Whether facing false teaching or the temptation toward immoral behavior, the response must always be the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The false teachers in Colossae wanted to look and sound wise, so they prescribed some extremes that would set themselves apart. “Look at how disciplined they are,” some might have said. But for all the attention they might have received, their actions were meaningless.

They were no closer to salvation or righteousness because these things cannot be found apart from faith in Christ. Paul condemned these false teachers for focusing on earthly restrictions and rules but with no spiritual value. Paul went on to teach the truth—righteousness comes only through setting our eyes on Christ, who is in heaven.

How are you tempted to sometimes deal with sin in your life in ways apart from faith in Jesus?