Walking in Jesus: Rooted, Built, and Victorious
Summary
### Summary
Today, we discussed the exciting changes happening in our church, including the launch of a third Sunday gathering to accommodate our growing congregation. Starting September 8th, our new service times will be 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. We need your help to make this transition smooth by attending the 1 p.m. service if possible and by volunteering, especially in our kids' ministry and guest experience team.
We then delved into Colossians 2:6-15, focusing on what it means to walk in Jesus. Paul emphasizes that our conduct should align with our confession of faith. To walk in Jesus means to be rooted in Him, built up in Him, established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving. Being rooted in Christ means drawing life and strength from Him daily. Building our lives on Jesus ensures that we stand firm through life's storms. Being established in the faith means that our faith is validated and strengthened as we live in obedience to Christ. Abounding in thanksgiving reflects a life overflowing with gratitude for what Jesus has done.
Paul warns against being taken captive by deceptive philosophies that suggest Jesus is not enough. These can come from human traditions or demonic forces. The truth is that Jesus is the fullness of God in bodily form, and in Him, we are made complete. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has disarmed the rulers and authorities, giving us victory over sin and death. Our response should be to walk in Him daily, drawing life from Him, building our lives on His teachings, and living in gratitude for His grace and victory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Walking in Jesus Means Being Rooted in Him: To walk in Jesus is to be deeply rooted in Him, drawing life, nourishment, and strength from Him daily. This dependency on Christ is practical and affects every aspect of our lives, from mundane tasks to significant decisions. Being rooted in Jesus means we are not self-sufficient but rely on Him for all our needs. [37:44]
2. Building Your Life on Jesus: Building your life on Jesus ensures that you stand firm through life's storms. Jesus is the sure foundation that holds us up no matter what challenges we face. Obedience to His teachings is crucial; hearing His words and doing them is how we build our lives on Him. This obedience leads to a life that withstands trials and tribulations. [39:07]
3. Being Established in the Faith: As we live in obedience to Christ, the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith, confirming the truths we've been taught. This validation comes through experiencing God's promises in our lives, whether in finances, relationships, or personal growth. Our strengthened faith not only benefits us but also impacts those around us, opening doors for sharing our faith. [43:02]
4. Abounding in Thanksgiving: A life rooted in and built on Jesus should overflow with gratitude. This gratitude is not about ignoring life's difficulties but recognizing that Jesus is with us in every situation, working for our good. Our thankfulness should be evident and abundant, reflecting the grace and mercy we've received from Christ. [46:38]
5. Victory in Jesus: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has given us victory over sin and death. He has disarmed the rulers and authorities, stripping them of their power over us. This victory means that we no longer have to live in fear or bondage but can walk in the freedom and authority that Christ has secured for us. [01:17:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:19] - Announcement of New Service Times
[28:03] - Call to Attend 1 PM Service
[28:56] - Call to Serve
[32:46] - Introduction to Colossians 2
[33:52] - Paul's Key Message in Colossians
[35:03] - Walking in Jesus
[37:44] - Rooted in Christ
[39:07] - Built Up in Christ
[43:02] - Established in the Faith
[46:38] - Abounding in Thanksgiving
[49:14] - Warning Against Deceptive Philosophies
[54:10] - The Battle Against Demonic Forces
[59:06] - Filled in Christ
[01:11:13] - Victory in Christ
[01:21:54] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Colossians 2:6-15 (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. 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. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the four ways Paul describes walking in Jesus in Colossians 2:6-7? [33:52]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to be "rooted in Christ"? [37:44]
3. How does Paul describe the deceptive philosophies that believers should avoid? [49:14]
4. What does Paul say Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection in Colossians 2:13-15? [01:11:13]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it practically look like to be "rooted in Christ" in daily life? How does this affect your decisions and actions? [37:44]
2. How can building your life on Jesus help you withstand life's storms? Can you think of a personal example where this has been true for you? [39:07]
3. In what ways does being established in the faith strengthen and validate your beliefs? How has this been evident in your own experiences? [43:02]
4. How does abounding in thanksgiving change your perspective on life's difficulties? Why is gratitude important in the Christian walk? [46:38]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you ensure that you are drawing life and strength from Jesus in every aspect of your day? [37:44]
2. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your foundation in Jesus help you navigate through it? If it didn't, what could you do differently next time? [39:07]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to be more obedient to Jesus' teachings. What steps can you take this week to align your actions with His words? [41:38]
4. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude even when facing difficult circumstances? Share a specific situation where you can practice thanksgiving this week. [46:38]
5. Are there any deceptive philosophies or traditions that you have been influenced by? How can you guard against these and stay rooted in the truth of Christ? [49:14]
6. Reflect on the victory Jesus has given you over sin and death. How does this truth impact your daily life and interactions with others? [01:11:13]
7. How can you actively participate in the life of the church, especially in areas like kids' ministry or the guest experience team, to help support the growing congregation? [28:56]
Devotional
### Day 1: Rooted in Christ for Daily Strength
To walk in Jesus is to be deeply rooted in Him, drawing life, nourishment, and strength from Him daily. This dependency on Christ is practical and affects every aspect of our lives, from mundane tasks to significant decisions. Being rooted in Jesus means we are not self-sufficient but rely on Him for all our needs. When we are rooted in Christ, we are like a tree planted by streams of water, constantly nourished and able to withstand the challenges that come our way. This rootedness is not a one-time event but a daily practice of seeking Him through prayer, reading the Word, and living in obedience to His commands.
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul emphasizes the importance of being rooted in Christ. He encourages believers to continue living their lives in Him, being built up and strengthened in the faith as they were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. This rootedness in Christ is essential for spiritual growth and stability. It ensures that we draw our strength and sustenance from Him, enabling us to live a life that reflects His love and grace to those around us. [37:44]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 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."
Reflection: Think about a specific area in your life where you feel weak or insufficient. How can you intentionally root yourself in Christ in that area today, seeking His strength and guidance?
### Day 2: Building Your Life on Jesus
Building your life on Jesus ensures that you stand firm through life's storms. Jesus is the sure foundation that holds us up no matter what challenges we face. Obedience to His teachings is crucial; hearing His words and doing them is how we build our lives on Him. This obedience leads to a life that withstands trials and tribulations. When we build our lives on Jesus, we are like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul speaks about being built up in Christ. This building up is a continuous process of growth and strengthening in our faith. It involves not just hearing the Word but putting it into practice in our daily lives. As we obey Christ's teachings, we become more resilient and capable of facing life's challenges with confidence and peace. Our lives become a testimony of God's faithfulness and power, drawing others to Him. [39:07]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: Identify a teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to obey. What practical steps can you take today to build your life on His teachings and stand firm in your faith?
### Day 3: Established in the Faith
As we live in obedience to Christ, the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith, confirming the truths we've been taught. This validation comes through experiencing God's promises in our lives, whether in finances, relationships, or personal growth. Our strengthened faith not only benefits us but also impacts those around us, opening doors for sharing our faith. Being established in the faith means that our faith is validated and strengthened as we live in obedience to Christ. It is through this process that we become more confident in our beliefs and more effective in our witness to others.
In Colossians 2:7, Paul talks about being established in the faith. This establishment is not just about intellectual assent but about a lived experience of God's faithfulness. As we trust and obey God, we see His promises fulfilled in our lives, which strengthens our faith and gives us a firm foundation. This established faith is crucial for our spiritual growth and for our ability to share the gospel with others. It is a faith that is tested and proven, making us more effective witnesses for Christ. [43:02]
1 Peter 5:10 (ESV): "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How did that experience strengthen your faith? How can you share that testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?
### Day 4: Abounding in Thanksgiving
A life rooted in and built on Jesus should overflow with gratitude. This gratitude is not about ignoring life's difficulties but recognizing that Jesus is with us in every situation, working for our good. Our thankfulness should be evident and abundant, reflecting the grace and mercy we've received from Christ. When we abound in thanksgiving, we acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives, which in turn strengthens our faith and encourages those around us.
In Colossians 2:7, Paul encourages believers to be overflowing with thankfulness. This abounding thanksgiving is a natural response to the grace and mercy we have received from Christ. It is an attitude that permeates our lives, influencing how we see our circumstances and how we interact with others. A thankful heart is a powerful testimony of God's goodness and can be a source of encouragement and hope to those around us. [46:38]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Think of three specific things you are grateful for today. How can you express your gratitude to God and to others in a tangible way?
### Day 5: Victory in Jesus
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has given us victory over sin and death. He has disarmed the rulers and authorities, stripping them of their power over us. This victory means that we no longer have to live in fear or bondage but can walk in the freedom and authority that Christ has secured for us. Understanding and living in this victory is crucial for our spiritual growth and for our ability to live a life that honors God.
In Colossians 2:15, Paul speaks about the victory that Christ has won for us. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them by the cross. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that we can live in every day. It means that we are no longer slaves to sin and fear but are free to live in the power and authority of Christ. This victory should give us confidence and boldness in our walk with God, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [01:17:54]
Romans 8:37-39 (ESV): "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel defeated or in bondage. How can you claim and walk in the victory that Jesus has already secured for you in that area today?
Quotes
1. "To walk in Jesus means that you follow Jesus. And so Paul's saying to us that our conduct should align with our confession. In other words, if you are someone who says that you believe that Jesus is the Christ, which is not his last name, y'all. All right, it's not Mary Christ, Joseph Christ, Jesus Christ. That is not what he's saying here. But Christ is a title, and it means anointed one." [36:30] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Walking in Jesus means that you are dependent upon him in every way. You're not a person out there just kind of like floating through life on your own, trying to supply what you need on your own, trying to be strong for you on your own, but instead you are depending upon Christ for all that you need moment by moment, day by day." [37:44] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The person who builds their life on Jesus, they stand no matter what storms they face in life. Come on, man, we all face storms in life, don't we? At times, life's really, some of you are in a storm right now. And I'm so glad that you're here to hear this because this is the truth that you need. When you build your life on Jesus, he is a sure foundation and he will hold you up no matter what storms come your way." [40:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you are someone who claims he's your Lord, that Jesus is your master, that he's in charge of you, that he's the one calling all the shots in your life, then the way you live should make sense of your confession. The way you live should not confuse people about your confession, okay? People should look at your life and go, oh, hold on, I thought you were somebody who believed that Jesus was the Christ and the Savior of the world." [36:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you build your life on Jesus, he is a sure foundation and he will hold you up no matter what storms come your way. This is his promise for you. Now, on the other hand, if you do not build your life on Jesus, your life will crumble and fall apart at some point. Life's going to get hard. Storms are going to come. Things are going to get so overwhelming for you. And that storm is going to cause your life to disintegrate, to fall apart in a variety of ways." [40:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you bear the name of Jesus, your life should be marked by gratitude. If you are someone it should be really hard for you to contain your gratitude. But gratitude should just be spilling forth out of your life, moment by moment, day by day. And it's not because you're someone who has your head in the sand, ignoring all the hard stuff, okay? Don't be that person. People like that are annoying, aren't they? Don't be that annoying person." [46:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You were never intended to be the God of your own life. God didn't make you to rule and reign over you. You're not an autonomous creature who's just here to do life your way, but God made you as a dependent creature who is designed to do life his way. And it's only when you do life his way that your life flourishes." [55:20] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You have to keep your brain on. You know what I'm talking about? Man, we live in a society today where it's like people's brains are falling out of their head left and right. As the people of God, we can't be those people. You have to keep your brain on. And you have to keep your eyes open. And you have to stay alert to what is truly happening in our world." [57:46] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you know Jesus Christ, those dark forces have no authority in your life. None. No power over you at all. The only authority they have over your life is the authority that you give them. And the way that you give them authority is by buying into deceptive philosophies. Jesus isn't enough. It's Jesus plus other things or I don't need him at all." [01:19:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There is only one person who can complete you and his name is Jesus. He is the one that you need. Now, there's a second truth that Paul speaks to. I want to show it to you. Verse 13. It just gets better. He goes on and he says, And you who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands." [01:10:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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