International
16 Nov 06
Colossians 2v16-23
We all know the longing to break into a better club and move up the sporting ranks. I’d had six weeks at a new club and one of the coaches implied I needed to ‘bulk up’. "You want to be a better player and make the team, you need to take these supplements", he said.
We subtly hear that all the time, maybe not in sport, but certainly as Christians. If you want to be a better Christian you need to supplement your simple faith in Jesus. You need something more. Paul’s response to such suggestions is clear. He pinpoints what we easily become reliant on, and says without Jesus they are worthless.
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Religious activities organised by people:
Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a religious festival…these are a shadow of things to come, the substance belongs to Christ. (Col 2v16-17)
Baptism, taking communion, confirmation - Paul knows that unless Jesus is at the centre they are worthless. Communion, without Jesus at the centre is just a mid-morning snack; baptism without Jesus at the centre a damp ritual; confirmation without Jesus at the centre a social initiation. Without Jesus at the centre religious activities are shadows, a trick of light with nothing really there.
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Spiritual experiences supposedly from God:
Let no one disqualify you insisting on…worship of angels, going on in detail about visions…(they are) not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body…grows with a growth from God (Col 2v18-19)
Emotional experiences in worship, spectacular visions – unless Jesus is at the centre they are worthless. What’s worship if it is not exalting Jesus? What use is a vision if it doesn’t glorify Jesus? Paul says without Jesus at the centre these actually disconnect us from God the Head, and stunt our growth
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Demanding rules rigorously self-imposed:
Why…do you submit to regulations…according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion…but they have no value (Col 2v20-23)
In-depth Bible study, extensive prayer, regular church going – Paul knows that unless Jesus is at the centre they are worthless. How will studying the Bible help you if you ignore Jesus there? Prayer is empty repetition if not accessed through Jesus. Church meetings are simple social gatherings if Jesus isn’t invited! Without Jesus at the centre they simply create religious institutes with no spiritual value.
Paul is clear – we need Jesus. Without Jesus at the centre religious activities, spiritual experiences, self-imposed rules are worthless. They will do us no spiritual good at all.
However, with Jesus at the centre and these things – religious activities, spiritual experiences, and self-imposed disciplines - they flood us with knowledge of God. They’re wonderful and alive. But just remember; keep Jesus at the centre because without him all these things become worthless.
Alex and Graham
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