religionism that constantly followed his ministry. He
wanted to show the superiority of the gospel of grace in
Jesus Christ over all religion. In referring to the moralistic
activities that religionists were attempting to impose upon
the Christian believers in Colossae, Paul asks, “Why do
you submit yourself to decrees, such as ‘Do not handle, do
not taste, do not touch!’? These are matters which have the
appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-
abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no
value against fleshly indulgence” (Col. 2:20-23). The word
translated “religion” is the Greek word ethelothreskia,
which is a combination of two other Greek words: ethelo
meaning “will, desire, delight or pleasure,” and threskeia
meaning “worship or religion.” Paul is describing such
moralistic religious actions as “will-worship” of “self-made
religion”; activities which man imposes upon himself and
others, believing that such willed self-effort serves as a
benefit before God in moralistic performance. Paul denies
the veracity of such thinking, regarding such as mere “self-
made religion," and of no benefit against the selfish
patterns of fleshly indulgence.
James explains that, “If anyone thinks himself to be
religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives
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