Walking with Christ: Foundations of Faith and Love
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the metaphor of walking with Christ, drawing parallels to the early steps of a child learning to walk. Just as a child needs guidance and encouragement, so do new Christians as they begin their journey with Jesus. Paul’s letter to the Colossians serves as a guide for us, emphasizing the importance of living a life rooted in Christ. He encourages us to love others, spend time with Jesus, and grow in our understanding of Him.
Paul’s struggle for the Colossians is a reflection of his deep desire for them to be encouraged, unified, and assured in their faith. He stresses the importance of being rooted in Christ, likening it to a plant with deep roots that provide stability and nourishment. Without this foundation, we risk becoming like tumbleweeds, easily swayed by the winds of false teachings and philosophies.
Paul also highlights the significance of understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us. He warns against adding anything to the work of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus plus nothing equals everything. This understanding leads to a life of thanksgiving and transformation, where we become more like Christ.
Baptism is presented as a public declaration of our faith, symbolizing our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. It’s a step of obedience that signifies our entrance into the covenant community of believers. Paul concludes by reminding us of the victory we have in Christ, who has canceled our debt and triumphed over all powers and authorities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Learning to Love People: Walking with Christ begins with learning to love others. This love is not just an emotion but an action that encourages and unifies the body of Christ. It’s a step we must continually take, even when it’s difficult, because loving others is a reflection of Christ’s love for us. [02:33]
2. Spending Time with Jesus: To love others effectively, we must spend time with Jesus. This relationship roots us in Him, providing stability and nourishment. Like a plant with deep roots, our faith grows stronger and more resilient the more we invest in our relationship with Christ. [07:51]
3. Understanding Who Jesus Is: Knowing Jesus deeply is crucial for our walk. Paul warns against false teachings and philosophies that can lead us astray. By grounding ourselves in the truth of who Jesus is, we safeguard our faith and ensure that we are not deceived. [15:34]
4. Public Declaration through Baptism: Baptism is a significant step of faith that publicly declares our commitment to Christ. It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life. Overcoming fears related to baptism is essential, as it’s a powerful testimony of our faith and obedience. [21:13]
5. Celebrating Christ’s Victory: Understanding and celebrating what Christ has done for us is vital. He has canceled our debt and triumphed over all powers and authorities. This victory should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to live a life that honors Him. [25:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - The Joy and Fear of First Steps
[02:33] - Walking with Christ: A Metaphor
[03:48] - Encouragement and Unity in Christ
[05:16] - The Importance of Life Groups
[06:33] - Learning to Love People
[07:51] - Spending Time with Jesus
[09:18] - The Tumbleweed Analogy
[11:16] - God's Construction Project
[12:38] - Abounding in Thanksgiving
[14:10] - Avoiding False Teachings
[15:34] - The Simple Equation of Salvation
[17:01] - Jesus Plus Nothing Equals Everything
[18:26] - The Fullness of Christ
[19:52] - Circumcision and Baptism
[21:13] - The Significance of Baptism
[25:00] - Celebrating Christ’s Victory
[27:49] - Taking Steps of Faith
[29:12] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV): "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."
3. John 15:4-6 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
### Observation Questions
1. What metaphor does Paul use in Colossians 2:6-7 to describe living a life in Christ? How does this metaphor help us understand our relationship with Jesus? [02:33]
2. According to Colossians 2:13-14, what has God done for us through Christ? How does this impact our understanding of forgiveness and salvation? [25:00]
3. In John 15:4-6, what does Jesus say about the importance of abiding in Him? How does this relate to being "rooted" in Christ as mentioned in Colossians? [09:18]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of being "rooted" and "built up" in Christ in Colossians 2:6-7? How does this foundation protect us from false teachings? [07:51]
2. How does the concept of "canceling the record of debt" in Colossians 2:13-14 illustrate the completeness of Christ's work on the cross? What does this mean for our daily lives? [25:00]
3. In John 15:4-6, Jesus talks about the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit. How can this principle be applied to our daily walk with Christ? [09:18]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel like a "tumbleweed" with shallow roots? What steps can you take to deepen your roots in Christ this week? [09:18]
2. Paul talks about the importance of loving others as a reflection of Christ's love. Identify one person in your life who is difficult to love. What specific actions can you take to show them Christ's love this week? [06:33]
3. Spending time with Jesus is crucial for our spiritual growth. What are some practical ways you can prioritize your time with Jesus daily? How can you ensure this becomes a consistent habit? [07:51]
4. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. If you haven't been baptized yet, what fears or concerns are holding you back? How can you overcome these to take this step of obedience? [21:13]
5. Celebrating Christ's victory should fill us with gratitude. How can you incorporate a practice of thanksgiving into your daily routine to remind yourself of what Christ has done for you? [25:00]
6. Paul warns against false teachings and philosophies. How can you stay vigilant and grounded in the truth of who Jesus is? What resources or practices can help you discern truth from falsehood? [15:34]
7. Reflect on the metaphor of walking with Christ. What is one specific step of faith you feel called to take in your walk with Jesus? How can your small group support you in this journey? [27:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Love in Action
Learning to love others is the first step in walking with Christ. This love is not merely an emotion but an active choice that reflects Christ’s love for us. It involves encouraging and unifying the body of Christ, even when it’s challenging. By loving others, we mirror the love that Jesus has shown us, fostering a community that is supportive and united. This love is a continuous journey, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and actively seek the well-being of others. [02:33]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them Christ-like love in a practical way today?
Day 2: Rooted in Relationship
Spending time with Jesus is essential for loving others effectively. This relationship with Christ roots us in Him, providing the stability and nourishment we need to grow in our faith. Like a plant with deep roots, our faith becomes stronger and more resilient the more we invest in our relationship with Jesus. This time spent with Him can take many forms, such as prayer, reading Scripture, or simply being still in His presence. The deeper our roots, the more we can withstand the challenges and false teachings that come our way. [07:51]
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 specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus? Consider setting aside a dedicated time for prayer or Bible study.
Day 3: Guarding Against Deception
Understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us is crucial for our walk with Him. Paul warns against false teachings and philosophies that can lead us astray. By grounding ourselves in the truth of who Jesus is, we safeguard our faith and ensure that we are not deceived. This understanding is not just intellectual but transformative, leading us to live a life of thanksgiving and becoming more like Christ. Knowing Jesus deeply helps us discern truth from falsehood and keeps us anchored in our faith. [15:34]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Are there any teachings or philosophies you’ve encountered that have caused you to question your faith? How can you seek the truth about Jesus to guard against these deceptions?
Day 4: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is a significant step of faith that publicly declares our commitment to Christ. It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life. Overcoming fears related to baptism is essential, as it’s a powerful testimony of our faith and obedience. This public declaration is not just a ritual but a profound statement of our new identity in Christ and our entrance into the covenant community of believers. It’s a step that signifies our willingness to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live out our faith openly. [21:13]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: If you have not been baptized, what fears or hesitations do you have about taking this step? If you have been baptized, how can you live out the significance of your baptism in your daily life?
Day 5: Living in Victory
Understanding and celebrating what Christ has done for us is vital. He has canceled our debt and triumphed over all powers and authorities. This victory should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to live a life that honors Him. Celebrating Christ’s victory is not just about acknowledging it but allowing it to transform our lives. It means living in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and that we are more than conquerors through Him. This victory empowers us to face life’s challenges with confidence and hope. [25:00]
Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you celebrate Christ’s victory in your life today? What specific actions can you take to live in the freedom and joy that His victory provides?
Quotes
1. "Paul's writing a letter to Christians who are new. They're learning to walk. And so he's going to use that phrase walk in verse six and walk is a metaphor. And the metaphor for the word walk, it means to live. All right. So it's just, I'm living for Jesus. I'm following Jesus. I'm walking with Jesus in my everyday life. That's what it means to walk with Christ. And so when he says, Hey, I want you to help you walk. He's talking about living for Christ, you know, following him in your life." [01:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So wherever you are in one of those three camps, you're new, been walking with for a long time, or maybe you haven't started yet. I believe today there's something for you in this message. And at the end of our message, I'm going to talk, call you to take a step of faith, whatever that step of faith God puts on your heart. I'm going to ask you just to take it, to take that, next step in your walk with Jesus." [02:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So Paul's saying, all right, as you're taking those steps with Jesus and as you're learning to walk with Christ, Paul says, I've got a struggle in my life and my struggle, and that struggle is his internal struggle. I'm struggling for you. I'm struggling and I'm trying to help you walk with Christ. And so he's saying, here's some ways I'm trying to help you walk with Christ. First, your encouragement, right? I'm trying to help you be encouraged in your Christian life. There's a lot that we can be discouraged, about in our world, but when we come to getting rooted in Christ and walking side by side with Jesus, there's a lot we can be encouraged by, all right?" [03:48] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So Paul's saying that step of faith is learning to love people, all right? So we're learning to love people so that they're encouraged, so our hearts are built up together. But notice also, he says that we're learning to love people so you have that full assurance of understanding of the knowledge that God has for you. And so Paul's saying, I'm struggling for you. I'm cheering you on. I'm trying to help you walk so that you have that assurance of understanding who God is and the gospel, all right?" [06:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you take steps with Jesus and you're walking with Christ as a follower of Jesus, you're living for Christ. You are God's construction project. You now, as a follower of Christ, you are new in Jesus. You're a new person. You're given a new life. You're given a new spirit. You're given a new heart, new affections, new way of thinking. And so God is now building you up, right? So you are God's construction project. What is God constructing you to be? More and more like Jesus, right?" [11:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So as we learn to love people, we do that by spending time with Jesus. The more we spend time with Jesus, the more we know him. Well, now we know who he is and we know what he does. So that fourth step that we need to do is to love him. We need to love him. We need to take this morning is understanding what Christ has done for us. And the more we know him now, the more we can understand what he's done." [18:26] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You know, when you think about the cross and the death of Jesus, there was a sign that the Romans made. Some of you guys remember that sign? There's a sign the Romans made that they nailed to the top of the cross. And that sign said, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. And they had it written in three languages, because they wrote it in three languages to say, hey, everybody that walks by this, we want them to know that this guy said he was a king, and he opposed Caesar, and Caesar's the true king. So he's King of the Jews." [26:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "That's the good news of the gospel, is that Christ Jesus came to pay our debt that we owed to God. That Christ says, I'm coming to purchase your salvation by my death as the one who is the perfect law keeper that owes no one anything. I'm taking your place, and I'll say, God, I'm paying for them. I'm purchasing your salvation. And that's why I love verse 15. Because in his death, burial, and resurrection, he disarms the rulers and authorities. He puts them to open shame by triumphing over them." [26:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "This morning, are you walking with Christ? Do you have life with Jesus? And maybe today you say, listen, I need to start a life with Christ, and I'm going to give you an opportunity to do that. Maybe today you say, all right, you know what? I am walking with Jesus, but there's just something, man, that I need to do differently. There's some things I need to stop, and there's some things I need to start to make sure I'm walking the way Christ wants me to walk." [27:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Maybe today, for the very first time, as others are praying, you need to say, today, Jesus, I am trusting you for the salvation and the forgiveness of my sin. That today, I understand you canceled my debt that I owed to God. So if that's you, you might say, well, what do I say? Well, the Bible doesn't give us a specific way to pray that. It just says you talk to God with what's on your heart. Romans 10, 13 is such a promise. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." [30:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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