This letter by Apostle Paul to Colossian believers is one we can learn quite a lot from, being addressed to a church which could become infiltrated with false teachings.  The church was getting diluted with unproductive, worldly philosophies, especially of Gnosticism- which claimed secret knowledge and powers and denied Christ’s true humanity. Paul strongly defends the Christian faith and explains the “Supremacy” of Christ in every area of life, emphasizing Christ to be the Head of the body- His church.

The secret of victorious living and growing in Christ step by step is the crux of our key verse. The first step is a willful decision taking, explained in Romans 10: 9-10 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. The one who has received Christ, the next thing is to walk in Him!

What are the practical steps?

1. Be Rooted in Christ:  For a tree, the roots are so important- holding the tree strongly and the root system supplying water to it- sometimes even searching deep for moisture! Likewise, a child of God must be rooted in Christ through the word of God and then he will be firm and not be shaken. Of such it is said- “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:3).
    

2. Be Built up in Christ: Speaking of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus likened the response of hearing His Word to two methods of construction chosen by the two: the one who built his house upon the rock and the other upon the sand. The house upon the rock stood firm whatever came against it, whereas the other fell!  Many are trying to build their own mansions and the reward is written in 1 Cor.3:12-13 -each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. The word of God leads, guides, corrects us every day. When we hear corrections from God’s Word, don’t rebel instead submit to Him!
    

3. Be Established in the faith: Faith is not only trusting God will do something for us but also the confidence in His sovereignty. He is a Sovereign God- once we understand that we will remember “…that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose ” (Rom.8:28). Paul urges to continue in faith, stable and steadfast, in order to present us blameless before God (Col.1:22-23)
    

4. Abounding in thanksgiving: Be thankful for everything. As always, remember we were dead in our trespasses and sins; the Love of God came to us and gave us Eternal life in Jesus Christ. In His agape love, we have nothing to question or defend. So give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1Thes.5:18).

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Growth is a step by step process for the one submitted to Christ’s authority. In your walk, you may sometimes feel far from the presence of God- this is just the enemy trying to pull you down with those thoughts. Always remember what Jesus said- “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb.13:5). If you fall, repent and return to Him, His blood will cleanse you (1 John 1:9). Walk with Him always!

Prayer:

Abba Father, I submit my life into Your hands and ask You to help me walk in Your steps- guide me by the Holy Spirit. Help me to grow in Christ in accordance with Your will. In Jesus name - Amen.