Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. – Colossians 2:6
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The passage we read today is the words Paul writes as he begins confronting false teachings that were influencing the church at Colossae. The false teachers are offering believers “something more” beyond Christ: new philosophies, spiritual experiences, and human traditions, but Paul points the Colossian Christians back to the gospel they had already received.
The word “received,” used by Paul in his letters to the churches, often referred to the passing down of important truths and teachings. At the heart of this apostolic message was a simple but powerful confession: Jesus Christ is Lord. This was not merely a slogan; it was the foundation of our Christian faith. The Colossians did not need secret knowledge or spiritual additions. Everything they needed was already found in Christ.
Paul therefore says, “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” The Christian life begins and continues with Christ. We do not start by faith and then continue by self-reliance or worldly wisdom. Every day, Christians are called to live in dependence upon Jesus, submitting every area of life to His lordship. To “walk in Him” means our choices, priorities, relationships, and conduct are shaped by Christ. Right belief should produce right living.
Paul then uses two vivid pictures to describe spiritual growth. First, we are to be “rooted” in Christ. Like a tree drawing nourishment and stability from deep roots, Christians must anchor themselves deeply in the truth of the Gospel through reading God’s Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Trees with shallow roots cannot survive storms. Likewise, Christians who are not deeply grounded in Christ can easily be swayed by false teaching, cultural pressures, or discouragement in life.
Second, we are being “built up” in Christ. Paul shifts from the imagery of a tree to that of a building under construction. God is continually strengthening and shaping His people. Spiritual maturity does not happen instantly; it is a lifelong process. Our foundation must remain secure in the truths of the gospel “just as you were taught.” Healthy growth comes not from chasing spiritual novelty, but from remaining grounded in the truth of Christ.
Finally, Paul says believers should be “abounding in thanksgiving.” Gratitude is not a small part of the Christian life—it is evidence of a heart rooted in Christ. Thanksgiving reminds us that God is sovereign, faithful, and present even in difficult seasons. A thankful heart guards us from pride, discontentment, and spiritual drifting. When we remember who Christ is and all He has done for us, gratitude naturally overflows into worship.
Reflections:
Brothers and sisters, let us examine our hearts today. Are we building our lives upon the truth of the gospel? Are we firmly rooted in Christ, or are we easily shaken? And does thanksgiving overflow from our hearts?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us all that we need in Christ Jesus our Lord. Help us to walk faithfully in Him each day, rooted deeply in Your truth and built up in steadfast faith. Guard our hearts from being led astray by the voices of this world and teach us to remain anchored in the gospel we have received. Fill our lives with gratitude, that even in difficult seasons, we may continue to trust and worship You. Strengthen us to live under the lordship of Christ in every area of life, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
