100823...“Threats To The Gospel” Pt.2...Colossians 2:16-23

What Is The Gospel?
-“Gospel” comes from the Greek word “euangelion” which means “good news” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)
-The “Gospel” radically & progressively changes the life of everyone who receives it (2 Corinthians 5:17)
-The Holy Spirit uses the “Gospel” throughout the entirety of our spiritual life; both to justify us and to sanctify us

Impediments To God’s Gospel Work In You:
-Legalism threatens gospel work
-Mysticism threatens gospel work
-Doctrinal error threatens gospel work
-Asceticism threatens gospel work

“Key Verse” In Colossians
-“I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.” -Chapter 2, verse 4

Colossians 2:8...“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Colossians 2:16-23...“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Impediments To God’s Gospel Work In You:
-Legalism threatens gospel work
-Mysticism threatens gospel work
-Doctrinal error threatens gospel work
-Asceticism threatens gospel work

What Is Legalism?
-Legalism is “Pseudo-Spirituality”
--“Pseudo” means “false”
--So, it’s a false spirituality

A Laymen’s Definition:
-“Legalism is a belief system that we can earn God’s attention & blessing by keeping certain rules that have no basis in Scripture.”

Impediments To God’s Gospel Work In You:
-Legalism threatens gospel work
-Mysticism threatens gospel work
-Doctrinal error threatens gospel work
-Asceticism threatens gospel work

“Asceticism or Mysticism”
-V.18 the word is “thrēskeia” in the Greek
--“worship, religion or any kind of ceremonial observance”
--Emphasizes “any & all forms of religious worship”
-V.23 it’s “ethelothrēskia” in the Greek
--“self-imposed worship based on human will rather than divine revelation”
--Emphasizes “the human origin & choice of religious practices”

Impediments To God’s Gospel Work In You:
-Legalism threatens gospel work
-Mysticism threatens gospel work
-Doctrinal error threatens gospel work
-Asceticism threatens gospel work

“Mysticism” Defined:
-“It’s the pursuit of a deeper or higher subjective religious experience. It’s the belief that spiritual reality is perceived apart from the human intellect and natural senses. To the mystic, truth is found inside yourself; from the light arising from within.”

Sermon In A Sentence: Not everyone who looks spiritual and talks spiritual has authentic faith in Jesus Christ.

Mysticism Threatens Gospel Work Because It:
-Produces false humility & pride.....

“Mysticism” Defined:
-“It’s the pursuit of a deeper or higher subjective religious experience. It’s the belief that spiritual reality is perceived apart from the human intellect and natural senses. To the mystic, truth is found inside yourself; from the light arising from within.”

Mysticism Threatens Gospel Work Because It:
-Produces false humility & pride
-Focuses on angels & the spirit world
-Elevates experience over Scripture

Isaiah 8:20...“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them”

Mysticism Threatens Gospel Work Because It:
-Produces false humility & pride
-Focuses on angels & the spirit world
-Elevates experience over Scripture
-Makes you intolerant & judgmental
-Minimizes the headship of Christ