By: Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
8/27/2023
C H O F Ministry’s - Anchor Passage:
Colossians 2:16-23 (Christian Standard Bible)
"Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ."

C H O F Ministry’s - In Short:
Beloved, in today's devotion, we delve into the dangers of legalism—a mindset that reduces the gospel to a set of rules and rituals. Using Apostle Paul's guidance to the Colossian church, we'll explore why focusing solely on religious observances can overshadow the true substance of our faith, which is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Legalism might offer the illusion of control, but it fails to give us the transformative power found only in Christ.

🌼 C H O F Ministry’s - Putting the Bible into Practice:

1. The Illusion of Control:
• Verse 23 warns us that strict rules may seem wise but lack the power to restrain sinful desires. Legalism is futile because it lacks the transformative grace only found in Christ.

2. Shadow Vs. Substance:
• Paul in verse 17 points out that dietary rules and special observances are merely shadows of the greater realities in Christ. Concentrating on these can cause us to miss the true essence of a relationship with Jesus.

3. Guarding Against Spiritual Pride:
• Legalism fosters a deceptive sense of spiritual pride. Verse 18 warns against false forms of worship that divert our focus from the cross, the symbol of ultimate sacrifice and humility.

"C H O F Ministry’s - Practical Takeaways:

1. Don't Let Rules Rule You:
• While rules offer structure, our faith is fundamentally a relational journey with Christ. Don't substitute the intimacy of this relationship for the comfort of a set of rules.

2. Grace Over Works:
• The sacrifice of Jesus is all we need for righteousness. Do not let the judgment of others sway you into religious rituals; our standing before God is based on His grace, not our works.

🌼 C H O F Ministry’s - It’s Your Move:

Question traditional views of spirituality. Are your practices truly drawing you closer to God or just providing a comfort zone? Redirect your spiritual journey to focus solely on Christ, the substance behind the shadows.

🌼 C H O F Ministry’s - Let’s Wrap This Up:

Legalism is a snare that risks separating us from the enriching relationship that God offers through Jesus Christ. Recognize that rituals are mere shadows of the richer reality found in Christ, and liberate yourself from the shackles of legalistic thinking.

🌼 Let Us Go into The Throne Room of Grace and Mercy.

🙏 Heavenly Father, enlighten us to cherish the freedom found in Your Son, Jesus. Teach us to rely on Your grace for our righteousness, liberating us from the emptiness of legalism. To God Be the Glory 🙏