“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?”– Colossians 2:20 (KJV)
“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, ‘Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch’?”– Colossians 2:20 (NLT)
“So then, if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.”– Colossians 2:20 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 2:20 Mean?
Colossians 2:20 poses an essential question for believers in Christ. The verse indicates that if we are indeed dead with Christ, freed from worldly influences and regulations, why do we still find ourselves adhering to worldly rules? This verse challenges us to reconsider the authority of such rules in our lives after accepting Christ. When we are united with Him, we are offered a new identity and freedom from the traditions and customs of the world that can bind us. The question encourages us to reflect on our own lives, examining why we might still feel compelled to obey the ordinances that Christ liberated us from. It serves as a reminder of our transformational journey in faith, calling us to embrace the spiritual freedoms given to us through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
The understanding of “being dead with Christ” refers to the spiritual reality of having been baptized into His death and raised to walk in newness of life. This metaphor signifies that the loop of human traditions and the bondage that comes with them no longer holds us captive. Our focus ought to shift away from the rudimentary aspects of the world, thus surrendering our lives and decisions to follow the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we step into a new life that is filled with purpose and a relationship grounded in love, rather than rules.
Colossians 2:20 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of identifying ourselves with Christ. Being “dead with Christ” implies that our old self, which was tied to sin and the ways of the world, has been crucified with Him. This realization transforms how we approach our lives. It exemplifies the freedom we possess: freedom from sin, from the constraints of the law, and from practices that hinder our spiritual growth. We should no longer allow worldly matters to dictate our actions, as our new life in Christ brings us a different standard of living.
The passage also reveals the tension between human traditions and divine truth. While some may find comfort and meaning in worldly rules, the essence of the gospel calls us to embrace the grace and truth that Jesus manifests. This distinction is not just intellectual; it should lead us to actively engage in the life of faith, letting go of legalistic views that do not align with our relationship with God. Rules and ordinances that may seem protective can often keep us from experiencing the liberating peace that comes from full reliance on Christ.
Paul’s message in Colossians serves to strengthen and encourage us to build on our identity in Jesus, rather than the outdated and often burdensome rules imposed by society. When we operate from love and the grace of God, it empowers us to live life abundantly, as we look towards our Savior rather than being weighed down by failures and human expectations.
As followers of Christ, let us embrace this new reality that resounds throughout Scripture: we have been set free. Our response to this freedom should manifest in how we relate to others and ourselves. We no longer need to engage in destructive comparisons or strive for perfection based on the world’s standards. Instead, we can stand firm in the grace of God and reflect His love, gentleness, and kindness in our everyday lives. Knowing we are raised in Christ compels us to act as representatives of His kingdom, honoring the change He has made within us.
Context of Colossians 2:20
To better understand Colossians 2:20, we must consider the broader context of the Apostle Paul’s letter. The small Christian community at Colossae was faced with unique challenges regarding false teachings and deceptive influences. Some members sought to combine their faith in Christ with elements of Jewish law and various philosophical ideas prevalent at the time. These beliefs maintained an excessive emphasis on regulations and traditional observances, which added to the confusion and concern within the church.
In the preceding verses, Paul echoes the profound truth of our identity in Christ. He encourages believers to root themselves in Him, reminding them that they have all they need in Jesus. Their union with Christ means they share in both His death and resurrection. As a result, Paul desires for them not to be led astray by teachings that undermine the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. In this light, our focus should shift from external regulations to nurturing a genuine and deep relationship with God.
This context enriches our understanding of verse 20, calling us to evaluate our own thoughts and actions in response to societal pressures. The call towards authenticity in faith should resonate with our beliefs and the actions that follow. We must avoid entangling ourselves in man-made laws that prioritize external appearances over a heart transformed by God’s love. Paul invites us to embrace the grace of God in our lives, where we thrive in the newness offered through Christ, rather than being shackled to old habits.
As we journey forward, we should encourage each other in community to focus on the essentials of our faith, fostering a spirit of love and integrity in our actions. Together, we can lift one another up, guiding our church family towards a path that celebrates our identity in Christ while leaving behind the ordinations of a world that tries to define who we are.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 2:20
The passage centers around two significant elements: our death with Christ and the worldly ordinances we sometimes find ourselves under. Both concepts interrelate and require exploration to grasp their full implications for our lives as believers. The first important phrase, “if ye be dead with Christ,” calls us to remember the foundational truth of our faith. This declaration emphasizes the reality that we are no longer who we once were; the influences of sin and the mandates from the world have no power over our lives. Our participation in Christ’s death signifies a break from our past selves and the limitations of the law.
Next, we encounter the phrase, “why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?” This challenge by Paul not only sheds light on the futility of clinging to outdated practices but also calls us to examine our hearts. Why do we feel the need to obey rules that do not nurture a deeper relationship with God? This reflective question serves to reveal the motives behind our Christian walk. We may find ourselves caught up in rules, rituals, or societal expectations, which can detract from genuine faith rooted in love and grace.
Instead of feeling compelled by regulations, our lives should overflow with the freedom and joy of knowing Christ. True faith is not about following rules to gain approval or acceptance; it is centered on pursuing a relationship with our Creator that defines who we are. The life we live should be a response to love rather than obligation; hence, our focus needs to be on His teachings leading us into spiritual maturity rather than the judgment of others or the traditions we’ve inherited.
As we consider these key phrases, we are reminded that our relationship with Christ is an invitation for us to connect deeply with Him. Instead of being burdened with rules, we can embrace our identity as children of God. Paul’s message is a clarion call for us to hold onto our newfound freedom, standing firm in a faith that carries wholeness and authenticity.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 2:20
Colossians 2:20 encourages us to reflect on the significance of our identity in Christ and the freedom we possess. One primary lesson we can extract is the vital importance of recognizing our new status as believers in Christ. This calling distills down to understanding that our salvation liberates us from the complex web of human traditions. By drawing our lives from the life of Christ, we are reminded that our worth and identity stem from our relationship with Him alone.
Another valuable lesson is the need for discernment in our faith journey. We are called to evaluate the teachings and expectations we encounter thoroughly. Just as false teachings arose during Paul’s time, we must remain vigilant against influences that may dilute the truth of the gospel. This entails seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture and praying for guidance, helping us distinguish between traditions that cultivate genuine faith versus those that weigh us down.
Additionally, we can learn the significance of community in our walk with Christ. As we gather with fellow believers, we share encouragement, insights, and fellowship centered on the truth of the gospel. Encouraging one another reminds us not to stray into a checklist of do’s and don’ts, but rather inspire each other to live out our faith through love, compassion, and grace. We can be the voices that point one another back to Jesus and His teachings, igniting a passion for authentic faith communities.
Finally, we should embrace our freedom from worldly ordinances, learning to live in grace rather than guilt. This perspective shifts our focus from performing to please God to serving because of His love for us. In doing so, we free ourselves from the burden of deceitful comparison and expectations, finding peace in the profound truth of the gospel.
Final Thoughts
Colossians 2:20 captures the essence of what it means to live as followers of Christ. We have been called to inhabit a life of spiritual freedom that transcends the empty rituals of the world. As believers, we are reminded of our critical identity, whereby we no longer operate under the oppressive weight of rules but are liberated through grace. Let us boldly embrace this truth, confidently walking in the newness of life that comes through faith in Jesus.
We should strive to reflect our authenticity in every aspect of our lives while encouraging our wider church community to do the same. Let’s help each other grow in our understanding of living out our faith, free from the constraints that society often imposes on us. Together, we can experience a profound transformation that stems from our relationship with God, leading us to live lives marked by love, faith, and freedom. For those looking to explore more topics that can deepen our understanding of God’s word and share insights among friends, check out our resource at Bible Repository. Let the articles guide us in faith and fellowship!