Colossians 2:20-23 - The powerlessness of false belief

In baptism, believers of Christ had identified with His death. It signifies that they had died to the world. Paul then asked since they had died with Christ then why were they still turning to trust the basic tenets of this mundane and sensuous world. They were doing so when they submitted to the prohibitions detailed by the false teachings.
 

Using the words of the false teachings, Paul disapprovingly asked them why they submitted to demands such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch”? He was probably referring to the demands that stated: “matters were essentially evil, so do not touch them”. These demands could also include some teachings taken from parts of the Mosaic laws. Others would be from the rigorous teaching of the early ascetics that demanded abstinence from wine or meat and even contacts with strangers or inferior religion etc.


In bewilderment, Paul asked them why they attached so huge a value to things so transient. As believers, they belonged to an eternal realm, why were they so captivated with things and thoughts of men that were so transitory. Those teachings might sound like wisdom but they lacked reality and were worthless. They might have the semblance of humility, and even generate a false religious feeling. They might even cause one to treat the body with strict discipline, yet they were powerless to deal with fleshly indulgence. 


Paul debunked the heretic’s claim to wisdom, and disputed their human demands. He even acknowledged that sensual indulgence must be checked but argued that the remedies of rigorous ascetic practices prescribed by the heretics had no lasting impact and answer to man’s evil tendencies. 

 

The true and lasting answer to our self-indulgence and evil propensity are found in Christ. To deal with them adequately let us focus on our relationship with Him. Our lives can only be fruitful and fulfilling when we are connected to Christ and constantly live in His presence.