We added onto the portion we are memorizing …
“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:14)
In Colossians 1:21-23, Paul very clearly tells us what we once were: “alienated and hostile in mind, engaging in evil deeds” (NASB). His words, not mine, and not a pretty picture.
Thankfully we have not been left in that state. As believers, Christ is constantly at work in us to present us before the Father “holy and blameless and beyond reproach.”
I don’t know whether to say “Whew!” or “Thank You, Jesus!” Such a relief to know the Lord continues to faithfully work in our lives, changing us.
The study asks: What does this passage teach us about the character of God? How does God’s character and action compel us to live?
“We root our hope in the living and abiding Word of God and walk steadfastly through the power of the Spirit in us.”
(from Colossians: Rooted in Him, page 56)
We find rest in our rooted hope.
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In Colossians 1:26-29, we discover the mystery of the Gospel is being revealed little by little since the beginning of time. And it is revealed to us each time we read Scripture. If you haven’t yet read this portion, I encourage you to do so. It is a powerful portion.
Some quotes from the study:
“Paul’s goal and desire is that the people of God that have been taught and have learned the Word of God would mature in Christ. The Word of God is taught not for mere regurgitation of facts, but for transformation of the heart.”
“We are reminded that we study the Word of God, not to merely gain academic knowledge, but to grow in our knowledge of God.”
(both quotes from Colossians: Rooted in Him, page 64)
Look up the word ”˜mature’ in the dictionary. What do you think it means to be mature in Christ? How does a person mature in Christ?
It’s good to think on this as we all need to grow!
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We closed out week 3 with reading Colossians 2:6-7.
“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (verse 6, NASB)
So easy to read and overlook a most important truth … the very same way we received Jesus is the very same way we walk in Him every single day of our lives – BY HIS GRACE.
Apart from Him, we will fall flat on our faces.
- We walk in grace.
- We are rooted in His grace. His grace is the very soil all around our roots (our very lives).
- We grow in His grace.
And when we read these reminders of how much grace our Lord has poured out on our lives, our hearts become filled with gratitude and praise.
So lets talk about this: What does it mean to walk in Him? If you are a child of God, you are already rooted in Christ. How should this change the way that you think and live?
The words to an old song came to mind:
“Thank You, Lord for saving my soul.
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me,
Thy great salvation so rich and free!”
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As we rest in our rooted hope,
we mature and grow in Christ,
and our hearts are filled with gratitude.
Photo 1: by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Stefan Heinemann on UnsplashÂ
Photo 3: by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
When I think of a mature plant, I think of one that has deep roots, a healthy plant, and fruit-bearing. It also needs to be cut back on occasion in order to encourage growth. How willing am I to accept the pruning required to make me fruitful? Accepting the pruning and growing through it is a sign of maturity.
I am thankful to deepen my faith and grow as a Christian. Staying in His Word daily and sharing time with God brings peace to my soul.
Great insights Ms. Joanne. And like you, I’m not sure if I should say “whew” or “Thank You Lord”. I think both are appropriate each day. 🙂
Joanne, great questions to ponder. As I watch my sons trying to mature and grow into manhood, I’m seeing the process of maturing is fraught with mistakes and learning opportunities. I think, as we grow in Christ, we are going to make some mistakes. As we work through those and look to the Lord, we begin to better understand His grace as He pours it upon us. As we walk through trials, our roots deepen as we look to and lean on Him.
I appreciate reading your Bible Study recaps.