The Continuum: Rooted, Built Up & StrengthenedSample

DAY 4 – CONTINUE TO BE BUILT UP

Colossians 2:6-7, "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."

In verse 6 Paul is urging us to continue in certain things as we live out our Christian life and calling.

He is very clear in his communications. He isn’t just saying “Be a good Christian," or “Oh you have been saved, now enjoy life. It is all grace brother! Do not bother about anything. Jesus has done it all. Jesus loves you,” etc, etc.

He reminds his readers of the great sacrifice that Jesus paid for us all. He reminds us that is a complete work and Satan is defeated. All wisdom and knowledge are freely found in Christ alone. It is not just for a few special people as was being taught among some people in the Colossian church.

We are set free from the tyranny of the myriad laws that encumbered the poor Jewish soul.

Now that we are free – we are free for a purpose. Freedom is the liberty to do what is right and not a license to do what is wrong. The purpose for which we have been freed is specific to each of us. There is a general call to every Christian to follow in the ways of Christ. Then there is a specific call, or a race marked out for us, as we are told in Hebrews 12:1-2. Find out how God wants to be glorified in your life. Maybe it is through your gift of administration, music, hospitality, speaking, helping etc. There are a whole lot of gifts mentioned in Romans 12. Have a look at them and find out which ones you can grow in.

We are to continue in many things. While this “continue” is dynamic, it is rooted in a constant. Yet it is not about maintaining the status quo. It is about sustaining growth. It is progressive: from one degree of glory to another. In scripture, we are encouraged to “build ourselves up in the holiest faith”.

BUILT-UP 

I move my reflections on to the next part of verse 7, which asks us to be “built-up.” Why do we need to do this? How do we do this and what is involved? Reflect with me.

WHY

In our journey as Christ-followers, our aim is to become more and more like Jesus, to be Holy even as He is Holy. To fulfill the good works He has prepared for us to do. This is the reason we are saved; to be a light to all.

HOW

We are built up as we stay rooted – as we continue to grow deeper in our fellowship with Him. In the mix of metaphors, the common ground is a foundation. Roots are foundational to a plant, and so are foundations to a building.

We get built up by meditating on His Word and allowing it to grow richly in our lives, allowing the word to challenge and change us. The phrase “built-up” implies growth. As Christians we are on a continuum of growth – the overall movement in our lives ought to be forward.

WHAT

What do I do to be built up, to grow, to be encouraged, and to be focused?

So what do I continue in? Here are some things:

Continue to be a learner – seeking the kingdom to influence my lifestyle and decisions.

Continue to add to my “faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” (2 Pet 1:5-7)

Continue to persevere in the face of trials “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And tastings so my faith grows strong.” (James 1:3)

Continue to dig deep into God’s word in sweet fellowship and prayer. (Col 3:16)

Continue to do good, and not grow weary of it. (Gal 6:9)

Continue to meet with other Christ-followers to encourage and be encouraged. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. (Heb 10:25)

Continue to build on Christ the Cornerstone. (1 Cor 3:11)

When I do this, I will grow strong, mature and be productive bearing the good fruits of the faith.

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF

Are there things that you need to continue in that you have stopped doing? Now is a good time to hit the reset button and restart. 

Paul knew that there would be times we would slack off or give up. That is why there are so many verses encouraging us to keep going, to fight the good fight of faith, to press on, to keep at it. Let us encourage each other and our other brothers and sisters to keep going. We are yet to come into our best. Let us continue to the finish line.

REFERENCES

Col 2:6-7, 2 Cor 3:18