Introduction: Scripture Reading- Colossians 2:9-12
Many people read the Old Testament and see nothing but rituals. But God never intended ritual to be the end of the story. Every command, every feast, every sign was a shadow of something greater. Tonight we look at three more symbols — circumcision, Passover, and the Sabbath — and we’ll see how each one moves us from ritual to reality, from outward practice to inward transformation, from temporary reminders to eternal truths fulfilled in Jesus.
4. Circumcision → Circumcision of the Heart
A. The Physical Symbol (Old Law)
- Genesis 17:10–14 — covenant sign
- Physical removal of flesh
- Marked identity, separation, and covenant loyalty
B. The Spiritual Reality (New Law)
- Romans 2:28–29 — true circumcision is of the heart
Rom 2:28-29 (28) For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (29) But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
- Colossians 2:11–12 — spiritual circumcision occurs in baptism
Col 2:11-12 (11) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:(12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
C. Application
- Christianity is not outward ritual but inward transformation.
- Baptism is not a mere symbol—it is the moment of spiritual cutting away.
- God wants a changed heart, not just changed behavior.
5. The Passover → Christ Our Passover
A. The Physical Symbol (Old Law)
- Exodus 12:1-11 — lamb without blemish
- Blood applied to doorposts
- Deliverance from death
- Memorial feast
B. The Spiritual Reality (New Law)
- 1 Corinthians 5:4-8 — “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
- John 1:29 — “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (When John the Immerser saw Jesus coming unto him.)
- Deliverance from sin and death
- The Lord’s Supper becomes the memorial feast (Matthew 26:26–29) [Luke 22:14-20 Tells His disciples to divide the cup among themselves.]
C. Application
- Salvation requires being under the blood.
- God’s deliverance demands obedience (Israel had to apply the blood).
- The Lord’s Supper is not optional—it is covenant remembrance.
6. The Sabbath → Rest in Christ
A. The Physical Symbol (Old Law)
- Exodus 20:8–11 — a commanded day of rest
- Weekly reminder of God’s creation and redemption
- A cessation from physical labor
B. The Spiritual Reality (New Law)
- Matthew 11:28–30 — Christ gives rest to the weary
Mat 11:28-30 (28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
- Hebrews 4:1–11 — two dimensions of rest:
- Present rest: resting from self‑righteous labor through faith in Christ (Heb 4:3)
- Future rest: “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Heb 4:9)
- Our final Sabbath rest is heaven, not earth
- Paul wanted to be with the Lord, but he still had work to do here (Philip. 1:21-26).
- He tells those in Colossae to set their affections on heaven. Focus on the hope we have in heaven, but then he goes into explaining how they are to behave (Colossians 3).
- We are pilgrims in a strange land and we have to survive here in order to make it home; heaven (Heb. 11:13).
C. Application
- Christians enjoy spiritual rest in Christ now from the guilt and burden of sin, but our full Sabbath rest is still future.
- Just as Jesus healed on the Sabbath and Jews rescued an ox from the ditch, God’s people still have work to do on earth.
- We rest or have peace and comfort in Christ’s grace, yet we labor faithfully until He brings us into the eternal rest that remains for His people (Hebrews 4:9–11).
Conclusion of the Series
Morning Symbols:
Evening Symbols:
Final Exhortation