The Diet of the Colossians

This week we take another look at some false teachings that had crept into the church of Colosse and others in the region.

One of the questions we all have is "What's for dinner?" — surf and turf, liver and onions, chicken gizzards, leg of lamb, BBQ baby back pork ribs? Some of these might not make it on the menu at my house but we won't judge others for enjoying those pickled pig's feet or deep-fried ice cream cheeseburgers.

The opening "so” or "therefore" is important. It connects this thought with the previous thought we closed with last week concerning victory in Jesus. Because Jesus won such a glorious victory on the cross, we are to let no one judge us on food or in drink or on other matters related to legalism that add to the gospel of Christ.

A life that is centered on Jesus and what He did on the cross has no place for legalism. Paul's point is clear: days and foods, as observed under the Mosaic Law, are not binding upon New Covenant people. The shadow has passed, the reality has come. So for the Christian, all foods are pure (1 Timothy 4:4-5) and all days belong to God.

Paul's goal is clear: receive Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in faith and overflowing with thankfulness. — Pastor Don