You Grow the Way You Were Born
To continue in Christ, we must walk in Him by faith, just as we originally received Him as our Saviour.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of continuing in faith as the Colossians began their journey with Christ. He urges believers to recognize that Christ should be central in their lives, warning against teachings that deviate from this truth. Epp highlights that salvation is a gift received by faith, and believers must walk in that same faith. He reminds the congregation of the significance of Christ's titles--Anointed One, Saviour, and Lord--underscoring their relationship with Him. Ultimately, Epp calls for growth in Christ, encouraging believers to mature in their faith and understanding.
Text
Colossians 2:1-7
Paul spoke here of the necessity of the Colossians to continue as they had begun. In other words, he was telling them, "Get settled in Christ; see that Christ is everything in your life." Paul wanted the Colossians to recognize that if someone taught differently, then that teaching was in error.
We are to walk in Christ the same way as we originally received Him as our Saviour. We received Him by faith; so we are to walk in Him by faith. The way of salvation is made crystal clear in Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please him."
Notice that Paul used the full title for the Lord: "Christ Jesus the Lord" (Col. 2:6). "Christ" means "anointed one" or "Messiah." That is Jesus' heavenly name. "Jesus" means "one who saves" and refers to the historical Person who became flesh and lived among mankind. "Lord" means "master" and refers to His supreme control of everything.
With this threefold emphasis, Paul was reminding the Colossians whom they had become rightly related to when they received salvation. He is the Anointed One of God; He is the Saviour of mankind; He is the Supreme Lord. Paul urged the Colossians to remember that they had started with Christ by faith and that now they must continue to walk with Him by faith.
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Eph. 4:15).
Sermon Outline
- The Necessity of Continuity in Christ
- Paul's warning to the Colossians
- The importance of faith in walking with Christ
- The threefold emphasis of Christ's identity
Key Quotes
“We are to walk in Christ the same way as we originally received Him as our Saviour.” — Theodore Epp
“Without faith it is impossible to please him.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to trust and rely on Christ for guidance and direction in your daily life.
- Remember Christ's identity as the Anointed One, Saviour, and Supreme Lord to deepen your understanding of your relationship with Him.
- Prioritize faith in your relationship with Christ, recognizing that without it, it is impossible to please Him.