Colossians 2:16-17

Scripture: kjv Colossians2:¹⁶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holiday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: ¹⁷ Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Observations: Paul is not only telling these Colossians that they shouldn't impose rules on themselves but he wants them to be sure and not be moved by those from the outside who would like to impose rules upon them or make them feel guilt because of the liberty they have in Christ. Let no man judge you.....implies that we shouldnt even go there. Dont put yourselves in situations where you will be judged. Avoid arguments and confrontations. Unity first. Others first. Let no man judge you. Paul knows that there are groups of proud puffed up religious types who like to go on and on about how many standards, rules and convictions they abide by.....Paul says dont let them judge you. Pride is a poor substitute for the power and peace of Christ yet many people opt for it. Then he goes on to list the types of things these people judge for.

• meat
• drink
• holidays
• new moon
• Sabbath

These things are a shadow, a mere shadow of the things to come, but the body is of Christ. Ill take Christ rather than the shadows that represent Him, thank you very much. Its like this.....would I like my husband to hug and hold me or would I rather try to squeeze and cuddle with his shadow? That is the illustration the Bible is making between rules and Jesus Christ Himself. Not much comparison is it?

 

 I think about Halloween coming up, we dont celebrate but the Word is clear here we are not to judge one another or allow others to judge us concerning these things. Unity first.

Application: I want all of Christ and none of the man made rules and judgements from others. What a wonderful, applicable reminder to us Christians to put our faith in Jesus alone, to not only *not judge* but to refuse along with Paul to *be judged*. Let no man therefore....whyfor? Because Jesus spoiled powers and principalities, He nailed the rules to the cross. Blotted them out because they are against us, contrary to us. Its what the Word says and I believe it!

PRAY: Your clear here Lord, and Im thankful for that. We are not supposed to judge each other for external standards, nor are we to allow ourselves to be judges. The self righteous religious types squirm under this Word here, yet its true. Every word of it. Its so true and important you had Paul write a whole book with this ongoing theme it. Paul says it over and over again....Christ saves. Rules are against us. Dont judge or be judged. Jesus is enough! Amen