Brookfield Church of Christ
Dec 15, 2024 Sun a.m. Colossians 2:6-7
Rooted and Built Up in Christ
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      • Colossians 2.6-7NIV2011

  • 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.
    Rooted in Faith: Standing Firm in God's Promises
    Summary: In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul admonishes believers to continue in their Christian faith by being rooted and built up in Christ, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and living in accordance with the teachings they have received.
    Application: This sermon can help Christians navigate doubts and challenges in their faith by encouraging them to deepen their roots in Christ and rely on His teachings for strength. It can provide comfort to those feeling shaky in their spiritual lives, reminding them of the solid foundation they have in Jesus.
    Teaching: The sermon teaches that a steadfast faith is not just about belief but is actively expressed through a life that is grounded in the teachings of Christ. It shows how gratitude is integral to our faith journey, helping to stabilize and strengthen it.
    How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reflects the overarching theme of Christ as the cornerstone of faith throughout scripture. Jesus inaugurates a new covenant through which believers can attain spiritual maturity, emphasizing that our growth and foundation are wholly dependent on His work and teachings.
    Big Idea: True faith is demonstrated through gratitude and a steadfast commitment to Christ, allowing believers to stand firm in the face of life's challenges.
    Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider exploring commentaries on Colossians that address the cultural context of Paul's letter, particularly the philosophical influences around the Colossians. Investigate the Greek terms used for 'rooted' and 'built up' to understand their implications for spiritual growth. Additionally, look for practical applications in pastoral care that align with being rooted in gratitude.
    Introduction
    In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul calls believers to live in Christ, being rooted, built up, and established in faith. Today, we will explore how we can stand firm in our faith, drawing strength from being deeply connected to Christ.
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    I. Rooted in Christ

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    To stand firm in faith, our lives must be rooted in Christ, like a tree with deep roots drawing strength from the soil.
    • Scripture 1: Psalm 1:3 - “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
    Psalm 1:3 ESV
    3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
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    • Scripture 2: Jeremiah 17:7-8 - “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”
    Jeremiah 17:7–8 ESV
    7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 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.”
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    Illustration:
    Imagine a tall oak tree. Its strength and stability come not from its height but from the depth of its roots. Even in storms, it stands firm because it is anchored. Similarly, when our faith is deeply rooted in Christ, we can withstand life’s storms.
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    Application:
    Nurture your roots through prayer, Bible study, and community. These habits anchor us in Christ and allow us to grow spiritually.
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    II. Gratitude as an Expression of Faith

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    Paul writes that we should walk in faith "abounding in thanksgiving." Graciousness reflects a heart transformed by Christ and acknowledges that every blessing and every trial comes with a divine purpose.
    As we delve deeper into the expression of faith through gratitude, we find abundant guidance in the Scriptures. Here are three powerful Bible verses that emphasize the significance of gratitude in our walk of faith:
    Psalm 107:1 (NIV) - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
    Psalm 107:1 ESV
    1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
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    This verse reminds us to continually express gratitude to the Lord, acknowledging His goodness and enduring love.
    1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
    1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
    18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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    This verse reminds us that gratitude should permeate every aspect of our lives and that it is God's will for us to give thanks in all circumstances.
    By anchoring ourselves in gratitude and living out our faith with a grateful heart, we strengthen our trust in God and experience the transformative power of His love and providence.
    Consider this: When gratitude fills our hearts, it leaves little room for doubt or fear. Gratitude strengthens our trust in God's sovereignty, even in uncertainty.
    Think back to a time when you faced a trial. Perhaps you experienced loss, pain, or doubt. How did gratitude—thanking God even in the darkest moments—shift your perspective? I think of a personal period of doubt and despair. When prayers seemed unanswered and hope wavered, I clung to the simple act of thanking God each day—for breath, for small victories, for the people around me. Through His grace, gratitude slowly became the bridge back to firm faith.
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    Illustration:
    Think of a skyscraper. The height it reaches depends on the strength of its foundation. Without a strong base, it cannot stand tall. Our spiritual growth and character are built on the solid foundation of Christ.
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    Application:
    Commit to ongoing spiritual development. Participate in discipleship, study God’s Word, and serve others, allowing God to build you into His holy dwelling.
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    III. Standing Firm during Challenges

    Standing firm in faith does not mean life will be easy. Temptations, losses, and trials are inevitable. But the enemy cannot uproot us when we remain rooted in Christ.
    Paul beautifully illustrates this by calling us to be "established in the faith." This establishment comes through knowing God's Word, living it out, and allowing His Spirit to guide us.
    To further reinforce the importance of standing firm during challenges, let us draw strength and inspiration from the following Bible scriptures:
    1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV):
    1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV
    13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
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    "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
    1 Peter 5:9-10 (NIV):
    1 Peter 5:9–10 ESV
    9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 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.
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    "Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
    Ephesians 6:13-14 (NLT):
    Ephesians 6:13–14 ESV
    13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
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    "Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness."
    These scriptures remind us of the importance of standing firm in our faith and relying on God's strength and promises, even in the face of challenges. Let them serve as a source of encouragement and guidance as we navigate the storms of life.
    Think of Peter walking on water. When he fixed his eyes on Jesus, he stood firm. But the moment his focus shifted to the waves, he began to sink. What are the waves in your life right now? Are you fixing your eyes on the storm or the Savior?
    Practical Tips for Standing Firm:
    Know the Word: Be consistent in Bible study. Scripture strengthens our understanding of God’s promises and equips us to stand against the enemy. Pray Continuously: Prayer anchors us in God's presence, keeping Him at the center of our decisions. Build Fellowship: Surround yourself with strong believers who encourage and challenge you in your walk.

    IV. Living Out the Call to Faith

    Faith is not passive; it requires action. Paul’s call to be rooted, built up, and established reminds us that standing firm is an ongoing process.
    Tend to Your Roots – Are you nourishing your faith through daily devotion and time with Christ?
    Strengthen Your Foundation – Are you building on what you’ve learned or letting your foundations weaken with complacency?
    Practice Gratitude – Are you cultivating a thankful heart that overflows with joy even in trials?
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    Conclusion
    Colossians 2:6-7 reminds us to walk in Christ, rooted, built up, and established in faith. Let us live lives that reflect our gratitude for His grace and stand firm in Him.
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    Call to Action:
    This week, reflect on your spiritual roots. Are they deep and nourished by Christ? Take steps to grow in Him and live a life that is immovable, no matter what challenges arise.
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    Closing Prayer:
    Lord, help us to root our lives in You, build our faith on Your Word, and stand firm in the truth of Your promises. Strengthen us to be a beacon of Your light and love. Amen.
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      • Colossians 2:6–7ESV

      • Psalm 1:3ESV

      • Jeremiah 17:7–8ESV

      • Psalm 107:1ESV

      • 1 Thessalonians 5:18ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 16:13ESV

      • 1 Peter 5:9–10ESV

      • Ephesians 6:13–14ESV

      • 1 Corinthians 11:23–25KJV1900

      • 1 Corinthians 11:25–26NIV2011

      • 2 Corinthians 9:7NIV2011

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Brookfield Church of Christ
brookfieldcoc@yahoo.com
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https://brookfieldcoc.faithlifesites.com
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