Rooted and Established in Christ – Colossians 2:1-7 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 2:1-7 (ESV)
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
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."
Laying the Foundation: A Call to Spiritual Stability
In Colossians 2:1-7, Paul shifts from explaining who Christ is to urging the Colossians to stay grounded in Him.
False teachers were creeping in with convincing arguments and worldly wisdom. Paul’s concern wasn’t just that they would hear false teachings. It was that they might start believing them.
So he encourages them:
Stay rooted in Christ.
Be built up in faith.
Stand firm, not shifting from the truth.
This passage is a powerful reminder that our spiritual growth is not automatic. We must actively pursue Christ, guard against deception, and continue walking in Him.
Let’s break this passage down.
1. Paul’s Struggle for the Church (v.1-3)
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face..."
"Struggle" (ἀγών, agōn) – This word means a deep inner battle or wrestling. Paul was in prison, but his greatest struggle wasn’t physical. It was spiritual concern for the church.
Paul’s desire was for them to be strong in faith, not just outwardly, but deeply rooted in truth.
"That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love..."
"Encouraged" (παρακαλέω, parakaleō) – This means to strengthen, to come alongside and support. Paul wants them to be spiritually strong and unshaken.
"Knit together" (συμβιβάζω, symbibazō) – This means to be joined together in unity. Faith in Christ isn’t just individual. It’s meant to be built in community.
"To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Paul reminds them that true wisdom is found in Christ. They don’t need secret knowledge from false teachers. Everything they need is in Him.
Reflection:
Are you spiritually strong and encouraged, or are you feeling weak in your faith?
Are you knit together in love with other believers, or are you walking alone?
Where do you go for wisdom: Christ or the world?
2. A Warning Against Deception (v.4-5)
"I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments."
"Delude" (παραλογίζομαι, paralogizomai) – This means to deceive with false reasoning. Paul warns that false teachings often sound convincing, but they are still false.
Many today are being pulled away from truth by ideas that sound wise but don’t align with Scripture.
"For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ."
"Good order" (τάξις, taxis) – A military term meaning disciplined formation. Paul sees their faith as organized and structured, not chaotic.
"Firmness of your faith" (στερέωμα, stereōma) – This means a solid foundation that cannot be shaken.
Reflection:
Are you being influenced by teachings that sound good but aren’t biblical?
Is your faith firm and structured, or are you easily swayed by different ideas?
3. Walking in Christ (v.6-7)
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him..."
"Walk" (περιπατέω, peripateō) – This refers to a continual lifestyle, not just a one-time decision.
Many receive Christ but fail to continue walking in Him. Faith isn’t just about how we start, it’s about how we continue.
"Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
"Rooted" (ῥιζόω, rhizoō) – This means deeply planted. Just like a tree’s roots draw strength from the soil, our spiritual strength comes from Christ.
"Built up" (ἐποικοδομέω, epoikodomeō) – This is a construction term, meaning to be built higher and stronger. We are meant to grow in Christ, not remain stagnant.
"Established" (βεβαιόω, bebaiōō) – This means secure, unshakable. True faith is not easily moved.
Finally, Paul reminds them to be "abounding in thanksgiving." A grateful heart keeps us rooted in Christ.
Reflection:
Are you still walking in Christ, or have you drifted from what you first believed?
Are your spiritual roots deep and strong, or are they shallow?
Is your life marked by gratitude, or have you lost sight of God’s goodness?
Final Thoughts: Stay Rooted in Christ
Paul’s message is clear: don’t drift. Stay deeply rooted in Christ.
🌱 Faith is not just about starting. It’s about continuing.
🏗️ We must be built up, growing stronger in truth.
🔍 Deception is subtle. Don’t be swayed by teachings that sound good but aren’t rooted in Scripture.
🙌 A heart full of gratitude keeps us firm in faith.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Am I walking in Christ daily?
✔️ Are my spiritual roots deep or shallow?
✔️ Am I guarding my faith against deception?
Paul is about to dive deeper into false teachings and how to resist them. Don’t miss tomorrow’s study as we continue through Colossians 2!
