The Danger of Human Religion

How do we differentiate between true spirituality found in the gospel and the counterfeits of human religion? Join us this week at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we look at Paul's answer from Colossians 2.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Read Colossians 2:16–17; Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:1–23. What is “legalism”? Do you struggle with legalism? How have you seen/experienced legalism in the church today?
2. In this Sunday’s sermon, we saw that legalism is rooted in a misconception of God’s character. Read Genesis 3:1–5. What is the heart’s default view of God since the Fall? Read Matthew 7:11. What is the right view of God? From which of these two positions do you most often “operate”?
3. Discuss this statement from this Sunday’s sermon: “legalism sees obedience as the deprivation of our joy, not as the key to it as God originally intended.” How do we overcome this mindset? What are some areas of your life where you are guilty of this form of legalism?
4. Read Colossians 2:19. What is the key to bearing fruit in the Christian life? What does this look like in your own life?
5. Read Colossians 2:20–23. What is “asceticism”? What is the difference between what Paul is talking about here and Jesus’s words in Luke 9:23–25? How do we balance Jesus’s words with the command to “enjoy” the good things of life? (cf. Gen. 2:16; 1 Tim. 4:4–5)?
6. Read Colossians 2:23. Here Paul tells us that “human religion” often has the appearance of wisdom. What are some modern-day examples of “human religion” that may seem wise at first glance?
7. Read John 3:3–8; Ezekiel 36:24–28. In what way does “human religion” ultimately fail? How does the gospel bring lasting change?