The Fatal Path of Legalism

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:16–23 ESV)

This text graciously introduces us to and warns us of the fatal path of legalism. Oftentimes legalism can be hard to spot, so Paul helps us be able to discern this fatal path and reminds us of the path of life that is freedom and is filled with growth and brings glory to God.

1. The Lies of Legalism
2. The Realities of Legalism
3. The Answer to Legalism