… but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Summary: Paul wraps up his thoughts about “rules” with a reference to restraining physical desires.
Finally, we come to the end of Paul’s treasure-packed paragraph! He has pointed out that we are dead with Christ “to the elemental spiritual forces of this world” (vs 20). Then he asks, if we are “dead” to this world, why do we still submit to its rules?
The “rules” Paul refers to are not the type of rules that keep us safe. They are, instead, rules made by people about God without the benefit of knowing God.
Paul’s final argument is our quote for this mediation:
“… but they [the worldly rules] lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”
This final statement about rules suggests two things.
First, it points us to the enemy within — our own desires to indulge our senses. Even if the devil did not exist to tempt us, our own self-centered nature would drive us to sin.
Sin, like all words, has many meanings. Our separation from God is one kind of sin. Rebelling against God’s commandments is another. Jesus, in summing up “all the law and the prophets,” tells us what God commands in simple, clear language:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22: 37-39)
When we put our self-interest above God and above our neighbor, we sin. Indulging our senses usually involves putting ourselves above others, even if it is just for a moment. In its very worst form, indulging our senses comes at the expense of someone else.
Secondly, this passage suggests a way of testing the value of our “rules.”
Does your worship of God affect how you respond to your body’s sensual desires? If the answer is “Yes,” that is a good sign that your worship is genuine. The “rules” Paul is talking about attempt to mimic genuine worship and guarantee that we please God.
But God is not fooled.
“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)
Application: Make your goal to please Jesus, not impress him.
Food for Thought: If acts of will do not have value in restraining sensual indulgence, what does restrain it?
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