The fullness and freedom that are ours in Christ ought to motivate us to maintain our devotion to the one who gave us that fullness and set us free. We have no reason to become enslaved by legalistic living, mystical experience, or rigid self-denial. In view of Christ’s victory over His enemies, we should not be controlled by those powers and practices over which Christ has already triumphed. The false teachers in Colosse were tempting the Colossians to bind themselves with the outward observations of Judaism, such as the Jewish dietary restrictions. These were merely a shadow of Christ. Judaism and its rites pointed to Christ. Paul warns the believers in Colosse not to let others bind them to regulations from which Christ has already freed them. People who do not champion salvation in Christ alone can appear to be humble. But their search for a new spiritual experience or advocacy of some work as necessary for salvation is actually human pride. They do not want to submit to God’s plan of salvation revealed in the Bible

Legalism—measuring your own or someone else’s spirituality by the ability to keep man-made rules—is a rigid, confining, and lifeless way to live. It is easy because all it requires is a list of rules coupled with dutiful compliance. Wisdom or the skillful application of biblical principles to life’s situations is unnecessary. Just comply. Legalism is not only rigid and lifeless, but it also fosters hypocritical pride.

Since believers have been released from ritualistic observances, why should they let others bind them down again (Rom 6:3-14)? No human work can be added to the merit of Christ’s death. His work on the Cross is the only acceptable work in God’s eyes. The legalistic commands of others are a “self-made religion” and “are of no value” for salvation.