20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Thoughts: Legalistic law keeping and spiritual pride seem to go together. The Pharisees were ascetics about external things- but they had little mercy, were quick to judge, and their heart was not humble before God. Here Paul is complaining about a kind of Pharisee-like practice that was coming back. We must always be on our guard again just keeping the Law, spiritual pride, and judgmentalism. Amazingly, Paul says that ascetic practices don't have value for restraining sensual indulgence. He is indicating that simply restraining ourselves by our own power and ability- without God's mercy, grace, and help means little. Sensual indulgence should be resisted, but not by common sense or our own strength. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.
Prayer: Help me to resist sensuality relying on your grace, mercy, and power Lord.
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