Holding Fast to Christ – Colossians 2:16-19 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 2:16-19 (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."
Laying the Foundation: Beware of Religious Traps
Paul continues his warning against false teachings in this passage, calling out two specific traps that were creeping into the Colossian church:
Legalism – The belief that external religious practices (food laws, festivals, Sabbath-keeping) make a person more spiritual.
Mysticism – The idea that deeper spiritual experiences (visions, angel worship, self-denial) are needed to be truly close to God.
Both of these distortions shift the focus away from Christ and onto man-made religious practices. Paul’s message is simple: Don’t let anyone judge you or disqualify you based on these things. Instead, hold fast to Christ. He alone is the source of spiritual life and growth.
Let’s break this passage down.
1. Legalism: The Shadow vs. The Substance (v.16-17)
"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 pass judgment on you" – Some false teachers were telling believers they weren’t spiritual enough unless they followed Jewish dietary laws, festival observances, and Sabbath regulations. Paul makes it clear that these things are not the standard for righteousness.
"Food and drink" – The Old Testament had strict dietary laws (Leviticus 11) that some believed were still required for Christians.
"Festival, new moon, Sabbath" – These refer to Jewish religious celebrations and days of rest. While these were important under the Old Covenant, they were never meant to be the final reality.
"These are a shadow… but the substance belongs to Christ." – The law was a foreshadowing of Jesus. It pointed to Him, but it was never meant to replace Him.
Paul’s point: Following religious rules doesn’t make you more righteous. Only Christ does.
Reflection:
Are you measuring your spiritual life by external practices rather than a relationship with Christ?
Are you holding onto religious traditions that Jesus has already fulfilled?
2. Mysticism: False Spirituality That Distracts (v.18)
"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..."
"Let no one disqualify you" – The word means to act as a referee, declaring someone unworthy. False teachers were claiming believers weren’t “spiritual enough” unless they followed their extra practices.
"Asceticism" – This refers to extreme self-denial, such as fasting for long periods, avoiding physical comfort, or harsh treatment of the body to appear holy.
"Worship of angels" – Some people were teaching that angels were spiritual mediators and should be venerated. But Paul rebukes this! Worship belongs to Christ alone.
"Going on in detail about visions" – These false teachers claimed to have special spiritual experiences that gave them superior knowledge.
"Puffed up without reason" – This is a picture of spiritual pride and arrogance. Those who focus on mystical experiences often elevate themselves rather than Christ.
Paul is making it clear that true spirituality is not about having visions, following extreme disciplines, or seeking mystical experiences. It’s about knowing Christ.
Reflection:
Do you feel pressure to have a certain kind of spiritual experience to prove your faith?
Are you seeking experiences more than you are seeking Christ?
3. True Growth Comes from Christ Alone (v.19)
"...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."
"Not holding fast to the Head" – The Head refers to Christ. False teaching pulls people away from dependency on Jesus.
"From whom the whole body… grows with a growth that is from God." – True spiritual growth only comes from staying connected to Christ.
Paul’s warning is serious. When people focus on religious rules and mystical experiences instead of Christ, they cut themselves off from the true source of life.
Reflection:
Are you staying connected to Christ as your source of spiritual growth?
Do you rely on Christ’s work in you, or do you think you must earn your growth?
Final Thoughts: Stay Rooted in Christ, Not Religious Performance
Paul’s message is clear: Don’t let anyone convince you that Jesus isn’t enough.
⚠️ Reject legalism – You don’t need extra rules to be right with God.
🚫 Reject false spirituality – You don’t need special experiences to be complete in Christ.
🌱 Hold fast to Christ – He is the only source of true spiritual growth.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I trusting in Christ alone, or am I relying on religious practices?
✔️ Am I seeking deeper experiences instead of a deeper relationship with Jesus?
✔️ Am I growing in faith by holding fast to Christ, or am I distracted by other teachings?
Tomorrow, Paul will continue explaining how Christ has set us free from human regulations so that we can live fully in Him.
