Our message series is Living the Christ-Centered Life through the book of Colossians. Sunday’s message was called Poor Substitutes, taken from Colossians 2:16-23. Here is a brief outline of the message:

I. Fighting legalism – Don’t let anyone judge you (16-17)
   A. Relying on religious rules for acceptance by God
      – Leviticus 23; Mark 7:14-15; Romans 14:5,17
   B. The problem: only shadows of the things that were to come
      – Hebrews 9:10, 10:1
   C. The solution: Focus on the reality which is found in Christ.
      – John 6:41; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 4:1-11

II. Fighting mysticism – Don’t let anyone disqualify you (18-19)
   A. Relying on religious experience for status within the church
      – 1 Timothy 2:5; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19:10
   B. The problem: false humility (pride)
      – 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
   C. The solution: Stay connected with Christ.
      – John 15:4-5; Colossians 2:2, 3:14

III. Fighting asceticism – Don’t let anyone take away your freedom (20-23)
   A. Relying on religious acts of self-denial to grow in holiness
      – John 15:19; Galatians 4:9; 1 Timothy 4:1-5
   B. The problem: merely human commands and teachings
      – Isaiah 29:13; Colossians 2:3; 1 Timothy 6:17
   C. The solution: Remember that you already died with Christ.
      – Galatians 2:19; Colossians 2:20

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