GROWING IN CHRIST

JUNE 1, 2025

 SERMON SERIES: BEING ALL GOD WANTS YOU TO BE

Book of Colossians

SERMON #4: GROWING IN CHRIST

Colossians 2:1-7

Part 2

Do you ever feel stagnant in your Christian faith?  Like you are going nowhere?  Just going through the same motions, day after day, week after week, year after year?  Everyone probably felt like this at some point, even the strongest believer.  But this should not be a way of life.  Scripture tells us that there are certain things we must do to be a growing Christian.

The first great need of the church, as you studied in Colossians 1:24-29 is a believer who will tirelessly labor for the church.  The second great need of the church is for mature people, a people who are consistently growing in the Lord.  The word consistent is key: a mature people are consistent in all they do.  They are consistently growing in the Lord.  One of the great tragedies of today’s society is the lack of consistency.  Few people are consistent in their daily walk with the Lord.  This is the subject of this great passage: Growing In Christ!  If we want to grow in Christ, let’s look at four ingredients found in this passage.  Last Sunday we looked at two ingredients in regards to growing in Christ.

I.               COMFORT v. 2a

A.   To grow spiritually, every believer needs comfort, or encouragement.  Paul writes: That their hearts might be comforted (v. 2a).  The word “comforted” means to be strong, strengthened, established and braced.  Refers to coming near to encourage. It means to be encouraged.  It is the kind of strength…

Ø that stirs confidence and assurance.

Ø That braces a person to withstand the onslaught of false teaching, trials, and temptations.

B.    Everybody needs a cheerleader in their spiritual lives.  We all need to be encouraged! 

II.             CONNECTION v. 2b

A.   A growing Christian must have the “love connection” Paul describes as being knit together in love (v. 2b). 

B.    Strong hearts come from love ---from being knit together with others in love.  The point is this: the answer to a strong, confident, assured heart is love----being knit together in love with others.  This is the task of the church and its believers: to love each other---to build love among themselves---to build love among everyone, not neglecting, overlooking, or ignoring a single person.  When our hearts are knit together in love, then the hearts of every believer will be strong, encouraged, braced, assured, confident, and comforted.  Today, we will look at the last two ingredients in regards to growing in Christ.

Part II

III.           CONFIDENCE v. 2c-5

A.   Possessing confidence and assurance comes from knowing that what one believes about the mystery of God is accurate (v. 2c).  In other words, there is no understanding or knowledge of God apart from a personal relationship with Christ. As we get to know Christ, He gives us full assurance that we know God.

B.    In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (v. 3).  This was a blow to the false teachers in Colossians who claimed to have a higher level of wisdom and knowledge, Paul makes it clear ALL, not just some, spiritual wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ.  We don’t need visions of some false leaders or teachers on TV etc., we just need Jesus! 

C.    Christ is ALL we need, and we don’t need to have someone to beguile (mislead, deceive) us with enticing words (v. 4).

D.   Paul warns the Colossians of the dangers of listening to those who would add to the Gospel.  Then Paul rejoiced to see their “order” (v. 5) means to maintain military discipline, array, and arrangement; to hold a solid front; to hold the military unbroken and intact.  Also, Paul rejoiced to see their steadfastness (v. 5).  Means to stand fast, persevere, immovable etc..  Therefore, Paul sees the Colossians as an army under attack and rejoices that their lines are unbroken. Because they exhibit steadfastness in their faith.

IV.           CHRISTIAN CONDUCT v. 6-7

We are to walk, or live, in Christ the same way we originally receive Him (v. 6).  In verse seven Paul uses words to describe how we grow in Christ.

A.   To grow in Christ, we are rooted in Him.  What determines the height and strength of a tree.  The depth of its roots! We are to draw or spiritual nourishment and strength from Christ.

B.    To grow in Christ, we must be built up in him (v. 7b).  This process is called sanctification, in which we become more and more like Jesus.

C.    To grow in Christ, requires being stablished in the faith (v.7c).  It becoming increasingly stable or firm in the faith.  By being taught the Word of God (v. 7d).

D.   To grow in Christ is the result of the other three.  It is abounding therein with thanksgiving (v. 7e).  A growing Christian overflows with thanksgiving.

Responsive Reading: Colossians 2:1-7