The Foundation

Chapter starts the instruction section where Paul tackles some of the issues he is seeing in the Colossian Church, and surrounding area. In these opening verses we see the theology Paul is going to use to build upon his application.

Themes present in this passage: Overcoming fear, baptism’s meaning, salvation as a way of life, freedom of Christian, growth and discipleship, and the work of Christ in our world.

Images of our passage: tree firmly, body, house/building, IOU certificate

How free are you/we?

Very interesting question, one I am not sure we take much time to answer. After all we live in a free country, with this etched into our form of government, economy, and relationships.

Within the Church this is a question which may haunt many people.

What/Who do you most fear?

Our past may show up in our present fears.

You had a health scare and now you worry constantly about your physical health. A past relationship went bad and now you wonder if your current relationship is doomed as well. You failed a class and now either you study constantly or you fear you just aren’t “smart enough” so you give up. The job you were perfect for passed over you, now it doesn’t matter anymore. Your parents struggled with addiction and you are worried you or worse yet, your kids will.

This is true of individuals, families, business and organizations. We are not truly free as long as we allow fear to be a major influence in the decisions we make. This is not to say all fear is bad, when I am being chased by a bear, fear is a good thing. Fear has a place but in our current culture I think fear is being used to rob people of their freedom.

Fear robs us of joy.

Yet, Paul says here in Colossians 2.7 that walking with Christ means a defining trait is abundant joy. He just doesn’t say joy, but instead makes it clear we are to have an abundance of joy.

Human traditions rob us of joy.

This is at the heart of what Paul is going to combat in the end of Colossians 2. However, it may be true of us today. Traditions are not bad, in and of themselves, but they cannot give us joy. We cannot rest on the traditions of you and me to give us what they do not have.

Traditions at their best point us to something greater, at their worse imprison us. This is part of what the Reformation did was free us from traditions which enslaved and not freed us.

Governments rob us of joy.

Those in power will sometimes do whatever is necessary to stay in power. Even use fear to get what they want.

Our mistakes rob us of joy.

Guilt and shame imprison so many of us, myself included.

Yet, we are called to have abundant joy.

But why?

This is a great question, one I have been contemplating this week. Why should I have joy? Why can I in the midst of all the awful things in this world have joy? What will be my source of joy when I don’t feel well, when things are hard, when life is unfair, and when to be honest with you, just want to complain and grumble about what is wrong?

We have been firmly rootedin Christ.

This is something which has been done, in the past, with present day ramifications. You are like a tree rooted firmly in the soil.

We have been built up in Christ.

Not only have we been planted we have been and continue to be built up in Him.

We have been established in Christ.

These are things which are true according to the apostle Paul. The concept is this is something which has been done, not something the Colossians must try to do.

We have been buried & raised with Christ.

How is this done? How can I have abundant joy?

We looked at the why, which is tremendously important. Is absolutely necessary. If we just skip to the how, and the things I can do we will unintentionally create another prison for ourselves.

Receive Jesus as King and supreme ruler.

First step.

Walk with Jesus daily.

Scripture reading, small groups, prayer, remembering what He has done are all ways to walk with him.

Stop trying to measure up!

Your efforts only leave your frustrated. Rest! It does not depend on you!

Accept forgiveness.

I am working on a process to help accept forgiveness and to forgive our self.

Christ is ALL we need!!