Beware of Asceticism

Intro:

1. THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BELIEVER (v. 20a).
2. The "If" assumes the statement to be true, thus "since".
3. "You have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world"-

What does this mean?

1) We have died to the world. Gal. 6:14

2) We have died to the old man. Rom. 6:6: Gal. 5:24

3) We are a new creation in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17

1. THE EXHORTATION TO THE BELIEVER (2:20b-23).
2. Don't submit to asceticism (20b-21).

1) The "don't" lifestyle (vv. 20-21). "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch."

2) Cf. 1Tim. 4:3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

1. Asceticism puts its emphasis on that which is perishable (22).
2. Asceticism will not help you spiritually (23).

1) they have the "appearance of wisdom" -

2) "self-made religion" -

3) "self-abasement and severe treatment of the body" -

4) "of no value against fleshly indulgence"-

1. Don't devalue biblical pleasure.

CONCLUSION