Colossians 2:16-23

“Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions ... not holding fast to the Head” (v18-19). Some in the Colossian community wanted the believers to focus on a spirituality that involved visions, angels, and “asceticism,” an overly strict discipline of the body and rejection of certain foods. Paul said that these things had the appearance of religion but were worthless in the real battle against sin (v23). We can only “grow with the growth that is from God” (v19).

“The substance belongs to Christ” (v17). We can’t save ourselves or make ourselves holy; we only grow in faith, love, and purity as we come to know Christ more.