Colossians 2:22, "(all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men," is part of Paul's argument against legalistic practices and false teachings that were creeping into the Colossian church. Let's break down what it means:
"(all of which perish with use)": This refers to the specific rules and regulations mentioned earlier in the passage, which usually involve abstaining from or handling physical things. Examples might include dietary restrictions, rules about touching certain objects, or observing specific days. The point is that these rules are about things that are consumed, used up, or affected by physical use. They are temporary and external.
"according to the precepts and doctrines of men": This is the crucial point. Paul is saying that these rules originate from human authorities rather than divine authority. They are based on human reasoning, traditions, or philosophies, not on God's word or guidance from the Holy Spirit.
In essence, the verse means:
The rules and regulations being imposed are about things that are temporary and will eventually be used up or destroyed. More importantly, these rules are based on human ideas and traditions, not on God's commandments.
Context within Colossians 2:
To fully understand this verse, it's important to consider the surrounding verses:
Colossians 2:20-21 "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’?"
Paul is arguing that because the Colossians have died to the old ways and are now united with Christ, they shouldn't be bound by rules that focus on physical things. These rules are ineffective in dealing with the real issue: sin and spiritual growth.
Why is this important?
Paul is warning against:
Legalism: The idea that salvation or spiritual growth comes from following a set of rules and regulations.
Empty Philosophy: Relying on human wisdom and traditions rather than on the teachings of Christ.
Missing the Point: Getting caught up in external practices while neglecting the true transformation that comes from a relationship with Christ.
In short, the verse warns against substituting human-made rules about temporary things for the true spiritual growth that comes from Christ. The problem isn't that the things are being used up, but that the rules about those things are human-made and distract from the true focus on Christ.
Colossians 2:22, "(all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men," is part of Paul's argument against legalistic practices and false teachings that were creeping into the Colossian church. Let's break down what it means:
"(all of which perish with use)": This refers to the specific rules and regulations mentioned earlier in the passage, which usually involve abstaining from or handling physical things. Examples might include dietary restrictions, rules about touching certain objects, or observing specific days. The point is that these rules are about things that are consumed, used up, or affected by physical use. They are temporary and external.
"according to the precepts and doctrines of men": This is the crucial point. Paul is saying that these rules originate from human authorities rather than divine authority. They are based on human reasoning, traditions, or philosophies, not on God's word or guidance from the Holy Spirit.
In essence, the verse means:
The rules and regulations being imposed are about things that are temporary and will eventually be used up or destroyed. More importantly, these rules are based on human ideas and traditions, not on God's commandments.
Context within Colossians 2:
To fully understand this verse, it's important to consider the surrounding verses:
Colossians 2:20-21 "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’?"
Paul is arguing that because the Colossians have died to the old ways and are now united with Christ, they shouldn't be bound by rules that focus on physical things. These rules are ineffective in dealing with the real issue: sin and spiritual growth.
Why is this important?
Paul is warning against:
Legalism: The idea that salvation or spiritual growth comes from following a set of rules and regulations.
Empty Philosophy: Relying on human wisdom and traditions rather than on the teachings of Christ.
Missing the Point: Getting caught up in external practices while neglecting the true transformation that comes from a relationship with Christ.
In short, the verse warns against substituting human-made rules about temporary things for the true spiritual growth that comes from Christ. The problem isn't that the things are being used up, but that the rules about those things are human-made and distract from the true focus on Christ.
