Colossians 2:6-23.  Christ is our substance, we do not need to grasp at the shadows that others seek.

1. Christ is the reality that has set us free from dependence upon the philosophies of earth and false allegiances of the heavenly realms . He is more than godly, his body possesses the fullness of deity. Our faith in him fills us with the godliness we seek. We need not add anything to that (6-10,14).
2. We need not submit to the code and traditions of Judaism to please God. Christ’s death and resurrection secures the putting away of sins by forgiveness, and by our baptism we identify with his atonement. We thus participate in the circumcision made without hands (11-13).
3. Religious rituals and ceremonies can actually distract us from the substance and grace of Christ’s substitutionary atonement. Christians are free to dismiss these things because they foster pride (16-19).
4. Religious taboos are from the world, and do  not preserve godliness. Christ has set us free from the penalty of sin, and his Holy Spirit can help us to overcome sin. Throw away your lists, and cling to God’s grace! (20-23).

LORD, we accept your free gift of salvation, and refuse to go back to religion as a means of pleasing you.