The Essence of the Christian Life
There was a time in my early adult day when I had an unhealthy phase of spiritual dependence. I thought I didn’t need anyone but Jesus and the Word. I knew Christ, I had the Holy Spirit, I was able to read the Word. However, I didn’t have time to do life with the church.
How wrong I was! As I grew spiritually through the years, one of the greatest things I learned was my need for others. Not every now and again, but daily. We all need our local church to do life with. We each personally must follow Jesus, but we are baptized into one body: the Church.
Isolation kills but community conquers. God made us that way.
Colossians 2:1-10
The thoughts of 1:29 flow right into 2:1 as Paul makes the point that he is striving on behalf of the Colossians and those in Laodicea.
Paul combatted the Gnostics and false teachers of his day by emphasizing the true mysterious knowledge which is Christ himself. The false teachers were surely fascinating and their rhetoric tantalizing. However, ever step of their mesmerizing methodology steered their listeners further from Christ.
There are many false messages that have infiltrated the church today. Stay focused on Christ. Stay tuned into His Word. Don’t get sucked into the culture’s lies.
Jesus is the treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge The only way false teachers can persuade you to buy their fools gold philosophies it to turn attention away from Christ.
THE ESSENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
1. The Christian life begins with a born-again experience (v. 6)
The word received is the same one Paul used in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 when talking about the gospel message.
2. The Christian life grows as we walk in Him (v. 6)
Like little babies we grow slowly at first but later we learn to put one foot in front of the other. We learn what is expected of followers of Christ: how to pray, how to read the Bible, how to conquer sin and resist temptation.
3. As we walk with Christ, growth and maturity take place (v. 7)
Paul switches metaphors to one of a tree. We have a magnolia tree in our backyard and on windy days it will tilt and bend and almost touch the ground. Why? It’s top heavy. It has thin, little roots here and there.
Strong roots stabilize growth. Roots strengthen and support us against the prevailing winds of persuasion.
4. As Christians mature, our lives are marked with gratitude (v. 7)
The believer knows that their spiritual growth comes from God who, by the Holy Spirit, provides what is needed to conform Christians to the image of His Son.
Paul knew the Colossian church was between 1 and 2, they were like freshman in the lifelong curriculum of spiritual growth. As a result, Paul gives them 2 warnings.
1. The false teachers hoped to capture them through philosophy and empty deception
2. The false teachers followed the traditions of men and demons
As a defense against these false teachers, Paul puts the focus on Christ. The truth for chaotic times is that “in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (v. 9).
This means that Jesus is God incarnate.
This means that Jesus is fully divine and fully man.
The doctrine of the incarnation is the cure for the disease of Christ-denying heresy.
Maybe you’ve spent a whole lifetime saying you’re living your life but it’s not what you pictured.
Are you alright? For most of us, we don't want to give the full answer.
3 WAYS TO BE ALL RIGHT
1. Once a week, affirm and encourage another Christian
Just as Paul went out of his way to exhort and encourage, you can do the same. This love and concern for others, being with them in Spirit, not only helps to strengthen their roots, but will also grow your own.
2. Everyday think of three things that you are grateful for and tell Jesus
Thank Him for the food He provides, the friends He’s given you. Don’t let a day go by with out showing your gratitude to Him.
3. When you get up, sit down to eat, and go to bed remind yourself that you are complete in Christ
You are fully accepted by God because of the person and work of Jesus Christ, not your own worth or merit.
How wrong I was! As I grew spiritually through the years, one of the greatest things I learned was my need for others. Not every now and again, but daily. We all need our local church to do life with. We each personally must follow Jesus, but we are baptized into one body: the Church.
Isolation kills but community conquers. God made us that way.
Colossians 2:1-10
The thoughts of 1:29 flow right into 2:1 as Paul makes the point that he is striving on behalf of the Colossians and those in Laodicea.
Paul combatted the Gnostics and false teachers of his day by emphasizing the true mysterious knowledge which is Christ himself. The false teachers were surely fascinating and their rhetoric tantalizing. However, ever step of their mesmerizing methodology steered their listeners further from Christ.
There are many false messages that have infiltrated the church today. Stay focused on Christ. Stay tuned into His Word. Don’t get sucked into the culture’s lies.
Jesus is the treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge The only way false teachers can persuade you to buy their fools gold philosophies it to turn attention away from Christ.
THE ESSENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
1. The Christian life begins with a born-again experience (v. 6)
The word received is the same one Paul used in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 when talking about the gospel message.
2. The Christian life grows as we walk in Him (v. 6)
Like little babies we grow slowly at first but later we learn to put one foot in front of the other. We learn what is expected of followers of Christ: how to pray, how to read the Bible, how to conquer sin and resist temptation.
3. As we walk with Christ, growth and maturity take place (v. 7)
Paul switches metaphors to one of a tree. We have a magnolia tree in our backyard and on windy days it will tilt and bend and almost touch the ground. Why? It’s top heavy. It has thin, little roots here and there.
Strong roots stabilize growth. Roots strengthen and support us against the prevailing winds of persuasion.
4. As Christians mature, our lives are marked with gratitude (v. 7)
The believer knows that their spiritual growth comes from God who, by the Holy Spirit, provides what is needed to conform Christians to the image of His Son.
Paul knew the Colossian church was between 1 and 2, they were like freshman in the lifelong curriculum of spiritual growth. As a result, Paul gives them 2 warnings.
1. The false teachers hoped to capture them through philosophy and empty deception
2. The false teachers followed the traditions of men and demons
As a defense against these false teachers, Paul puts the focus on Christ. The truth for chaotic times is that “in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (v. 9).
This means that Jesus is God incarnate.
This means that Jesus is fully divine and fully man.
The doctrine of the incarnation is the cure for the disease of Christ-denying heresy.
Maybe you’ve spent a whole lifetime saying you’re living your life but it’s not what you pictured.
Are you alright? For most of us, we don't want to give the full answer.
3 WAYS TO BE ALL RIGHT
1. Once a week, affirm and encourage another Christian
Just as Paul went out of his way to exhort and encourage, you can do the same. This love and concern for others, being with them in Spirit, not only helps to strengthen their roots, but will also grow your own.
2. Everyday think of three things that you are grateful for and tell Jesus
Thank Him for the food He provides, the friends He’s given you. Don’t let a day go by with out showing your gratitude to Him.
3. When you get up, sit down to eat, and go to bed remind yourself that you are complete in Christ
You are fully accepted by God because of the person and work of Jesus Christ, not your own worth or merit.
Pastor Chris Williams
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teaching, visit us on the web at fcfamily.org and make sure you subscribe to receive these biweekly encouragements in your inbox.
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teaching, visit us on the web at fcfamily.org and make sure you subscribe to receive these biweekly encouragements in your inbox.
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