Can external discipline actually change you from the inside out?

In this Beyond the Notes teaching, Pastor Russell Howard works through Colossians 2:16-23, where Paul identifies two dangers for believers: the legalistic judgment of others and the illusion of holiness through self-made religion. From dietary restrictions to ascetic practices to claims of superior spiritual experience, Paul's argument is direct. These things have an appearance of wisdom, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

The episode closes with Galatians 5:16, what Pastor Russell calls the single most concise and powerful verse in the New Testament on gaining mastery over the desires of the flesh. There are no rules to add, no habits to adopt. There is one command: walk by the Spirit. This teaching is for anyone who has tried harder and still come up short, and who wants to understand what actually produces real growth.

Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026