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"Do not touch, do not taste..."

Text: Colossians 2:21

SOME EXAMPLES OF THE REGULATIONS

The following text gives us an idea of the kind of regulations imposed by the false teachers.

“‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’
which all concern things which perish with the using-
according to the commandments and doctrines of men?”
Colossians 2:21-22

1. Religious observances

a) Do not touch

b) Do not taste

c) Do not handle

2. What is the significance of these regulations?

a) The idea appears to be a form of asceticism.

b) One is taught to refrain from food, for example.

c) One keeps himself from any contact with the world, for another.

d) For another if a person practices abstinence the individual is said to benefit from it.

3. Paul’s assessment

He notes two important matters.

a) The focus is on the physical world.

b) The source of this kind of teaching is essentially from man and not from God.

4. Conclusions

a) The physical things of the world.

i) They are not eternal.

ii) The physical things of the world will perish in due time.

b) The commandments and doctrines of men.

i) They are of limited value.

ii) They are not inspired of God.

iii) God does not require any of these regulations to be followed.

iv) They have no authority over anyone who has come to faith in Christ.

v) The believer is not under any obligation to keep these regulations at all.