Daily Reading: 7-25-16
Colossians 2:16-3:1Common English Bible (CEB)
The Apostle Paul teaches about how easily people can be led astray from the Law of Grace if Christ is not given his rightful place. Christ is the Head of the Church; therefore, a connection to Christ is essential for proper spiritual growth. Christ has set us free to be led by the Spirit through faith in him alone; we are not to be led by the opinions of others, self-made religions or human traditions. If we have a relationship with Christ, we have the understanding available to us (Spirit) so we can please God. As we grow up and reach for maturity in Christ, our lifestyles will be based on continual change. We can trust Christ to make us anew, so stay focused on Jesus.
Colossians 2:16-3:1Common English Bible (CEB)
16 So don’t let anyone judge you about eating or drinking or about a festival, a new moon observance, or sabbaths. 17 These religious practices are only a shadow of what was coming—the body that cast the shadow is Christ. 18 Don’t let anyone who wants to practice harsh self-denial and worship angels rob you of the prize. They go into detail about what they have seen in visions and have become unjustifiably arrogant by their selfish way of thinking. 19 They don’t stay connected to the head. The head nourishes and supports the whole body through the joints and ligaments, so the body grows with a growth that is from God.
20 If you died with Christ to the way the world thinks and acts, why do you submit to rules and regulations as though you were living in the world? 21 “Don’t handle!” “Don’t taste!” “Don’t touch!” 22 All these things cease to exist when they are used. Such rules are human commandments and teachings. 23 They look like they are wise with this self-made religion and their self-denial by the harsh treatment of the body, but they are no help against indulging in selfish immoral behavior. Your life hidden in Christ
3 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side.
Prayer: Lord, only you can change a heart through new life. The changes you bring me will always cause me to be more loving. Holy Spirit, change my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.