Knowing God's Will: I'm Saved, Now what? Part #2

Colossians 2:6–7 “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Recap On Part #1:

God’s Perceptive will is:

I. We Walk in Him. Vs. 6

II. We Are Rooted in Him. Vs. 7

III. We Are Built Up in Him. Vs. 7b

We Are Established In Him. Vs. 7c

Colossians 2:7 “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Established- Confirmed, Grounded… The example would be a building built upon a rock. This points to the continued growth of the church, similar to “built up in him,” but with a distinct emphasis.

In the Faith-The strength is related to its faith. Probably, as throughout this section, Paul did not mean the experience of faith, or “personal faith,” even though the Colossians’ personal faith was strong. The attack was against “the faith,” the system of Christian truth and its ramifications in life. The church was commended for its growing strength in Christian truth and it is surely God’s will for us to do the same.

Being established in the faith means having a firm foundation in Jesus Christ and not being swayed by circumstances or by the powers of darkness.

Supporting Scripture:

Colossians 1:23 “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

Psalm 1:3 “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”

Matthew 7:24–25 ““Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

It is God’s will that His children are confirmed, grounded in Him.

We Are Instructed in Him. Vs. 7D

Colossians 2:7 “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

As you have been taught- To teach or instruct.

Supporting Scriptures:

Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.”

Proverbs 9:9“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

2 Timothy 1:5 “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”

2 Timothy 3:15 “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

It is God’s will that His Children are taught about Him.

We Are Grateful in Him. Vs. 7e

Colossians 2:7 “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Abounding- Overflowing…

Thanksgiving- Rejoice, Gladness, Gratefulness....

It is in the active voice. Which means that it is a response to the other three. Believers who are firmly rooted in Christ, Being built up in Christ, and is established in their faith in Christ, will overflow with rejoicing, with gladness, and gratefulness in Christ.

Supporting Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Psalm 23 “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

2 Corinthians 4:15 “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”

It is God’s will for His children to be overflowing with gratefulness towards Him.

Closing Statement:

We cannot always trace God’s hand but we can always trust God’s heart.

Charles Spurgeon

Some disciples can be easily distracted by unnecessary questions about God’s secret will; as a result they neglect God’s plainly revealed will. God’s plans for Christians vary and His reasons are not often made known.

Edwin Blum