If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees…
We have died with Christ to the basic fundamental teachings, principles, standards and ordinances of how to live as presented by the world. Jesus said that we are in the world but not of it. So why would we live as if we had to obey all the demands and rules this world puts on its people?
The Message Bible says: “So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it?”
If we have died with Christ to the undeveloped notions of the world, why, as though our life still belonged to the world, would we still submit to such precepts as the unsaved live by in hopes of gaining God’s approval when we already have it? We are free of all these religious rules of what to wear, what to eat or not eat, and what to touch or not touch. Jesus has set us free to truly live for Him.
I have died with Jesus Christ and I am free of religious decrees. I now live my life for Him.
- Reading Plan A: John 9:24-41
- Reading Plan B: Colossians 1
- Reading Plan C: 1 Chron. 14-16; John 9:24-41
by Tim Davidson
Excerpt permission granted by
Word of Faith Church & Outreach Center
Called to the Body of Christ as a pastor and teacher, Tim Davidson pioneered Word of Faith Church in Bismarck in 1980. He served as its Lead Pastor for 35 years and now serves as Founding Pastor. Pastor Tim has pioneered 6 churches in North Dakota and now serves as Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association International. Teaching believers foundational truths from God's Word is his passion.
He has authored 3 yearly devotion books that are used both here and overseas to help believers become "rooted and grounded" in their faith.
God is now calling Pastor Tim to share the treasury of wisdom and knowledge God has given to him with other pastors and churches.