Rules and regulations don’t conquer evil desires
Most churches have written and unwritten rules, regulations, ordinances, and laws about conduct to keep their members holy. How is that working? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT)
These practices indeed have the appearance [that popularly passes as that] of wisdom in self-made religion and mock humility and severe treatment of the body (asceticism), but are of no value against sinful indulgence [because they do not honor God]. (Colossians 2:23 AMP)
Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important. (Colossians 2:23 MSG)
Conquering evil desires without rules and regulations
As Christians, who love the Lord Jesus Christ — and want to serve him with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our mind — we want to conquer our evil desires. Right!? Paul says, “strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline” are not the way. What!? “No help,” no value, and useless! If not religious rules and regulations, then what will conquer our evil desires?
As usual with God, it’s not hard, it’s not a religious work, and it’s not even something you can do. You need to get yourself out of the way and “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think”…
A Living Sacrifice to God
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:1-2)
Living the new life instead of rules and regulations
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:1-17)
If you are struggling with this concept, write to us, or join the conversation below.
Digging Deeper
- Acts 15 Grace changes everything – Acts 15 From death under the burden of the law to life in the fullness and power of Jesus Christ
- Grace and peace are the results of Christian growth – If you aren’t growing in grace and peace, maybe it’s because you aren’t growing in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
- Growing from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ – The importance of growing in grace and knowledge from spiritual infancy to godly adult maturity as a Christian