Paul continues in his letter to the Colossians writing to warn them not to be led astray by false teachings. He begins by clarifying some things about who Jesus is (fully God) and then warns them about types of false teaching to avoid.
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
Colossians 2:2
Paul's goal is to encourage and teach about who Jesus is.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8
False teachings here depend on human traditions (some from Jewish law, others from ascetic and other traditions) and spiritual forces that are not from Jesus. These can be detected by whether or not they agree with who Jesus is and what he came to do. That is why Paul writes about who Jesus is (fully God) and what he came to do (save us from our sins).
"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Colossians 2:21-23 NIV
Sometimes ascetic teachings appear wise, especially to those who are disciplined in following Christ. Discipline can be good, but putting on a bunch of rules doesn't ultimately change our heart. We must fully surrender to Christ and he is the one who changes us.
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