New Life: Rooted, Built-up & Established in Him

New Life: Rooted, Built-up & Established in Him - Doubtless LivingThe first leg of the journey to doubtless living and the abundant Christian life begins with faith; a strong, committed, living and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives.  We want more than just to survive this new life in Christ we want to thrive in it; we want to grow and prosper in our life with Christ, we want to live it to the full, without doubts.

In order to experience all that Christ intends for believers, our faith and trust must be firmly grounded in the Word, in Jesus Christ Himself.  True life comes not from our self but from Christ alone and to experience it to the fullest we must be “in Him” as Paul told the Colossians (2:6).  But, how do we do that, how does a believer “walk in Him” as Paul urges?  This is a question that many believers have asked and thankfully Paul answers the question himself in the very next verse.

6Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, 7rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.

Rooted in the Word

If we are to experience the abundant life that Jesus intends for His followers, we must be rooted in the Word of God; both the written Word and the living Word.  That’s why regular Bible study and prayer are essential for every believer.  These spiritual disciplines should be a sacrosanct part of every believer’s daily life.  Spending time with Him in Bible study and prayer allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate the soil of our lives so that the seed of Truth can sprout, take root and grow deep in our hearts and minds.

Built up in Him

Spiritual growth is made possible by deep roots.  The roots come first, and then the growth happens.  The deeper our roots go into the firm foundation of the Word of God the more growth potential we have.  Without a strong root system, we are susceptible to the attacks of the enemy which is another reason why daily Bible study and prayer are essential elements in spiritual growth and critical ingredients for doubtless living.  Remember the lesson of our Lord while being tempted in the dessert, He fought of Satan by using God’s Word.  And for us, the Sword which is God’s Word is our only offensive weapon.

Established in the Faith

If we are firmly rooted in God’s Word and we built up in Him then we shall also be established or strengthened in the faith.  It is important to understand that Paul’s three steps are not mutually exclusive; we cannot have one without the other.  If we want to have a strong and vibrant faith, a faith that can withstand the flaming arrows of the evil one, then we must be spending time in the Word and with the Word every day allowing the Holy Spirit to mold and shape us into the likeness of Christ more each day.

Overflowing with Gratitude

Finally, Paul teaches us that a strong vibrant faith will naturally overflow into thankfulness.  It will be automatic and not forced.  Stop for a moment and think about the most spiritually mature believer you know and you will undoubtedly name someone who is effusive in their praise and thanksgiving.  Gratitude to God is a hallmark of Christian maturity and it flows out of a right understanding of who we are without Him and what we can become with Him.

As you go about you routine this day, have you taken time for the Savior.  Are you rooted, built up and established in Him today.  Are you equipped for the challenges you will face as you take His name into the world.  The new life we have in Christ is not an independent life, it is one of totally dependence upon Him who is able to accomplish exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.  Walk in Him!

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