‘So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends upon human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the Head over every power and authority.’
(Colossians 2 v. 6 – 10)
Spot the number of times Paul says, ‘in / on Christ’ or ‘in Him’ in these five short verses.
I am drawn to Paul’s charge that the church remains ‘in Him’ by being ‘rooted in Him’ and being ‘built up in Him’, ‘strengthened in faith (in Him)’, and ‘overflowing with thankfulness (to Him)’. The image of deep roots, and of solidly growing (being built up) on that foundation of Christ, and Him alone, is a compelling one.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TODAY to ensure that my roots grow deeper ‘in Him’ and that I continue to grow (to be built up) by, for, with and in Him?
How do I need to re-shape some things in my life to ensure this better growth? How is the Spirit nudging you / whispering to you, today.
There is a danger, otherwise, of being pulled off-course, following the winds of change, and the popular philosophies and thinking of the age – Paul’s greatest concern (and Epaphras’s worry) for this young church.
Verses 9 and 10 are immense and glorious:
The fullness of God – His presence, His character, His power, His energy – is held within the earthly body of Jesus, and is now available to His Body on earth, today – the Church.
‘you have been given fullness in Christ’ – this is truly awesome and mind-blowing.
Paul’s vision is beyond words and imagining.
PRAYER
Fill Your church,
dear Lord, today,
with strength, with thankfulness
with faith, with power.
Fill us,
dear Spirit, today,
with deep-rooted life
and solidly growing discipleship.
Fill us,
dear Creator-Father, today
with wisdom, with peace,
and servant-hearted authority.
AMEN.