The Bible tells us that when Jesus sets us free, we are FREE indeed! In other words, the legalism that plagued the Jews throughout history is no longer a part of the believer’s life. Yet many Christians today insist on living a life shackled with man-made rules; they voluntarily pick up the yoke of slavery for themselves. Unfortunately, the burdens of such needless and useless rules not only limit his or her freedom—they render the believer ineffective in the work the Lord has given him to do.

_ Read Colossians 2:16-17 and answer the following:

In what specific areas does Paul say you should not allow anyone to judge you?

Why do you suppose God would give us such an instruction as the one in Colossians 2:16-17?

_ Read Matthew 5:17. What does it mean that Jesus came to “fulfill” the Law and the Prophets?

If Jesus fulfilled the Law, then where are you in relation to the Law if Jesus is in you and you are in Him?

_ Read Romans 14:14 and 14:20. According to what Paul instructs here, what Old Testament regulations regarding food might still be in effect for believers today?

_ Read Acts 10:9-16. What do you learn from Peter’s experience that helps you to understand Paul’s teaching in Romans 14 (above) even better?

_ Read Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2. What was the early church accustomed to doing on the first day of the week (Sunday)?

_ Read John 20:1-9. What was the significance of the first day of the week?

What’s the reason, then, that our churches today choose to worship communally on Sunday?

Jesus came to set us free from the legalism imposed by the Pharisaic Jews. Let us be careful, then, not to negate that freedom by clinging to the laws that He fulfilled.