Freedom In Christ

Let No One Disqualify You: Christ Is All (Colossians 2:16–23)

Tonight's Sermon Text: Colossians 2:16–23 (ESV)

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.

1. Christ Alone Is the Substance of True Religion (vv. 16–17)

Paul’s warning in verse 16 comes on the heels of proclaiming Christ’s triumph at the cross (v. 15). Therefore, any attempt to add external rules or religious observances—be it Jewish dietary laws or Sabbath festivals—is a denial of the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work. These ceremonial laws were but shadows; the substance is Christ Himself.

This clearly reflects the biblical truth of solus Christus—that salvation and sanctification come through Christ alone, not through religious observances. The ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Christ, and to return to them is to undervalue His atoning sacrifice, which was ordained by the sovereign will of God before the foundation of the world.

2. Legalism and Mysticism as False Paths to Sanctification (vv. 18–19)

Paul addresses two threats to the Colossians: legalistic asceticism and mystical experience-seeking (e.g., visions, angel-worship). These are not harmless extras—they are spiritually destructive. They are rooted in human pride and self-exaltation, not in submission to Christ.

The Bible teaches that sanctification, like justification, is a work of God’s grace. Paul reminds us that true spiritual growth comes from holding fast to the Head, Jesus Christ. From Him, the whole Body (the Church) is nourished and knit together. This spiritual growth is not man-made—it is a growth that is from God (v. 19). This aligns with the doctrine of union with Christ, which is central to the believer's identity and is the fruit of God’s sovereign grace, not human achievement.

3. The Futility of Man-Made Religion (vv. 20–23)

Paul ends with a critical question: “Why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations?” The commands—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”—sound spiritual, but they are powerless. They cannot restrain the sinful nature because they rely on human effort.

The Bible clearly teaches the doctrine of total depravity: man is utterly incapable of producing righteousness on his own. The flesh cannot subdue itself. Only the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and the finished work of Christ can transform a sinner's heart. Self-made religion has the appearance of wisdom, but it lacks the power of the Gospel. Holiness flows not from asceticism, but from a new heart—granted by God.

Conclusion: Christ Is Sufficient, and We Are Complete in Him

Colossians 2:16–23 offers a strong warning: Do not be enslaved again to shadows. Christ is the fullness—not religious performance, not mystical visions, not man-made rules. Everything outside of Christ is powerless to sanctify.

The Bible teaches that we are made complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). This completeness flows from God’s sovereign plan of redemption, carried out in Christ, applied by the Spirit. For the believer, this passage reminds us to abide in Christ, to reject every form of works-based righteousness, and to rest in the truth that Christ is enough.

In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and false teachings—even within the Church—Paul's exhortation remains: Let no one disqualify you. Christ is the Head. From Him comes life, growth, and victory. And by His grace alone, we are kept.

With that said beloved, always be sure to check all things through the lens of the scriptures...test the spirits like John says in his first epistle.  We pray this sermon helps you grow in your Christian walk and encourage you to contact us here for much more.  We hope to see you in person each Saturday for worship, fellowship and a meal afterward!

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family