Rooted: Colossians - Week 6
Shadows, Substitutes, and Substance
Don’t fear the judgement of shadows.
Colossians 2:16-17, “16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Shadow vs. the substance
- Don't let followers of the shadow keep you from following the one who makes the shadow.
- Don’t be disqualified by false spirituality.
Colossians 2:18-19, ”18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.”
Heart change over Behavior change
Colossians 2:20-23, “20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
- Discipline (Spiritual Discipline): Intentional habits or practices that help us grow in godliness and stay rooted in Christ.
- Legalism: Attempting to earn or maintain God’s favor through rule-keeping, performance, or religious behavior.
How to Know When Discipline Becomes Legalism:
- Am I doing this to earn something from God or because I already have everything in Him?
- Do I judge others (or myself) based on performance?
- If I miss this habit, do I feel condemned or unloved by God?
- Does this practice stir up joy and worship—or anxiety and shame?
3-Day Devotional: “Substance Over Shadow”
Day 1: The Shadow or the Savior?
Read: Colossians 2:16–17 - “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
- The religious rituals of the Old Testament—festivals, Sabbaths, sacrifices—were all shadows pointing to something greater. That “something” is Jesus. Yet even today, we often cling to shadows: outward forms of religion, external rules, or performance-based faith.
Reflection: Are you trusting in a spiritual routine, or in a relationship with Jesus? Do your disciplines draw you closer to Christ, or are they becoming lifeless rituals?
Prayer: Lord, help me let go of religious shadows and cling to the substance—Jesus. Draw me back to the heart of worship, where it's all about You.
Day 2: What Really Qualifies You?
Read: Colossians 2:18–19 - “Let no one disqualify you…not holding fast to the Head…”
- Some people chase mystical experiences, secret teachings, or radical practices to prove they’re "more spiritual." Paul reminds us that only connection to Christ qualifies us. He is the Head of the body. Without Him, all our efforts are disconnected and lifeless.
Reflection: Do I ever feel spiritually “less than” others because of their experiences? Am I holding fast to Christ as my Head—or trying to grow apart from Him?
Prayer: Jesus, keep me anchored to You. Remind me that You are enough—and that I am complete in You.
Day 3: Discipline or Legalism?
Read: Colossians 2:20–23 - “…they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
- Paul critiques asceticism and legalism—practices that look spiritual but lack true power. The danger isn’t the practice itself but why and how we practice it. Discipline, when rooted in grace, leads to transformation. Legalism leads to pride or burnout.
Reflection: Are there ways I’ve turned healthy disciplines into prideful or fearful routines? Does my spiritual life flow from love, or from obligation?
Prayer: Father, teach me to pursue You through grace-driven discipline. Keep my heart free from guilt and striving, and fill it with joy in Christ.
5 Small Group Discussion Questions:
1. Shadow vs. Substance: In what ways do people today still cling to “shadows” instead of Christ? How can we recognize when our faith is more about rituals than relationship?
2. Spiritual Comparison: Have you ever felt “disqualified” by someone else’s spiritual experiences or knowledge? What does it look like to hold fast to Christ instead?
3. Discipline vs. Legalism: What are some spiritual practices you engage in? How do you keep them from becoming legalistic?
4. Identifying the Trap: Why do you think it’s so tempting to believe that performance earns more of God’s love or approval?
5. Gospel Motivation: What’s the difference between obeying to be accepted and obeying because you’re accepted? How does this change the way you approach spiritual growth?