Colossians 2:7. "Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." PROGRESSION. Fierce winds are blowing against living a life of faith. People think it is very impractical - How can that kind of living make any real sense. You have to be much more tactical - But when one's life is rooted deep, and there is trust in the Lord - That establishes a believer in the truth. No matter what opposition brings or ill winds blow; In Christ alone is where we have taken our root.
There are a lot of things during the course of our lives That will entice us to yield to temptation. Some will come from within, others from people, Whose desire is to stop our progression. By paying attention to things I've been taught, And in every blessing and situation give God thanksgiving. I will find He gives strength in my daily walk, And those deep roots will keep me from sinning.
The life of a Christian should be a consistent walk - That is fruitful as we are built up in Him. Each day that passes brings opportunities, To glorify God as we take advantage of them.
We cannot do this on our own, we need God in all things. We are established and built up by faith; The false things around us that seeks to claim us - Fade away in the bright light of God's grace.
"Gracious Father, I praise Thee this morning for the exceeding riches of Thy grace that enables me to live day by day to please Thee. Being rooted in Christ and built up by Him removes so many threats and obstacles. In spite of all that goes on around me, I find definite security in knowing I am in Christ, and accepted by Thee in Him. I thank You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
Colossians.2:6-7. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
A TREE. It is not uncommon for the believer to be compared to a tree in the scripture:
- “Trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted” [Num.24:6] – a healing balm.
- “Tree planted by rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit…” [Ps.1:3] – timely fruit.
- “Like a green olive tree in the house of God…” [Ps.52:8] – Flavorful provision.
- “The righteous flourish as a palm tree…” [Ps.92:12] – Comfort in trials.
- “Trees of righteousness…” [Isa.61:3] – to glorify the Lord; to show His splendor.
- “Tree planted by waters (green and fruitful year around)” [Jer.17:8] – Always counted on.
- “Many trees (on both sides of the river)” [Ez.47:7] – Fellowship; sustenance from the same source.
- “Branches spread as the olive tree…” [Ho.14:6] – Protecting the fruit. A rooted tree is not easily moved and is able by its very nature to fulfill all of the characteristics mentioned. Being built up is a work in progress. As “God’s building”, “a building fitly framed together” and as one who should be “building up yourselves in your most holy faith,” there should be evidence to others as well as to myself of one who is abounding and thankful.
“O God who changes not, and is unmovable in Person and character: Help me to get my roots down deep where the life-sustaining moisture is found even though the desert scene is barren and dry. Let this tree that sometimes has dry and dead leaves, not be known by the dryness but by greenness of soul. May my leaves be exuding enough water to refresh those that are under the branches. May the shadow that I cast be a comfort to the children that draw near to rest. May there be some refreshing fruit on this tree that can help the hungry soul that needs sustenance. May there be enough shelter under this tree that some might seek it when the storm comes. None of this can come from me but is able to come from Thee alone. May this feeble conduit bring lasting benefit to weary travelers and lasting glory and honor to Thee alone. Amen.”