As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him: Colossians 2:6-7

As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him

Colossians 2:6-7 English Standard Version

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.

            The word received here means to receive, take into association, take along. Can convey receiving information or receiving of someone or something into a subject’s jurisdiction or care.[1] The first thing we need to answer is have we received Christ? Have we truly not only made Jesus savior, but have we made Him Lord of our lives. Have we prayed that our will and purpose would be surrendered to His. Many today love the idea that God loves them, but few are willing to truly surrender all for the sake of His kingdom and glory.

            Paul tells us to walk in Him. The word walk means to walk. Refers to the act of walking, and figuratively refers to actions.[2] We are called to live out this relationship with Jesus every day. His word must be the foundation of our lives. When we come to Christ, we still have a sin nature within us, Paul often refers to it as the flesh. But this must be put to death and crucified daily. We must abide in Christ following the leading and guidance of The Holy Spirit.

            We are called to be rooted and built up in him and established in the faith. The word rooted means firmly rooted. To be established ⇔ be rooted — to be established, conceived of as if a plant being or becoming fixed in the ground.[3] Our lives are to be fixed in Jesus Christ. He is the solid rock. He is an unshakable foundation. But our lives must be rooted in Him. If a seed lays on top of the ground and is not rooted, it will not produce or grow. But if a see is planted deep in the soil and it becomes rooted and ground, it will begin to receive nutrients and in time it will bring forth fruitfulness.

            The word built means to build upon, i.e. (fig.) to rear up:—build thereon (thereupon, on, upon).[4] We need to think of our lives as a house. The first question we need to answer that is the most important is what is the foundation? If a house or structure is built upon a faulty foundation that will move and change, it will in time collapse. But when a structure is built on a sure foundation, it will stand even during a great storm. The same stands in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our lives must be built upon Christ. Upon His words. Upon His leading. Upon His Lordship and His kingdom. We must surrender all to Jesus Christ daily and grow into our relationship with Him.

            The word established means establish; confirm. To establish (settle) — to make someone or something settled securely and unconditionally (in or on something).[5] We are called to be established and confirmed in Christ. The result of being rooted, built, and established in faith in Jesus Christ is thanksgiving. A life that is built upon Jesus Christ and rooted in Him, is a life that will be lived for the glory of God regardless of the circumstances. For many it is very easy to live for God when things are easy, but what happens when things become difficult, and they become hard. If we are rooted, built, and established in Christ we will live a life that no matter what we face, we will not be moved.

Prayer

Father thank you today for your love, grace, and mercy. Jesus thank you for coming and laying down your life. Thank you that our lives can be rooted and grounded in you. Continue to shape, mold, and refine my life as you desire. Remove from my life anything that would hinder your work. Help me to be more like you every day. Forgive me in any area in which I have sinned and fallen short. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

[1] Derek Leigh Davis, “Learning,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

[2] Andrew W. Litke, “Journey,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

[3] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).

[4] James Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 32.

[5] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).