Colossians 2:20-23 - Elemental spiritual forces

2:20

Here we get another mention of the “elemental spiritual forces”. These are forces that persuaded man to rely on purely human methods, whether they be human wisdom, or human methods of trying to control our bodies.

2:21

Paul then names some of the methods they use “Do not taste, do not touch”. These are all things that rely on man’s own abilities, they are built on the lie that we can manage without God..

2:22

Paul then states clearly that these rules “are based on merely human commands and teachings”, on things that are destined to perish.

2:23

Such rules and teachings have the appearance of wisdom, their false humility and harsh treatment of the body making them appear as if they would have some power to control sin, but in reality "they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence”, they are ineffective.