Carlton G. McPeak
Guest Columnist
In Paul’s letter to the Romans (6:3-7), he gave the meaning behind being baptized. He said we are to die to a former manner of life, have that life buried. and be raised with Christ in a new life. To the Colossians (2:20-23), Paul gave some insight into fighting fleshly indulgences that are a part of the former manner of life to which we are now commanded to die.
Paul had not been to the church in Colossae, but he knew they had “learned [about this] from Epaphras” (1:7). This type of teaching was standard among the apostles and those who would be sharing the gospel based upon the apostles’ teachings. Paul assumed the Colossians “[had] died with Christ.”
One of the things the Colossians had died to was the “elementary principles of [this] world.” Even though they still “[lived] in the world,” they were not going to be living “in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men.”
Paul identified these “commandments and teachings of men” as having “the appearance of wisdom in self-made religions and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but [were] of no value against fleshly indulgence.” These things were dealing with the physical, but would not produce any control over preventing one from practicing “fleshly indulgences.”
Self-made religions, self-abasement, and severe treatment of the body will not help us with fighting “fleshly indulgences.” A religion we have devised ourselves will not help us deal with fleshly indulgences. It would be a religion centered on our own thinking and teaching, rather than the thinking and teaching of Christ.
Although “self-abasement” is a good thing to practice, this attitude and practice will not help with “fleshly indulgences.” Humiliation of mind, modesty, and humble opinions of oneself will not keep one from practicing “fleshly indulgences.” Self-abasement will often lead one to put on an elaborate display of religion with the intent and purpose of impressing people. Those who practice this desire to appear righteous when they are not.
Some have thought that inflicting harm to their own bodies is a sign of being religious and righteous before God. However, Paul said these hurtful things still will not keep one from “fleshly indulgences.”
All of these things, “self-made religion, self-abasement, and severe treatment of the body”, can give the appearance that one is religious and righteous. However, Paul’s emphasis was that doing these things will not keep us from being involved in “fleshly indulgences.”
By focusing on the teachings of Christ and exhibiting true, sincere humility, which is seen in our actions, and not by the pain we inflict upon ourselves, we will be effective in fighting fleshly indulgences. We will be living God’s way.
Carlton G. McPeak (carlton_mc@msn.com)
is an evangelist working in the Florida Gateway region.
Scriptural quotations from the NASB.