1For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you , and for them at Laodicea , and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh ; 2that their hearts may be comforted , they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding , that they may know the mystery of God , even Christ , 3in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. 4This I say , that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. 5For though I am absent in the flesh , yet am I with you in the spirit , joying and beholding your order , and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ . 6As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord , so walk in him , 7rooted and builded up in him , and established in your faith , even as ye were taught , abounding in thanksgiving . 8Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men , after the rudiments of the world , and not after Christ :
The New Life in Christ
9for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily , 10and in him ye are made full , who is the head of all principality and power : 11in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh , in the circumcision of Christ ; 12having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God , who raised him from the dead . 13And you , being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh , you , I say , did he make alive together with him , having forgiven us all our trespasses ; 14having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us , which was contrary to us : and he hath taken it out of the way , nailing it to the cross ; 15having despoiled the principalities and the powers , he made a show of them openly , triumphing over them in it .
Freedom from Legalism
16Let no man therefore judge you in meat , or in drink , or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day : 17which are a shadow of the things to come ; but the body is Christ ’s. 18Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen , vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind , 19and not holding fast the Head , from whom all the body , being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands , increaseth with the increase of God . 20If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world , why , as though living in the world , do ye subject yourselves to ordinances , 21Handle not , nor taste , nor touch 22( all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men ? 23Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility , and severity to the body ; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh .