February 4, 2022 | Colossians 2

Read Colossians 2

Scripture- Colossians 2:23- Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Observation- The Colossians were all about religious rules to follow. They treated their bodies harshly and had false humility in their lives and worship. It looked good from the outside looking in. However, Paul tells them that these harsh rules lacked any value in restraining sensual passions and desires. 

Application- I know what it’s like to have sinful passions and desires. I am tempted to have bitterness in my heart. I am tempted to have selfish desires. I am tempted to envy and covet. No rules or traditions can restrain those sinful desires in my heart. There’s only one solution: the gospel. The message of my Savior’s love for me. The message that he took my sin onto himself and went to the cross to forgive me. It’s this message that motivates me to live for him. It’s Jesus that restrains my sinful desires from my heart. It’s this message I need more of to curb the sin in my heart. 

Prayer- Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the wonderful message of grace and forgiveness through him. Send your Holy Spirit into my heart to strengthen my faith in Jesus. Saturate my heart with the gospel so that I may refrain from the sinful passions and desires that plague my heart. Amen.