Rooted in the Riches of Christ
Colossians 2:1-7

Gaining Maturity in Christ

Paul J. Bucknell
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The Apostle Paul was in every way possible uniting the glory of Christ Jesus to the practical aspects of our Christian lives. He did this in chapter 1 and continues on in chapter 2. In chapter 1 the apostle spoke both of the exalted Christ as well as our goal of growing up in Christ. He seemed to do such a wonderful job at this, but with the problems the church was facing, it is obvious that Paul needed to more thoroughly address this issue, thus, these verses in chapter two.

The church at that time was increasingly being troubled by mystics claiming knowledge was the key to salvation. Gnosticism had not yet grown to a full, readably identifiable cult-like status, but the underpinnings were evidently already launched. On the one hand Paul states the glory of Jesus Christ and that knowing Him is the key to gaining that faith, but he also states that living your life shaped by Jesus is critical to a stable and growing Christian life.

As Paul goes into chapter two, (a division only later added and not inspired) he repeats himself somewhat. His argument is clear, however, knowledge of Christ is never separated from our life. That faith in Christ powerfully influences our choices and behavior. The more a believer affirms this by practical obedience, the more he or she will grow in their Christian faith.

A. The Challenge of our Faith (Col 2:1-5)

1. Attain Maturity
2. Maintain Stability

B. The Course of our Faith (Col 2:6-7)

The Challenge of our Faith (Col 2:1-5)

“1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” (Col 2:1-5 NASB).

Three Changes

So how does the Apostle Paul struggle to deepen their grasp of the truths of the Gospel. He shares with them three ways he struggles:

• “Hearts may be encouraged,”

• “Having been knit together in love,” and

• “Attained to all the wealth that come from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ.”

  

(Each is looked at in more detail in our New Testament library).

B. The Course of our Faith (Col 2:6-7)

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude” (Col 2:6-7).

Knowledge of Christ is both the source of our infant faith but also the pinnacle of our faith towards which we feverishly run.

The pattern is very clearly marked. The way we received our faith will be the same for our continued growth. It is impossible to separate the two for the faith that begins is destined to grow. The mark of life is growth.

The pattern established: New spiritual birth

In Colossians 2:6 we see the past tense used: “have received Christ Jesus the Lord.” (Note again is does not say “as Lord,” making it a different experience from receiving Christ as Savior, as many believers speculate, but receiving Christ Jesus the Lord–His full title, clearly expanded at the end of Colossians chapter 1. The “have received” speak about what has happened and will have continuing influence into the future. Practically, Paul is stating that the union with God through Christ and the Spirit’s work in our lives continues on and so this growth should be anticipated.

(Each is looked at in more detail in our New Testament library).

Advanced Study Questions

• Have you gained that initial faith in Christ? Do you know Jesus?

• What areas about God (not religion) have become clearer and affected your life choices?

• What are some daily or weekly activities you do to build up your faith?

• How do you handle those times your faith seems to waver back and forth? What was Paul’s recommendations for you?

(Video/audio, powerpoint slides, and full commentary is found in the New Testament Library along with all our other gigabytes of NT resources).

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell