Rooted in Christ: Cultivating Gospel Maturity Together
Summary
In embarking on our new series, "Growing Deeper," we delve into the book of Colossians, a letter penned by Paul to the church at Colossae. This letter, though written centuries ago, resonates with the challenges we face today, urging us to root our lives deeply in Jesus. The central theme of Colossians is to establish a solid foundation in Christ, stripping away traditions and superstitions that have no place in our faith. As we begin this journey, we seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to cultivate a stronger, clearer faith anchored in Jesus alone.
Paul's letter, written during his house arrest in Rome, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to ministry. Despite his circumstances, Paul uses his time to write letters, including this one to the Colossians, a church he did not plant. The church at Colossae, though seemingly insignificant, was facing challenges that required Paul's guidance. Epaphras, a key figure in the church, traveled a great distance to seek Paul's wisdom, highlighting the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities.
Paul's letter begins with thanksgiving for the Colossians' faith, hope, and love, which are actively evident in their community. He acknowledges their faith in Jesus, their confident hope in what God has reserved for them in heaven, and their love for others, given by the Holy Spirit. These attributes are not mere concepts but are dynamically transforming their community.
Paul transitions from thanksgiving to prayer, focusing on gospel maturity. He prays for the Colossians to have complete knowledge of God's will, endurance through challenges, and joy in their salvation. This knowledge is not superficial but deeply rooted, shaping their lives and producing good fruit. Paul's prayer is that the Colossians would be strengthened by God's power, enabling them to endure challenges and remain joyful, knowing they are rescued from darkness and welcomed into God's kingdom.
As we reflect on this introduction to Colossians, we are encouraged to look outward and inward. Outwardly, we are reminded of the importance of being kingdom-minded, praying for believers near and far, and being devoted to building God's kingdom. Inwardly, we are challenged to examine whether our knowledge of Christ is deeply understood and evident in our lives. This introspection calls us to ensure that our faith permeates every aspect of our lives, producing fruit that reflects our deep understanding of who God is and what He has done for us.
Key Takeaways:
- Rooted in Christ: The central theme of Colossians is to root our lives deeply in Jesus, stripping away traditions and superstitions that hinder our faith. This foundation in Christ is where we flourish and overflow with thankfulness, growing strong in the truth of God's word. [03:04]
- Interconnectedness of Believers: Paul's letter to the Colossians, a church he did not plant, highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities. Despite his circumstances, Paul is committed to guiding and supporting believers, emphasizing that all churches belong to Christ and are part of one family. [11:46]
- Active Faith, Hope, and Love: The Colossians' faith, hope, and love are not abstract concepts but are actively transforming their community. Their faith in Jesus, confident hope in heaven, and love for others are dynamic and evident, serving as a model for us to aspire to. [18:12]
- Prayer for Gospel Maturity: Paul's prayer for the Colossians focuses on complete knowledge of God's will, endurance through challenges, and joy in their salvation. This deep knowledge should shape our lives, producing good fruit and enabling us to endure challenges with joy. [19:55]
- Kingdom-Mindedness: We are encouraged to be kingdom-minded, praying for believers near and far, and being devoted to building God's kingdom. This outward focus should be coupled with an inward examination of whether our knowledge of Christ is deeply understood and evident in our lives. [28:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:04] - Introduction to Colossians
[06:33] - Paul's House Arrest and Ministry
[07:32] - Epaphras' Journey and the Church at Colossae
[08:55] - Significance of Colossae
[10:19] - Challenges in Colossae
[11:46] - Paul's Connection to the Colossians
[13:18] - Thanksgiving for Gospel Impact
[15:12] - Faith, Hope, and Love in Action
[18:12] - Transformative Community
[18:58] - Prayer for Gospel Maturity
[19:55] - Knowledge, Endurance, and Joy
[20:41] - Deep Knowledge and Fruitfulness
[23:15] - Joy in Salvation
[28:06] - Kingdom-Mindedness and Introspection
[31:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Growing Deeper" Series on Colossians
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:1-14
- Colossians 2:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three attributes Paul acknowledges in the Colossians' community, and how are they actively transforming their community? [15:12]
2. How does Paul describe his circumstances while writing the letter to the Colossians, and what does this reveal about his commitment to ministry? [06:33]
3. Who is Epaphras, and what role does he play in the connection between Paul and the church at Colossae? [07:32]
4. What does Paul pray for the Colossians in terms of their spiritual growth and maturity? [18:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the interconnectedness of early Christian communities, as highlighted by Paul's relationship with the Colossians, challenge our understanding of church unity today? [11:46]
2. In what ways does Paul’s prayer for the Colossians to have complete knowledge of God's will challenge our own understanding of spiritual maturity? [19:55]
3. How does Paul’s emphasis on being rooted in Christ encourage believers to strip away traditions and superstitions? What might this look like in a modern context? [03:04]
4. How does Paul’s thanksgiving for the Colossians' faith, hope, and love serve as a model for our own communities? [15:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there traditions or superstitions that might be hindering your faith? How can you begin to strip these away to root your life more deeply in Christ? [03:04]
2. Consider the interconnectedness of believers. How can you actively support and pray for other Christian communities, both locally and globally? [11:46]
3. Paul prays for the Colossians to have endurance through challenges. What current challenges are you facing, and how can you rely on God's power to endure them? [19:55]
4. The Colossians' faith, hope, and love were actively transforming their community. What steps can you take to ensure these attributes are evident in your own life and community? [18:12]
5. Paul encourages believers to be kingdom-minded. How can you shift your focus from building personal success to contributing to God's kingdom? [28:06]
6. Reflect on the knowledge you have of Christ. Is it deeply understood and evident in your life, or is it merely superficial? What changes can you make to deepen your understanding and application of this knowledge? [28:06]
7. Paul lists reasons for joy in salvation. How can you remind yourself of these reasons daily to maintain a joyful spirit, even in difficult times? [23:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Rooted in Christ: A Foundation Beyond Tradition
In the book of Colossians, Paul emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation in Christ, urging believers to strip away traditions and superstitions that hinder their faith. This call to be rooted in Jesus is not just about rejecting old practices but about embracing a life that flourishes in the truth of God's word. By anchoring our lives in Christ, we are able to grow strong and overflow with thankfulness, living out a faith that is vibrant and transformative. This foundation in Christ is where true spiritual growth begins, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with a steadfast heart. [03:04]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What traditions or beliefs in your life might be hindering your growth in Christ? How can you actively root yourself more deeply in Jesus today?
Day 2: Interconnectedness of Believers: A Unified Family in Christ
Paul's letter to the Colossians, a church he did not plant, highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities. Despite being under house arrest, Paul remains committed to guiding and supporting believers, demonstrating that all churches belong to Christ and are part of one family. This interconnectedness is a reminder of the unity and support that should exist among believers today. It calls us to reach out, support, and pray for one another, recognizing that we are all part of a larger body of Christ, working together to build His kingdom. [11:46]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and support of your church community this week? Is there someone you can reach out to in encouragement or prayer?
Day 3: Active Faith, Hope, and Love: Transforming Community
The Colossians' faith, hope, and love are not abstract concepts but are actively transforming their community. Their faith in Jesus, confident hope in heaven, and love for others are dynamic and evident, serving as a model for us to aspire to. This active expression of faith, hope, and love is a powerful testimony to the world, showing the transformative power of the gospel in action. It challenges us to examine how these attributes are reflected in our own lives and communities, encouraging us to live out our faith in tangible ways that impact those around us. [18:12]
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV): "Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively demonstrate faith, hope, and love in your community today? How can these attributes become more evident in your daily interactions?
Day 4: Prayer for Gospel Maturity: Deep Knowledge and Endurance
Paul's prayer for the Colossians focuses on their complete knowledge of God's will, endurance through challenges, and joy in their salvation. This deep knowledge is not superficial but is meant to shape their lives, producing good fruit and enabling them to endure challenges with joy. It is a call to seek a deeper understanding of God's will, allowing it to transform our lives and equip us to face life's difficulties with a joyful heart, knowing we are part of God's kingdom. This prayer for gospel maturity is a reminder of the importance of growing in our faith and understanding of God's word. [19:55]
Colossians 1:9-11 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy."
Reflection: How can you seek a deeper understanding of God's will in your life today? What steps can you take to ensure that this knowledge produces good fruit in your life?
Day 5: Kingdom-Mindedness: Outward Focus and Inward Examination
We are encouraged to be kingdom-minded, praying for believers near and far, and being devoted to building God's kingdom. This outward focus should be coupled with an inward examination of whether our knowledge of Christ is deeply understood and evident in our lives. It is a call to balance our efforts in building God's kingdom with a personal introspection that ensures our faith permeates every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we can produce fruit that reflects our deep understanding of who God is and what He has done for us, living out a faith that is both active and reflective. [28:06]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can contribute to building God's kingdom this week? How can you ensure that your knowledge of Christ is deeply understood and evident in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "The overarching idea of Colossians, the big idea, the big picture, the main theme is that our lives would be rooted deep on Jesus. That he would be our solid and secure and healthy foundation. Because this is where we flourish, this is where we overflow with thankfulness, this is where we're able to grow strong and to live in the truth of God's word." ([00:03:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Paul, having heard from Epaphras, writes a letter to the church for it to be taken back and to be shared with the church at Colossae and the surrounding small Christian communities. It's an interesting letter because there's a couple of reasons. Firstly, this is a church, the church at Colossae, that Paul did not start. So this is not a church that Paul planted." ([00:08:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "Paul's view is that there is no competition. You see, he doesn't desire just that the churches he planted would be vibrant and growing, as if somehow this is his kingdom he's building. He doesn't view them as his churches anyway. Even though he planted them, they are not his churches because they belong to Christ." ([00:11:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "The same good news that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace." ([00:13:57] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Paul doesn't talk about it as something that should just be aspired to. He talks about faith, hope, and love all being actively evident in the church at Colossae. And that because of their faith, because of their hope, and because of the love that they show, that there is something dynamic and transformative about their community." ([00:18:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "Paul prays that God's power would be what keeps them going in their faith. Paul knows that the church at Colossae is facing some challenges now, he knows that more challenges are going to come, but he hopes and he prays that they would have the strength of God's glorious power, that that would keep them in faith." ([00:21:35] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "Paul doesn't just pray that they would have joy. He doesn't just pray, 'Oh, be joyful.' Instead, he gives them a list of things to be joyful about. Paul says you should be joyful because you have been welcomed to share in God's inheritance, because you no longer live in darkness, you live in the light, because God has rescued you and transferred them into his kingdom, because Jesus has paid for your freedom, and you are forgiven." ([00:24:54] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "My hope is that we would be as kingdom minded, that we know that this is where God has placed us in a horizon to worship him and to reach out to this community and to Canberra through this church. But in that, that we wouldn't be ever caught up in building a kingdom here, but we would be fully devoted to building God's kingdom." ([00:27:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "I really want you this week to ask yourself this question to examine your life and to ascertain whether or not the knowledge that you have of what Jesus has done for you, of who he is in your life, is that deeply confused, deeply understood in your spirit so much so that it shapes your life or is it just knowledge that you have, things that you know, things that are easy to put to the side?" ([00:29:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "Paul's prayer is the same prayer that I have for you, that you would know God more and more, and that you would produce every good fruit." ([00:31:32] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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