Freedom In Christ
Basic principles of the world…Colossians 2:8
There are times when we need to remind ourselves of our freedom in Christ. In the book of Romans, Paul says: we then who are strong out to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor of his good, leading to edification; chapter 15:1-2. Now that does not sound liberating; but rather very limiting. Is Paul saying we must suppress our freedoms in Christ because of the weaknesses of others? Only in the power of the Holy Spirit: Verse 13: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound di hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The elementary principles of the world say, forget them; do what pleases you. God doesn’t agree. For we have died to the deceit of philosophy, and traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, Colossians 2:8. We died to all this foolishness at our baptism into Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead, Colossians 2:12. This baptism Paul refers to as our spiritual circumcision, verse 11. The world and its ways have been cut away from us. We are dead to its ways.
Paul then applies this new found freedom to the Jews, verses 20-21: Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—do not touch, do not taste, do not handle? Which of course would also apply to the Gentiles: according to the commandments and doctrines of men? Verse 22. You are complete in Christ, Verse 10.
Do not let that simple statement slide by: you are complete in Christ. You are the finished work of Jesus who began a good work in you and will complete it until the day, Philippians 1:6. Realize WHO you are in and WHO is in you, the head of all principality and power, Verse 10. Actually, Jesus is far above all principality and power and might and dominion, Ephesians 1:21. Because He is The Head of ALL principality and power.
Note: The Greek word principality comes from the root word for beginning or origin, NT 756; He is the Alpha. The Greek word power comes from the root word for lawful, potentate, NT1832; He is the Omega. Jesus is life. He is the beginning and the end, the Aleph and the Tav; He is. And you are in Him.
