6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 2:6-7
In Colossians chapter 2, the scene is set in a small house church in the city of Colossae. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow on the faces of the believers gathered there. Among them are Epaphras, the founder of the church, and Philemon, a wealthy member of the community who has opened his home for the meeting.
The believers have come together to study the teachings of the apostle Paul, who is currently imprisoned in Rome. They sit on simple cushions and stools, eagerly listening as Epaphras reads aloud from a letter he received from Paul. The atmosphere is one of reverence and anticipation as they soak in the words of encouragement and exhortation from their beloved mentor.
As the discussion unfolds, Epaphras emphasizes the importance of remaining rooted in Christ and being built up in Him. The believers nod in agreement, their hearts stirred with a desire to deepen their faith and walk in obedience. In this intimate setting, surrounded by fellow believers who share their love for the Lord, they are reminded of the richness and fullness found in Christ alone.
What is Colossians 2:6-7 about?
When we are rooted in Christ, we draw our strength, nourishment, and purpose from Him. Just like a tree draws its sustenance from its roots, being rooted in Christ means that our faith is deeply connected to Him, enabling us to withstand the challenges and storms of life. This helps us to stay grounded in our beliefs, values, and identity as Christians. We continue to grow and develop spiritually as we build up our faith. This growth is not stagnant but rather ongoing and transformative. It means that our faith becomes stronger and more resilient over time, enabling us to face life’s obstacles and uncertainties with courage and conviction. Building up our faith requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to deepen our relationship with Christ through prayer, study, and service.
Overflowing with thankfulness is a natural response to the blessings and graces we receive from God. When we are rooted in Christ and built up in faith, our hearts are filled with gratitude for His love, mercy, and provision in our lives. This overflowing thankfulness is a powerful testimony to our faith and a source of joy and contentment, even in the midst of trials and hardships. It reminds us to count our blessings, recognize God’s presence in every aspect of our lives, and share our gratitude with others.
Understanding what Colossians 2:6-7 really means
Introduction and Context
To fully grasp the depth of Colossians 2:6-7, it’s essential to start with its context within the epistle. Paul writes to the Colossians to encourage them in their faith and warn them against deceptive philosophies. This specific passage emphasizes spiritual growth and steadfastness in Christ. The apostle Paul encourages the believers to live in a manner that reflects their faith in Jesus. But what exactly does this entail?
Phrase Analysis and Detailed Meaning
Let’s break down key phrases from this passage. Walk in Him as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord.” This phrase calls believers to live in a way that mirrors their acceptance of Christ. Receiving Christ is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing journey. To “walk” in Him means to continually follow His teachings and example.
Next, “rooted and built up in Him,” evokes the image of a tree with deep roots and a building that is firmly established. This suggests that our faith should be deeply entrenched in Christ, providing a strong foundation that enables us to grow spiritually. Similar imagery is found in Psalm 1:3, which describes a righteous person as “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”
“Established in the faith” signifies a state of being firm and unshakeable in our beliefs. This mirrors Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27, where the wise builder’s house stands firm because it is built on a solid foundation. Finally, “abounding in thanksgiving” reminds us to maintain an attitude of gratitude, which is essential for spiritual health and perspective.
Relevance to Modern Readers
So, why is this relevant to us today? Various ideologies and pressures can easily distract or lead us astray in our fast-paced world. This passage calls us to remain steadfast and grounded in our faith. It encourages us to live out our beliefs daily, not just in church but in every aspect of our lives. Sarah is the young woman whose story is being considered. She accepted Christ in college but found it challenging to maintain her faith amidst academic pressures and social distractions. However, she committed to reading her Bible daily and joining a small group. Over time, she became more rooted in her faith, much like the tree described in Psalm 1. Her friends noticed her unwavering peace and joy, and she became a source of encouragement for them. Sarah’s story illustrates how being “rooted and built up in Him” can transform our lives and influence those around us. Reflect on this passage and ask yourself: Are you walking in Christ daily? Are your roots deepening in Him, and is your faith being built up? Are you abounding in thanksgiving? These questions can guide your spiritual journey and help you grow stronger in your faith. Colossians 2:6-7 isn’t just a call to personal piety but a blueprint for a robust Christian life. It challenges us to be firmly rooted in Christ, continually growing, and always grateful. May this passage inspire you to deepen your walk with Christ and reflect His love and truth in all you do.
How can we live in Christ rooted and built up?
We can live in Christ rooted and built up by remaining firm in our faith and being established in the truth of the Gospel. Just as a tree draws its strength and nourishment from its roots, we must stay rooted in Christ to receive spiritual sustenance and grow. We can be built up in Him by continually growing in our understanding and experience of Christ, deepening our relationship and reliance on Him.
It is essential to walk in Him, meaning that we should live our lives in accordance with His teachings and example. This involves not only believing in Him but also allowing our actions and attitudes to reflect His character. We can withstand the challenges and trials that come our way and be a source of strength and support to others in their faith journey by holding fast to Christ, our foundation. Living in Christ rooted and built up ultimately leads to a flourishing and abundant Christian life filled with strength, faith, and love.
Application
Imagine your faith as the foundation of a strong, reliable tower that supports everything in your life—work, family, and personal goals. Keep building it higher by walking in Christ’s teachings every day. Strengthen your resolve and let gratitude brighten your path. Are you prepared to infuse your faith into every corner of your life and rise to the challenge?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.