Dying to the World with Christ

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Colossians 2:13-23, focusing on the sufficiency of Christ and the freedom believers have in Him. The conversation begins with a discussion on the legalistic practices that Paul warns against, such as strict food regulations, festivals, and other ceremonial laws, which are described as shadows pointing to the true substance—Jesus Christ. The hosts emphasize that Christ's work on the cross has fulfilled all these requirements, liberating believers from the constraints of legalism and empty religious rituals.

The episode addresses the deeper theological implications of being “dead to the world with Christ.” This union with Christ means believers are no longer bound by man-made regulations or ascetic practices that offer no real value in battling sin or promoting true spiritual growth. Instead, believers are called to hold fast to Christ, the source of all spiritual nourishment and growth. The hosts also caution against the dangers of being disqualified by falling into legalistic or mystical practices, which disconnect believers from the sufficiency of Christ.

Wrapping up, Jesse and Tony highlight the liberating power of the Gospel, stressing that true Christian freedom is found in living in accordance with God's moral law, not as a means of earning salvation, but as a joyful response to the grace and love of Christ. This episode is a call to reject legalism and embrace the freedom and sufficiency that comes through union with Christ.

Key Points:

1. The Shadows of the Old Testament Point to Christ: The Old Testament ceremonial laws, such as dietary restrictions, festivals, and Sabbaths, were shadows that anticipated Christ. With His coming, these shadows are fulfilled in the substance of Jesus.
2. Union with Christ Brings Freedom: Being united with Christ means believers are no longer subject to legalistic or ascetic practices, as they are dead to the elemental spirits of the world and alive in Christ.
3. The Dangers of Legalism and Empty Rituals: Legalism and man-made religious practices cannot bring about true spiritual growth or victory over sin. Instead, they risk disconnecting believers from the sufficiency of Christ.
4. True Christian Freedom and Obedience: Freedom in Christ is not a license for self-indulgence but an invitation to live joyfully within God's moral law, empowered by His grace.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does understanding Christ as the substance of the Old Testament shadows change the way you view the ceremonial laws?
2. In what ways have you seen legalistic or ascetic practices fail to promote true spiritual growth in your life or in others?
3. How can you hold fast to Christ as the source of spiritual nourishment in a world full of distractions and false teachings?
4. What does true Christian freedom look like in your daily life, and how does it differ from a life constrained by legalism?