handle" not. Rather, as Paul writes in First Timothy 6:17, talking about our Heavenly Father: "The living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy."

Go bury your Dad! Respect him and his memory.

And enjoy the food God sends you today. Thank Him for it as well.

And do remember, God is the Originator of marriage. The husband wife relationship is a picture of the Christ Church relationship in fact.

Amen!

Or back to Paul again, from Galatians 5:1. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Freedom in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Enough said.

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 15:

The Apostle Paul has asked a question. For the sake of the Colossian Christians. His question is typically Pauline, long and complicated. We have invested several days discussing the inquiry.

"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, Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men?" Colossians 2:20-22

A bunch of rules, going back to the Law of Moses, stipulations some believed, falsely believed, that cause God to "save" a soul!

Or certain human effort guidelines that make a person a more spiritual, a more mature church member!

Well, in a summary clause, Paul dismisses all of this as merely a bunch of things that will "perish with the using."

Wow!

Refraining from eating chicken or fish or anything else is not going to matter much a thousand years from now!

How much a person mutilated or tortured his own body isn't either!

"Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men."

The verb "perish" is "phthora," meaning "to corrupt or decay." Having no lasting value.

The noun "using" is "apochresis," meaning "abuse, misuse." Not applying the blessings of life God has so graciously granted us, not enjoying them to his Glory.

Legalism, mysticism, asceticism ... the three errors the Colossians Church was facing and combating, are just to Paul "doctrines of men!" With "didaskalia" here meaning "teaching," what men say.

And "commandments" incorporates the basic Greek noun "telos," the "end, goal, finishing line." A bunch of Church bosses who want to direct the lives of these little new converts in Colossee! Dictators they were, trying to lord over God's heritage.

Sounds like Paul wants his people, the true Believers in that little city, to stay away from these detractors!

And instead, to follow Jesus!

To which we all can say, "Amen!"

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell         

LESSON 16:

Appearances, how deceiving they can be!

After writing a whole paragraph of Scripture to describe a false religion, the divisive cult that was threatening the Colossian Church, Paul the Apostle perhaps ceded one point in their favor.

"Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body." Colossians 2:23

These folks who would not trust Jesus alone for salvation ... at least presented a "show" of respectability in some areas.

But still, they were fundamentally wrong!

The Greek noun for "shew" here is really a clause, "esti logos," basically. It means "It is logical!"

The legalists/mystics/ascetics, a three-word summary I have been using to describe these unbelievers, they did make membership in their clan "voluntary." No one was forced to join!

They then had a "show of wisdom in will worship," commendable free-will choices on the part of their membership.

And they did, but wrongly, think themselves "humble!" They exalted angels and demons to the "top" in their worship rituals. And they themselves thought they were being abased! Yet on the other hand they prided themselves in having enough "gnosis," enough knowledge, to know God through self-attained enlightenment!

And, boy, did they neglect their bodies! Fasting and more fasting. Refusing to drink even water for long periods of time. Bodily mutilation. Retreating into the desert and living alone for years and years. Oh yes, some starved themselves into poor health or death itself!

"Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body."

But it was all a "shew," today spelled a "show!"

The logic of man was there, at least to some small measure.

But not the logic of God!

Free will is fine, as long as it is directed to obeying the Word of God and trusting Jesus as Saviour.

Humility too, when falling at Jesus' Feet.

And a good diet or enough nightly sleep or cutting out a bad habit ... all such things are just fine. As long as one realizes that is NOT how a lost soul gets saved!

But to falsely advertise such graces ... calling oneself pious and holy and heaven-bound in the process, is a sin!

And such sin, as we shall see tomorrow morning, Lord willing, is not honorable in the Eyes of the Lord.

All I know to say today in conclusion is this: "Give me Jesus!"

He alone can satisfy!

And save and sanctify and bring us to maturity!

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 17, CONCLUSION:

After all our studying of this anti-christian "philosophy" Paul has been confronting, Colossians 2:16-23, we today arrive at the text's final clause.

Paul says of this false religious system: "Not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." Colossians 2:23

These folks, misguided spiritually, thought that Jesus Christ was not enough! That He was not the means of salvation!

They tried to keep the Law of Moses ... in order to be saved!

They valued experience and emotion and ecstasy as necessary means to Heaven as well, saved by angelic beings!

And they were sure that abstaining from a thousand or so things would help keep you saved, once the Law had been sufficiently obeyed!

They really believed that such a rigorous labor-filled lifestyle would bring them into favor with God. Would effect the salvation of their souls!

I've found several ancient inscriptions where these people felt that such legalistic, mystical, ascetic living would bring them "honor," whether from God or from the angels of God!

The noun used in our verse for "honour" is "time," meaning the "value, recognition, worth, veneration."

"Not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." And the word "satisfying" is a form of the Greek noun "pleroma" and its verbal cognate "pletho." These were code words to the "philosophers" in Colossee. They constantly sought the favor of the angels and demons of the universe, seeking esoteric or secret knowledge that they could impart. Once they had gained enough of that what we'd today call "satanic" wisdom ... they would have reached the state, the blessed state of "satisfaction, fullness, knowing enough" to deserve Heaven!

Paul just disagreed!

No fullness here!

That's to be found in Jesus!

No honour either!

Our Lord will bestow real honour to those who love Him and are faithful to Him, because they have been washed in His precious Blood.

No flesh either, in Greek "sarx," which can never do anything meaningful for God's causes and purposes.

Wow, what an end to a passage of Scripture, "Not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."

So Paul wishes the Colossian saints to remain "in" Christ Jesus, God's Son.

For if one has Jesus ... he or she has everything!

Without Moses!

Without angels!

Without man-made rules and regulations!

Jesus alone!

Amen.

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell