Colossians 2:16-23 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these things are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For He holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of this world, such as; “Don’t touch! Don’t taste! Don’t handle!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
Abstaining from activities or foods to prove ______________ to God is a wrong concept. Real connection and freedom only comes through _____________ to Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:1-2 In view of God’s mercy offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 8:1-2 There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him the power of the life-giving Spirit has feed you from the power of sin and death.