Don't Put Makeup on a Dead Man

Hey everyone!

I hope this January Sunday finds you well. Today in church the pastor spoke from Colossians 2 regarding legalism. I went ahead and read chapter 3 when I got home, and I figured I would share a few thoughts I had with you. 

In chapter 2, Paul speaks regarding "doctrines of men" that really don't affect our faith at all. He explains how we should not become so wrapped up in man-made regulations that we forget to be wrapped up in Christ. 

I suppose you could read this chapter alone, and come away with some good thoughts regarding legalism, but it is important to remember that this is an actual letter. And letters were never meant to be read in part. Some of us probably barely remember the good ol' snail mail days, so let's make this a bit more applicable. If someone sends you a text or a Facebook message, do you only read half of it?

I doubt it. All that to say chapter 3 is extremely important to read. 

Chapter 3, verses 1-3 says, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. Set your mind of things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

The reason our lives should not be filled with legalism isn't because there is nothing good about legalism. Honestly, the "rules and regulations" found in legalism are often wise. 

For example, some preach against smoking. Surely, there is nothing wrong with abstaining from such an unhealthy habit. Some preach against dancing. Surely there can be no harm in watching how closely you interact physically with someone of the opposite gender. 

The regulations that come along with legalism are not the problem. The problem is twofold. 

First, when we cling to legalism, we are looking to ourselves instead of Christ for change. Legalism is man-made rules to cover for moral decisions not found in the Bible. Instead of looking to Christ for wisdom in decisions, we turn to men and women who have created rules for us to follow. These rules become equal to Scripture. 

Secondly, legalism is an attempt to fix our old body. Legalism looks at our sinful body, and tries to find ways to keep it clean. We are filled in a world of sin, so legalism keeps us from any hint of any sin that might damage the body. 

The problem is, that according to Ephesians 2:1 our bodies are already dead. Legalism, in fact, is no more than an attempt to put makeup on a dead face. This may be enough to convince our fellow Christians, or even unbelievers.

It won't fool God.

God doesn't want us to look to our own devices to cure our sin condition. He wants us to "seek those things which are above" (Colossians 3:1). 

Only God can give us a new body. Only God can make us into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Any hope to live without sin, to live with loving kindness, is found in Christ.

We have been freed from sin (Romans 6:7). 

True freedom comes not from seeking the death of sin.

True freedom comes from seeking the life of Christ.