Rhapsody Of Realities 13 March 2026: Beware Of Unscriptural Ordinances

Biblical Context

The book of Colossians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, most likely from a Roman prison, to the church in Colossae. Paul wrote it to address several false teachings that were making their way into the Christian community there. These teachings were a mix of Jewish legalism, Gnostic ideas (which claimed special, hidden knowledge), and local pagan beliefs, often pushing for ascetic practices, strict ritual observances, and even the worship of angels. Paul’s big aim was to make it clear that Christ is supreme over everything and that He alone is enough for our salvation and spiritual life. He wanted the Colossians, and us, to understand that we don’t need any other rules or rituals outside of Christ.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “ordinances” from our main verse, Colossians 2:20. In the original Greek, this word is “dogma” (δόγμα). It means decrees, doctrines, or rules. In this particular context, it refers to man-made rules or regulations, especially religious ones, that have no real power or life in Christ. Paul is telling us that these aren’t God’s rules; they’re human ideas that try to add to what Jesus already finished for us. They’re empty and don’t help you grow closer to God.

Breaking Free From Old Practices

You know, there are people in the Church right now who, before they gave their lives to Jesus, were really into occult practices, idol worship, and rituals. It’s sad, but because some of them haven’t really been taught God’s Word the right way, those old practices from their past have stuck around and are still messing with their Christian life. Many of them still think they need and use material things like oil, handkerchiefs, mantles, charms, “holy water,” and other objects to get spiritual power or to make contact with God.

Over time, some of these same people became pastors and leaders in churches. And what did they do? They brought those very same practices right into the body of Christ. They made God’s people rely on physical things for their faith, telling them, “Carry this, drink this, and bathe with this.” But the Bible doesn’t teach us to do any of that. Christianity isn’t about using objects; it’s about having a real, living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Paul warns us about falling for these kinds of things. He says in Colossians 2:8 (KJV): “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” You see, these traditions and “rudiments of the world” are just human ideas, not Christ’s.

True Worship Isn’t About Objects or Performance

The same kind of thing happened with music and worship. Some people brought dances from idol worship into the Church, dances that were once used to offer things to demons. But thank God, all that is really changing now because people are getting the right teaching from God’s Word about what true worship really is. Real spiritual worship isn’t about getting fleshly excitement or just being entertained; it’s a spiritual sacrifice that you offer through the Spirit.

True worship isn’t about needing physical objects or putting on carnal displays. It’s the overflow of your heart to God, inspired by the Holy Ghost. You don’t need holy water, or oil, or any other physical thing to connect with God. He actually lives in you by His Spirit! He’s right there, all the time.

Paul makes this point very clear in our main scripture and the verses around it: Colossians 2:20-23 (KJV): “20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” These are rules that don’t satisfy or honor God; they only give a “show of wisdom” but are just man-made.

Living by the Spirit, Not by Rules

So, your best move is to stay in the Word. Your words of faith, lifting your hands, your songs of praise from your heart – when you do these things according to His Word, that’s what truly ministers to Him. Refuse to get caught up in unscriptural traditions made by men that actually make God’s Word have no effect in your life.

Remember what Philippians 3:3 says: “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” We don’t put our trust in what we can do in our own strength or through rituals. Our worship is spiritual, and our joy is in Christ Jesus, period.

Let your connection with God be pure, direct, and Spirit-led. He’s made it simple for you: He lives inside you. You’re His dwelling place. You’ve got everything you need for that amazing relationship right within you through His Holy Spirit.