Rooted and Built Up in Christ Colossians 2:6-7
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the profound truths of Colossians 2:6-7, exploring how we can be transformed by the truth of God's Word and grow in our faith.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT): "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
In these verses, Paul encourages the believers in Colossae to remain steadfast in their faith. He begins by reminding them of their initial acceptance of Christ as Lord, highlighting the importance of ongoing commitment and discipleship. Paul uses vivid imagery—roots growing down into Christ and lives being built on Him—to convey the depth and stability of a faith grounded in Jesus. This rootedness and foundation in Christ lead to spiritual growth and a life characterised by gratitude.
Point 1: Continual Following of Christ
Paul urges believers to continue following Christ after their initial acceptance of Him. Following Christ involves a daily commitment to obey His teachings, emulate His character, and submit to His lordship. This ongoing discipleship deepens our relationship with Jesus and reinforces our identity as His followers.
John 10:27 (NLT): "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
In this passage, Jesus speaks of the intimate relationship between Himself and His followers. Those who belong to Christ, likened to His sheep, recognise His voice and respond by following Him. This verse underscores the importance of actively listening to the voice of Jesus through Scripture, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to discern and obey His voice, trusting Him to lead us.
Luke 9:23 (NLT): "Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'"
Jesus's call to discipleship is both radical and transformative. He challenges us to surrender our desires and ambitions, embracing His will above our own. Following Christ involves a daily commitment to deny ourselves, carry our cross, and walk in His footsteps. This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of true discipleship and the necessity of submitting to Jesus as Lord of our lives.
Point 2: Rooted in Christ
Paul emphasises the importance of rooting our lives deeply in Christ. Just as roots provide stability and nourishment to a tree, our spiritual roots in Jesus sustain us and enable us to thrive spiritually. Being rooted in Christ involves deepening our knowledge of Him through prayer, studying His Word, and cultivating intimacy with Him through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 1:3 (NLT): "They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
This beautiful imagery from Psalm 1 illustrates the blessedness of those who delight in God's Word and meditate on it day and night. Like trees firmly rooted by a river, they are nourished by the constant flow of God's truth. Their lives bear fruit, showing evidence of spiritual vitality and growth. This verse encourages us to prioritise Scripture in our lives, knowing that it leads to spiritual flourishing and prosperity.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT): "But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."
Jeremiah echoes the sentiment of Psalm 1, emphasizing the blessings of trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly. Those who anchor their faith in God remain steadfast and resilient, even in challenging circumstances. Just as trees with deep roots are sustained during droughts, believers find sustenance and strength in God's faithfulness. This passage reassures us of God's provision and protection for those who rely on Him.
Point 3: Built on Christ
Paul also exhorts believers to build their lives on the foundation of Christ. This foundation is secure and unshakable, providing stability amidst life's challenges and uncertainties. Building our lives on Christ involves aligning our values, decisions, and priorities with His teachings and example. It requires surrendering to His lordship in every area of our lives.
Matthew 7:24-25 (NLT): "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock."
Jesus's analogy of building a house on a solid foundation illustrates the importance of applying His teachings to our lives. By obeying His words, we establish a firm spiritual foundation that can withstand life's storms. This verse highlights the wisdom of following Jesus's instructions and aligning our lives with His truth.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT): "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ."
Paul affirms the exclusivity and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith. He emphasises that there is no other foundation on which to build our lives and ministries. Christ alone provides the solid groundwork for our spiritual journey, ensuring that our lives are built on His truth and grace.
Application and Call to Action:
These passages collectively teach us the importance of listening to and obeying Christ, surrendering our will to His, delighting in God's Word for spiritual nourishment, trusting in the Lord's provision, applying Jesus's teachings to our lives for stability, and acknowledging Christ as the sole foundation of our faith and existence. May we embrace these truths and live transformed lives rooted in Christ.
As we reflect on Colossians 2:6-7, let us apply these truths to our lives:
Commitment to Following Christ: Dedicate yourself daily to following Jesus and growing in discipleship.
Rootedness in Christ: Invest time in prayer, studying Scripture, and developing intimacy with Jesus.
Building on Christ: Evaluate your life and ensure that Christ is the foundation of every aspect—your relationships, work, and decisions.
Let us respond to God's Word by allowing our faith to grow stronger, rooted in Christ's truth, and overflowing with thankfulness. May we live as transformed followers of Jesus, impacting our world with the power of the Gospel.
