Colossians 2:16-23
Three Dangerous Self-Made Religions
The Apostle Paul saw three dangerous heresies present in the church at Colossae and we experience them today. Biblical discipleship is sufficient and doesn’t need any alteration.
- When we are dissatisfied with the finished product of the gospel, we can easily become subtle heretics.
- As disciples, we must acknowledge the dangers of altering scriptural beliefs.
Legalism (Col. 2:16-17)
- God’s Word + My Rules = Legalism
- Legalism leads people to pass judgment on those who don’t hold to the same religious standards.
- Be careful of equating your personal convictions with God’s universal commandments.
Mysticism (Col. 2:18-19)
- God’s Word x My Experiences = Mysticism
- Mysticism seeks to disqualify others who haven’t shared similar spiritual experiences.
- If a spiritual experience fails to make much of Jesus and build up the church, it is not of God.
Minimalism (Col. 2:20-23)
- God’s Word – My Blessings = Minimalism
- Minimalism pressures people to submit to a way of life that demonizes anything enjoyable.
- Just because a good gift can become a bad habit does not mean you should forfeit the gift altogether.
Which self-made religion are you more prone to accept?
- + Legalism (Judgment)
- x Mysticism (Disqualification)
- – Minimalism (Submission)

Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.