Follow Your HEART or follow the HEAD?
Part of Heads Up Colossae!—Colossians
September 3, 2021

Colossians 2:16-23

Paul, after proclaiming Christ’s complete victory over the world and human regulations (Colossians 2:9-15), is letting the Colossian believers know that maturity in Christ cannot be found in human traditions, precepts, or rituals. He identifies three types of substitutes that will delay maturing in our walk with Jesus and deny abundant life in Christ. He compares the SUBSTANCE of a genuine relationship with Christ to SHADOWS, SUPERSTITIONS, and SMOKE SCREENS.

SHADOWS – Older Testament Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths were established to point God’s people back to him. However, these events were not a substitute for actually knowing God.

SUPERSTITIONS – Asceticism (voluntarily denying bodily satisfactions such as food/drink, sleep, clothes, social interaction etc.), Visions and Worship of Angels are human constructs that seem credible on the surface but really they lead you away from God.

SMOKE SCREENS – Rituals and traditions that are man’s ways of seeking God’s favor. Things we do to hide the darkness in our hearts from God, others, and ourselves.

SUBSTANCE is found in Christ alone. There is no need to add to or subtract from the Gospel. To alter the message of the Gospel is to re-submit oneself to human thinking and regulation. Remember: Christ conquered every worldly thing (Colossians 2:15). He is our reality.

Questions for Small Group Discussions:
1. Define legalism:


2. What are the risks of relying on shadows, superstitions, or smoke screens?
3. How should I evaluate my motivations?
4. If I tried to have a relationship with my spouse, parents, children, or friends the same way I approach having a relationship with Jesus, how well would that work?