Enduring in a Perilous Time

Colossians 2:1–7 ESV

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Title: Enduring in Perilous Time: Making Christ the LORD of our life

Background:

There are social pressures at that time to be a Christian. People around are worshipping different gods and idols. The society is very different than our time. Sexual immorality are normal and acceptable. Child sacrifices. Slaves abuses. Man rule and the low morale of woman are common.

Establish your faith in the Lordship of Christ

take note “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord”

Colossians 2:6–7 ESV

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

How to establish our faith?

We must have received Christ as our LORD

We must walk in Christ (Christ must be our ground)

We must be rooted in Christ (Christ as our foundation)

We must be built up in Christ (Christ as our strength [idea of component, body, structure])

And all of these are abound (covered by) in thanksgiving.

Establish our ground in Christ

Establish the foundation of our life and practice in Christ

Establish the Source of our Strength and Stability in Christ