In Colossians 2 In What Ways Do We Still Struggle With Legalism In Our Faith Today?
Understanding Legalism in Light of Colossians 2
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians, especially chapter 2, addresses a timeless issue that believers still face today—legalism. Legalism is the attempt to earn God’s acceptance or spiritual maturity through human rules, rituals, or efforts, rather than relying fully on the sufficiency of Christ’s work. In this Bible study, we will explore how Paul confronts legalism and how these truths apply to us in the present day.
Paul’s Warning Against Legalism
Paul writes to the Colossians, a church threatened by teachings that added human regulations to the gospel. He urges believers to remain rooted in Christ, who is the fullness of God and the source of our salvation:
As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. - Colossians 2:6-7 ASV
Paul cautions believers not to be taken captive by “philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8 ASV). The heart of his message is that Christ is sufficient; adding to His work undermines the gospel.
Examples of Legalism in Colossians 2
Paul addresses specific examples of legalistic attitudes:
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Observance of Religious Rules:
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's. - Colossians 2:16-17 ASV
Paul warns against making religious festivals, dietary rules, or Sabbath observance the measure of spiritual maturity. These were “shadows” pointing to Christ, who is now the reality.
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Self-imposed Religiosity:
Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh. - Colossians 2:23 ASV
Paul exposes external rule-keeping and ascetic practices as powerless to change the heart. They may appear wise, but only Christ transforms from within.
Legalism in Our Faith Today
Despite Paul’s clear teaching, legalism still finds its way into the Christian life. Here are some ways believers struggle with legalism today:
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Measuring Spirituality by External Standards:
Christians may judge themselves or others based on church attendance, dress codes, or specific behaviors, rather than faith in Christ and the fruit of the Spirit. While holy living matters, it flows from a relationship with Christ, not from rule-keeping (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV).
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Adding Requirements to Salvation:
Some may teach that baptism, membership, or specific rituals are necessary for salvation. Yet Scripture affirms,
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
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Seeking Approval Through Performance:
There’s a temptation to believe that God’s favor depends on our performance or that we can earn spiritual blessings. Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are complete:
and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power. - Colossians 2:10 ASV
The Solution: Abiding in Christ
The antidote to legalism is to abide in Christ and rest in His finished work. Paul urges us to look to Jesus, not human regulations, for spiritual growth and assurance:
If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1 ASV
Righteousness and spiritual maturity flow from union with Christ, not from external observances.
Conclusion
Legalism is a subtle enemy, tempting us to add to what Christ has accomplished. Colossians 2 calls us back to the sufficiency of Christ and warns against any teaching or tradition that undermines the gospel. True freedom and growth come as we trust in Jesus alone, allowing His Spirit to work in and through us.