Distractions to Watch Out For

Colossians 2:16–23
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Distractions are a fact of life. Children must be taught to heed distractions and adults must be reminded as well. It seems like human nature thrives on religious rules and regulations. Paul now gives us three distractions to watch out for:

1. “Let no man judge you” (vv.16-17). This distraction emphasizes the danger of legalism. The false teachers, in Colosse, were claiming a “deeper spiritual life” for all who would practice the Law. It seems that human nature thrives on religious rules and regulations. It is a popular thing because you can “measure” your spiritual life and even brag about it. We must remember that the Law reveals sin and warns of its consequences but it has no power to prevent sin or redeem the sinner.
2. “Let no man beguile you” (vv. 18-19). The word beguile as it is used here means “to declare unworthy of a prize.” A person competing in the Olympics may violate a rule and forfeit the honor of winning a prize but he does not cease to be a citizen of his country. A Christian who fails to obey God does not lose his salvation but he does lose his rewards.
3. “Let no man defraud you” (vv. 20-23). Paul is not suggesting that Christians should be lawless (I Peter 2:11) but he is warning us not to think we are spiritual because we obey certain rules and regulations. While there are definite connections between physical discipline and health, there is no connection between such discipline and holiness (v. 23).

Application

I must never measure my Christian life by a list of do’s and don’ts but by my relationship with Jesus Christ? I need to watch out for distractions because Christ is all I need.