Walking in Christ: Faith, Lordship, and Gratitude

 

Summary

In today's message, I shared a personal story about a challenging experience during a trip to Maui, which served as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Just as I faced physical limitations and frustrations, we often encounter spiritual struggles that hinder our walk with Christ. The core of our discussion centered on Colossians 2:6-7, where Paul urges believers to walk in Christ as they received Him. This passage reminds us that our Christian life is not just about how we start but how we continue in our faith journey.

We explored two key aspects of receiving Christ: by faith and as Lord. Initially, we come to Christ by faith, acknowledging that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn through works. However, over time, we may drift into a works-based mindset, feeling the need to prove our worthiness to God. Paul warns against this in Galatians 3:3, reminding us to remain rooted in faith, not works.

The second aspect is receiving Christ as Lord, not just as Savior. Many desire the benefits of salvation but resist submitting to Christ's authority in their daily lives. We may treat Jesus as a safety net, calling on Him in times of trouble but ignoring His lordship when life is smooth. True discipleship requires daily submission to Christ's will, acknowledging Him as the ruler of every aspect of our lives.

Paul provides four characteristics of those who walk in Christ: being rooted in Him, built up in Him, established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving. Being rooted in Christ means drawing life from Him, not relying on our own strength. Being built up in Christ involves intentional spiritual growth and maturity, allowing Him to shape our lives. As we are rooted and built up, we become established in the faith, able to withstand life's challenges. This leads to a life overflowing with gratitude, recognizing God's grace and faithfulness.

In conclusion, I encouraged everyone to reflect on their walk with Christ. Are we living like a potted plant, relying on external validation, or like a deeply rooted tree, drawing life from Christ? Are we building our lives on the foundation of Christ's lordship, or are we constructing on our own terms? Wherever we find ourselves, the call remains: walk in Christ as we received Him, rooted in faith and surrendered to His lordship.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faith Over Works: Our journey with Christ begins by faith, not by works. It's crucial to remember that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. Over time, we may drift into a mindset where we feel the need to prove our worthiness through actions. Instead, we should rest in God's grace, knowing that our acceptance is based on Christ's finished work, not our performance. [01:00:36]

2. Christ as Lord: Receiving Christ means acknowledging Him as Lord, not just Savior. Many desire salvation's benefits but resist submitting to Christ's authority in daily life. True discipleship requires daily submission to His will, recognizing Him as the ruler of every aspect of our lives. This involves moving beyond treating Jesus as a safety net and embracing Him as the Lord of our lives. [01:07:25]

3. Rooted in Christ: Being rooted in Christ means drawing life from Him, not relying on our own strength. Like a tree planted by streams of water, we should constantly absorb life and strength from Christ. This involves preaching the gospel to ourselves daily and resting in Christ's finished work, ensuring our faith remains stable and secure. [01:14:28]

4. Built Up in Christ: Spiritual growth requires intentional effort. Being built up in Christ involves studying and obeying God's word, developing a deeper prayer life, and committing to Christian community. This process strengthens our faith and aligns our lives with Christ's lordship, ensuring we are not just hearers but doers of the word. [01:26:31]

5. Overflowing with Gratitude: A life rooted and built up in Christ naturally overflows with gratitude. As we grow in our faith, we recognize God's grace and faithfulness, leading to a life of thanksgiving. This gratitude is not just a feeling but a visible expression of joy and contentment, reflecting our deep trust in God's sovereignty. [01:31:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Personal Story: Hiking in Maui
- [00:05:00] - Unexpected Illness and Hospitalization
- [00:10:00] - Misdiagnosis and Lingering Effects
- [00:15:00] - Spiritual Metaphor: Walking with Christ
- [00:20:00] - Colossians 2:6-7: Walking in Christ
- [00:25:00] - Receiving Christ by Faith
- [00:30:00] - Receiving Christ as Lord
- [00:35:00] - Rooted in Christ: Drawing Life from Him
- [00:40:00] - Built Up in Christ: Spiritual Growth
- [00:45:00] - Established in the Faith: Stability in Christ
- [00:50:00] - Abounding in Thanksgiving: Overflowing Gratitude
- [00:55:00] - Practical Steps: Preaching the Gospel to Yourself
- [01:00:00] - Practical Steps: Resting in Christ's Finished Work
- [01:05:00] - Conclusion: Walking in Christ as We Received Him

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 2:6-7

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "walk in Him" as they received Christ Jesus the Lord? How does this relate to the idea of continuing in faith? [01:00:36]

2. In the sermon, the pastor shared a personal story about a challenging experience in Maui. How did this story serve as a metaphor for our spiritual journey? [56:11]

3. What are the four characteristics Paul describes for those who walk in Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? How do these characteristics help in our spiritual journey? [01:14:28]

4. How does the pastor describe the difference between living like a potted plant and a deeply rooted tree in our spiritual lives? [01:19:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of receiving Christ by faith, not by works, challenge common misconceptions about earning salvation? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [01:00:36]

2. The sermon emphasized the importance of acknowledging Christ as Lord, not just Savior. What does this mean for how believers should live their daily lives? [01:07:25]

3. How do the characteristics of being rooted, built up, established in faith, and abounding in thanksgiving contribute to a stable Christian walk? What might happen if one of these elements is missing? [01:14:28]

4. In what ways does the pastor suggest believers can practically stay rooted in Christ and avoid relying on their own strength? [01:23:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you have drifted into a works-based mindset, trying to earn God's favor? How can you refocus on faith and grace this week? [01:00:36]

2. Consider how you view Jesus in your life. Are there areas where you treat Him more as a safety net rather than as Lord? What steps can you take to submit more fully to His authority? [01:07:25]

3. The sermon mentioned being rooted in Christ as drawing life from Him. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are consistently drawing strength from Christ rather than relying on external validation? [01:19:12]

4. How can you intentionally build up your spiritual life this week? Identify one area where you can focus on growth, whether through studying the Bible, prayer, or engaging with your church community. [01:26:31]

5. Gratitude was highlighted as a natural overflow of a life rooted in Christ. What are some specific ways you can cultivate a heart of thanksgiving in your daily routine? [01:31:02]

6. Reflect on the metaphor of a potted plant versus a deeply rooted tree. In what ways can you ensure your faith is deeply rooted and not dependent on external circumstances? [01:19:12]

7. Identify one area of your life where you have been hesitant to surrender to Christ's lordship. What is one practical step you can take this week to begin surrendering that area to Him? [01:07:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as the Foundation of Our Journey
Our journey with Christ begins by faith, not by works. It's crucial to remember that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. Over time, we may drift into a mindset where we feel the need to prove our worthiness through actions. Instead, we should rest in God's grace, knowing that our acceptance is based on Christ's finished work, not our performance. [01:00:36]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel the need to prove your worth to God. How can you remind yourself today that your worth is found in Christ's finished work, not your own efforts?


Day 2: Embracing Christ's Lordship in Daily Life
Receiving Christ means acknowledging Him as Lord, not just Savior. Many desire salvation's benefits but resist submitting to Christ's authority in daily life. True discipleship requires daily submission to His will, recognizing Him as the ruler of every aspect of our lives. This involves moving beyond treating Jesus as a safety net and embracing Him as the Lord of our lives. [01:07:25]

"And why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 3: Drawing Life from Christ
Being rooted in Christ means drawing life from Him, not relying on our own strength. Like a tree planted by streams of water, we should constantly absorb life and strength from Christ. This involves preaching the gospel to ourselves daily and resting in Christ's finished work, ensuring our faith remains stable and secure. [01:14:28]

"He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:8, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you draw strength from Christ today instead of relying on your own abilities?


Day 4: Intentional Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth requires intentional effort. Being built up in Christ involves studying and obeying God's word, developing a deeper prayer life, and committing to Christian community. This process strengthens our faith and aligns our lives with Christ's lordship, ensuring we are not just hearers but doers of the word. [01:26:31]

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific step you can take this week to deepen your spiritual growth, whether through study, prayer, or community involvement?


Day 5: Living a Life of Gratitude
A life rooted and built up in Christ naturally overflows with gratitude. As we grow in our faith, we recognize God's grace and faithfulness, leading to a life of thanksgiving. This gratitude is not just a feeling but a visible expression of joy and contentment, reflecting our deep trust in God's sovereignty. [01:31:02]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the past week and identify three specific things you are grateful for. How can you express this gratitude to God and others today?

Quotes



"We received Christ by faith, not by works. To put it another way, salvation isn't something that we achieve for ourselves. It's something that we receive from Jesus. And that's really Christianity 101, right? I think most of us probably have heard that before. We know that to be true." [01:01:05] (16 seconds)


"You started with faith, but you've drifted into a works-based mindset. Instead of resting in God's grace, now you're feeling a little bit more like you've got to earn his favor. Well, Paul says in Galatians 3:3, are you really so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected in the flesh?" [01:02:26] (22 seconds)


"Being built up in Christ I think confronts our second issue. Our tendency to resist Christ's lordship. Because a lot of people remember are eager to receive Christ as savior. We want his forgiveness, his grace, his promise of eternal life. But as I said, embracing Jesus as lord is really another matter entirely." [01:24:05] (19 seconds)


"Being rooted in Christ deals with our dependence on Jesus and his sufficiency. Being built up in Christ deals with our development as we grow in his lordship. And the result of being firmly rooted and continually built up is that we become established in the faith." [01:30:40] (17 seconds)


"A life abounding in thanksgiving or thankfulness to God. And that word abounding is overflowing. It's spilling over. It's running over. It's not like a small amount of thankfulness. It's an excessive joy. An ongoing and visible gratitude." [01:32:42] (16 seconds)


"Maybe today as you reflect on this passage, you recognize your faith has been more like a potted plant than a tree that's firmly rooted by streams of living water. You've been moving from one thing to another. You're trying to sustain yourself with external things instead of being deeply planted in Christ." [01:35:17] (18 seconds)


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Transcript
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