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Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility
and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly
puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished
and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the
world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations–
Colossians 2:21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Colossians 2:22 Which all concern things which perish with the using–according
to the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed
religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the
indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward,…”
I. MORE EXTREME EXAMPLES.
1) EXTREME SELF-HUMILIATION.
Colossians 2:18 “… taking delight in false humility …
Colossians 2:23 “… false humility …”
Colossians 2:23 (Amp) “… they delight in self-humiliation …”
2) EXTREME SELF-FABRICATIONS.
Colossians 2:18 “… and worship of angels, intruding into those things which
he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:18 “… and worship of angels …”
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an
angel of light.
Revelation 22:8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and
saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these
things.
Revelation 22:9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow
servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of
this book. Worship God.
Matthew 12:39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous
generation seeks after a sign …”
3) EXTREME SELF-REGULATIONS.
Colossians 2:20 “… Do you subject yourselves to regulations–
Colossians 2:21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Colossians 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in
self-imposed religion …”
Here are some of the rules and regulations that must be followed by those
families who are part of the Institute in Basic Life Principles:
Women are expected to wear ankle-length dresses and to never cut their hair;
The presence of text printed onto dresses is not allowed, as it is thought to bring
attention to the body.
Wearing makeup, perfume, nail polish and high heels, is seen as lustful.
Women are also discouraged from attaining a higher education.
Men are expected to wear dark suits and white shirts, and blue jeans are seen
as ungodly.
Males are clean-shaven and short-haired.
Men are also expected to be circumcised, as being uncircumcised is seen as
being unpure.
The consumption of media, such as television, movies, most music and the
internet, is not allowed, though non-contemporary Christian music is accepted.
Dancing is not allowed, and the consumption of alcohol is also banned.
They practice chaperoned courtship, in which a couple becomes acquainted
only in a group setting
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You
should keep them from the evil one.
4) EXTREME SELF-INFLICTION.
Colossians 2:23 “… and neglect of the body,
Colossians 2:23 (NASB) “… severe treatment of the body …”
Colossians 2:23 (NIV) “… their harsh treatment of the body …”
5) EXTREME SELF-MUTIALATION.
Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s
womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are
eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
II. OBVIOUS ANSWERS TO EXTREME EXAMPLES.
1) DON’T LOSE CONNECTIONS WITH THE HEAD.
Colossians 2:19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body,
nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase
that is from God.
2) DON’T LIVE FOR THE WRONG WORLD.
Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the
world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations–
3) DON’T SEEK THE WRONG HELP.
Colossians 2:23 (NLT) These rules may seem wise because they require strong
devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no
help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
Christianity is not a religion of rules and regulatons but of a living relationship
with Jesus Christ.
