Please pray for understanding and answer the following questions.
1. Colossians 2:20 contains a phrase, (elemental forces or basic principles of the world). I think a good translation of this term could be order of the world (specifically relating to the evil spirits that govern the world and the laws of sin and death that they enforce.) Read 1 John 5:19; John 15:19; 17:14–16. List a few laws that the enemy tries to enforce on us that do not apply because we are not of this world. (i.e. You are obligated to sin in this or that way, or you must feel guilt over…)
2. Continuing into verse 21, we see that some of the regulations put in place by the enemy are rules that seem to be good and “religious.” However, in reality they only distract us from following Christ into true righteousness. Can you think of a few examples of these kinds of “distracting regulations” that you have experienced in your life?
3. What light does Matthew 15:1-11 shed on this passage?
4. Many times in life we give into the lie that we have the ability within us to abstain from sin, and to live a righteous life. We need to often be reminded though, that this is only truly in us if the Holy Spirit is in us. Only He is able to accomplish righteousness through us. What practices in your life allow you to hide behind a “reputation of wisdom” while not truly accomplishing anything with eternal value?
