If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees. Colossians 2:20
The truths in this passage are. Yes, we have died with Christ. Yes, we have died to the elementary principles of the world. Yes, we are not citizens of this world. Yes, it is possible to voluntarily submit ourselves to “commandments and teachings of men,” that is to think and act worldly.
The questions are. What are the ramifications of dying with Christ? What are now my responsibilities as a citizen of heaven? What are the rules, the commandments and teachings of Christ?
It is easier to ponder all this by considering what are not the decrees of Christ. They are not, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (Verse 21) Are these not “the commandments and teachings of men?” (Verse 22) They have “the appearance of wisdom,” but they are of “no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Verse 23) What is then?
Paul does not leave us dangling. These questions are answered in Colossians 3. For now, know this. Only the Holy Spirit within us has power over “fleshly indulgence.” With his Spirit at the helm, with time and sound teaching under our belts, our “senses are trained” to choose good over evil, and to know why that’s a very good idea.
But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
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