Dying and Living with Christ (COL 2:20-3:4)

[2:20] You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as

[2:21] “Don't handle this,” “Don't taste that,” “Don't touch the other”?

[2:22] All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings.

[2:23] Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions.

[3:1] You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God.

[3:2] Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.

[3:3] For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

[3:4] Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!