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Daily Devotions

Colossians

Colossians 
Day 
Day 59

"Therefore, if you died with Christ..."

Text: Colossians 2:20

IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL APPLICATION

The apostle Paul sought to make an important spiritual connection between the believer and the Lord Jesus Christ. How should we conduct our lives in the world?

“Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles
of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you
subject yourselves to regulations-”
Colossians 2:20

In order to understand this text, let’s try and simplify the thoughts contained here.

1. Christ and the world

a) We have two different realities.
b) We have two different systems entirely.

2. “If you died with Christ”

a) This is another way of speaking about our faith-relationship with Christ.
b) We are identified with Him.
c) The imagery of having “died with Christ” is singled out for mention.
d) If we have died with Christ then we are not bound to the world.

3. The basic principles of the world

a) This is a reference to the rules and regulations associated with the world system.
b) A person outside Christ would end up keeping these basic principles of the world.
c) They would rule his life entirely.

4. Living must be understood in two aspects:-

a) Firstly, living in Christ; and
b) Secondly, living in the world.
c) Our relationship of living in Christ and in the world is not subject to the basic principles of the world.

5. Subjection to regulations

a) The basic principles of the world are essentially made up of regulations.
b) They coerce people to subject themselves to many regulations.
c) Paul rejects this attempt to be subjected to man-made regulations.
d) There is no need and there is no benefit in such subjection.
e) Having died with Christ and being made alive in Him has freed us from all regulations!