Rooted in Christ: The Source of True Faith

Summary

Paul’s letter to the Colossians reminds us that the Christian life is not about adding to or subtracting from Jesus, but about remaining deeply rooted in Him. From the very beginning, faith in Christ is a gift—one that we can’t earn, and one that we must not try to supplement with human traditions, rules, or cultural trends. Just as a plant draws all its life and strength from its roots, so too are we called to draw our life from Christ alone. When we try to pay for what’s already been given to us, or when we let tradition or experience take the place of Jesus, we risk disconnecting ourselves from the true source of spiritual vitality.

There are dangers on both sides: older believers may be tempted to elevate traditions or practices that once pointed them to Jesus, making them non-negotiable and even equating them with faith itself. Younger believers, on the other hand, may chase after feelings or experiences, mistaking emotional highs for genuine relationship with Christ. Both approaches can lead us away from the sufficiency of Jesus. The call is to stay rooted, not rerouted—to go deeper into grace, not to graduate from it.

Paul warns against being taken captive by hollow philosophies or being judged by others for not following certain religious customs. The reality is found in Christ, not in shadows or external regulations. We must be careful not to let anyone disqualify us based on their preferences or traditions, nor should we impose our own on others. True transformation comes not from rules or self-made religion, but from a heart changed by Christ. The law reveals our need, but only Jesus can bring lasting change.

As we gather for communion, we remember that Christ is the beginning, the middle, and the end of our faith. He is not just one way to God—He is the only way and the whole way. Our practices, our buildings, our traditions—all are meaningless if we become disconnected from Him. The invitation is to return to the root, to let Christ nourish us, and to trust that His grace is enough for every season and every generation.

Key Takeaways

- Rootedness in Christ Alone: Spiritual life and growth come from being deeply rooted in Jesus, not from external practices or traditions. When we try to supplement Christ with anything else—be it tradition, rules, or cultural trends—we risk spiritual withering. The call is to continually return to the source, drawing our strength and identity from Him alone. [49:25]

- The Subtle Danger of “Jesus Plus”: Both legalism (adding rules and traditions) and license (blending faith with culture or personal preference) are temptations that can subtly replace Christ at the center. True faith is not “Jesus plus” anything; it is Jesus, period. We must be vigilant to recognize when good things have become ultimate things, supplanting the sufficiency of Christ. [45:18]

- Rejecting Spiritual Counterfeits: Not every spiritual-sounding thing is Christ-centered. Paul warns against being taken captive by hollow philosophies or religious regulations that appear wise but lack power to change the heart. We must allow God’s Word to confront and correct us, rather than selecting only the parts that suit us or make us comfortable. [53:34]

- Don’t Let Others Disqualify You: Spiritual maturity is not measured by conformity to someone else’s traditions or experiences. Each believer’s journey is unique, and what helps one person grow may not be necessary—or even helpful—for another. We are called to encourage one another, not to judge or disqualify based on non-essential practices. [55:31]

- True Change Comes from the Heart: Rules and self-made religion can modify behavior, but only Christ can transform the heart. The law reveals our need, but it is Jesus who brings realignment and lasting freedom. Our faith is not about outward appearance or performance, but about a heart that is continually being renewed and nourished by Christ. [01:01:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:31] - Introduction to Colossians and Series Recap
[37:44] - Paul’s Challenge to the Colossians
[38:13] - Rooted and Built Up in Christ
[39:04] - The Gift of Forgiveness and New Life
[39:37] - Shadows vs. Reality in Christ
[41:03] - Prayer for Understanding
[41:50] - The Gift Card Analogy: Receiving vs. Earning
[43:43] - Staying Rooted, Not Rerouted
[45:18] - The Danger of “Jesus Plus”
[47:37] - Grace, Effort, and Earning
[48:17] - The Plant Illustration: Disconnection from the Root
[50:56] - Rejecting Religious Counterfeits
[53:34] - Letting God’s Word Confront Us
[55:31] - Don’t Let Others Disqualify You
[59:31] - Rules Can’t Change the Heart
[01:04:01] - Christ: The Beginning, Middle, and End
[01:06:01] - Communion and the New Covenant
[01:08:30] - Communion Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Rooted in Christ Alone

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### Bible Reading

Colossians 2:6-23 (NIV)
> So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives 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 on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
> ...
> (Read the full passage: Colossians 2:6-23)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 2:6-7, what does Paul say is the foundation for living the Christian life?
2. What are some of the “hollow and deceptive philosophies” or “human traditions” Paul warns about in this passage?
3. In verses 16-17, what does Paul call “a shadow of things that were to come,” and where does he say the reality is found?
4. The sermon used the analogy of a plant and its roots. What happens to a plant when it is disconnected from its roots, and how does this relate to our spiritual lives? ([49:25])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul is so concerned about believers adding to or subtracting from Jesus in their faith? What are the dangers of “Jesus plus” or “Jesus minus” thinking? ([45:18])
2. How can traditions or spiritual practices, which may have once pointed us to Jesus, become obstacles to true faith if we’re not careful? ([46:13])
3. The sermon mentioned that both older and younger believers face different temptations—older believers with tradition, younger with chasing experiences. Why do you think both can lead us away from being rooted in Christ? ([46:46])
4. Paul says, “Do not let anyone disqualify you” (v. 18). What does it look like for someone to be “disqualified” in the context of Christian community? ([55:31])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about trying to “pay for what’s already been given to us” using the gift card analogy. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself trying to earn God’s favor instead of receiving His grace? What would it look like to rest in the gift instead? ([41:50])
2. Think about your own spiritual habits or church traditions. Are there any that have become more important to you than Jesus Himself? How can you tell if something good has become an “ultimate thing” in your faith? ([49:25])
3. For those who have been Christians for a long time: Are there traditions or preferences you hold that might discourage younger believers or those new to faith? How can you encourage others to stay rooted in Christ, not just in tradition? ([46:13])
4. For newer or younger believers: Have you ever felt pressure to conform to someone else’s way of practicing faith? How did that affect your relationship with Jesus? ([58:55])
5. The sermon warned against chasing emotional highs or experiences as a substitute for a real relationship with Christ. Have you ever confused feelings with faith? How can you pursue a deeper, more rooted relationship with Jesus? ([47:03])
6. Paul says that rules and self-made religion can’t change the heart—only Jesus can. Is there an area in your life where you’ve tried to change through willpower or rules, but haven’t seen lasting transformation? What would it look like to invite Jesus into that area? ([01:01:36])
7. As we remember that Christ is the beginning, middle, and end of our faith, what is one practical way you can “return to the root” and let Christ nourish you this week? ([01:04:01])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are deeply rooted in Christ, for freedom from legalism or empty tradition, and for the courage to encourage one another in grace.

Devotional

Day 1: Stay Rooted in Christ Alone
Just as a plant draws all its life and strength from its roots, so too must believers remain deeply connected to Jesus, the true source of spiritual vitality. When we try to add to or substitute Christ with traditions, experiences, or cultural practices, we risk disconnecting ourselves from the very foundation that gives us life and growth. The temptation to move away from the simplicity of faith in Jesus is real for both new and seasoned believers, but the call is to continue as we began: rooted and built up in Him, not in anything else. [43:59]

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 is one tradition, habit, or expectation you’ve added to your faith that may be distracting you from simply abiding in Jesus? How can you intentionally focus on Christ alone today?


Day 2: Reject Spiritual Counterfeits
Believers are warned against being taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophies, whether they come in the form of legalism or the blending of cultural values with the gospel. True faith is not about following human traditions or selecting only the parts of Scripture that are comfortable; it is about allowing Christ to shape every aspect of life. The challenge is to discern and reject anything that masquerades as spiritual wisdom but ultimately disconnects us from Christ, the head of the body. [51:14]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: Are there beliefs or practices in your life that look spiritual but are not centered on Christ? What is one step you can take today to let God’s Word confront and realign your heart?


Day 3: Don’t Let Others Disqualify You
The reality of faith is found in Christ, not in external rules or the judgments of others about how spirituality should look. Whether it’s traditions, worship styles, or personal convictions, we are not to let anyone disqualify us or others from the fullness of life in Christ. Each believer’s journey is unique, and God delights in sincere faith, not conformity to man-made standards. [55:31]

Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV)
"Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."

Reflection: Is there an area where you feel pressure to conform to others’ expectations of spirituality? How can you rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s work for you today?


Day 4: Only Christ Brings True Transformation
Rules, self-imposed religion, and behavior modification may look impressive on the outside, but they lack the power to truly change the heart. Real and lasting transformation comes only through Christ, who changes us from the inside out. Instead of striving to earn God’s favor or relying on our own efforts, we are invited to receive the grace and power that comes from being united with Jesus. [01:01:36]

Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV)
"If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."

Reflection: Where are you relying on your own strength or rules to change? What would it look like to invite Jesus to transform your heart in that area today?


Day 5: Communion—Nourished by Grace, United in Christ
Communion is a powerful reminder that our nourishment, unity, and hope are found in Jesus alone. As we come to the table, we remember the new covenant He established through His body and blood, given for all who trust in Him. This act is not just a ritual but a means of receiving grace, being spiritually nourished, and recommitting ourselves to stay rooted in Christ, both individually and as a church. [01:08:46]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Reflection: As you reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, how can you let His grace nourish and unite you with others in your church family today?

Quotes