Colossians 2:20–23 ²⁰ Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. ²³ Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Paul continues with his warnings here, some of which I addressed yesterday. There were false teachers in Colosse trying to tell people to obey a set of rules and regulations they developed to try to earn God’s favor. Notice I wrote “they developed.” They were not teaching Scripture here, but their own ideas. And Paul points out how worthless they are: Not only will they NOT save you, but they don’t even help you avoid sin!

Here is the danger:  Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom.  These guys sounded like they knew what they are talking about. They spoke with such certainty and conviction that people would listen and think, “They must be right!”they

We have again witnessed the political party conventions in this nation. One party speaks with power and conviction on one side of an issue and some people are convinced they are correct. The other party speaks with power and conviction on the other side of the issue and others are convinced that is the proper position. Each of you has the ability to make your voice heard in the general election, and I hope that you will take advantage of that right. Followers of Jesus need to be citizens who are involved in the affairs of this world.

My encouragement to you is that when it comes to spiritual matters, don’t let persuasive speeches and the appearance of wisdom persuade you. Let your conscience be led by the Word of God. That must be your final authority for all matters of faith. It is the Word that tells you God has forgiven you for Jesus’ sake so that you can have the certainty of forgiveness and life eternal. Don’t let anyone lead you away from that.