Colossians 2:1-7
We live in PC world (Politically Correct) – many words we use to say or communicate are now removed in USA – children are forbidden to read Bible in their lunch or free time.
Of course prayer is already removed from the public schools – now it is an offense to pray before start of a game or sport.
In such PC world the question comes to my mind is what it means to be a Christian.
What is our real Christian identity?
When we see divisions in the denominations and differences in the doctrines, deceptions from the pulpit, we are compelled to think about the real identity as a Christian.
First three verses speak of Apostle Paul’s concern for the church he did not establish.
He expresses his desire to unite them in love, a desire in heart to comprehend the mystery of God in Christ.
In Christ the Christian will discover all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge to understand his/her own identity.
Because it is our identity in Christ that defines who we are and how we think and act.
In the absence of sound teaching; distortions of truth will always rush in to fill the vacuum.
“Apostle Paul expressed the hope that his teaching of believers would establish them in faith firmly enough to enable them to distinguish between Christian doctrines and human philosophies parading as religious teaching.”
Human teachings based on worldly values are always deceptive.
He was warning against such people in the Church including clergy who use logical, appealing words to deceive and misguide the church flock.
When a Christian is shallow in the Word of God he/she is vulnerable to believe all garbage thrown at them.
The stability in our faith walk is always the result of our discipline and deeper understanding of who we are in Christ.
Our daily walk should be consistent and reflect our conversion experience.
Paul says “live out your salvation” – salvation is one time experience – but the change must reflect in everyday of our life.
It all begins when we submit to the Lordship of Christ.
7th verse is a beauty-all verb to magnify every aspect of Christian living shaping our identity.
Rooted in Christ - indwelling Christ
As long as we are deeply rooted in Christ, HE will deal with all issues of our life.
HE will influence our values and our priorities on day to day basis.
That is why it is important for a Christian to continue to live in Christ by being rooted in HIM.
Built up in Christ - character building
Our identity in Christ is reinforced every day when our lives are built on the firm foundation of God’s Word.
Our identity in Christ becomes stable and unshakable.
Strengthened in the faith - unwavering faith
The result of deep roots and strong foundation our faith gets stronger and stronger.
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ withstands every test of the time.
Our identity is further secured as we are strengthened in the faith in Jesus Christ.
Overflowing with gratitude - grateful heart
A Christian is always grateful for receiving and accepting the gift of salvation.
The spirit of gratitude overflows in our lives and is visible to the world.
The best characteristic mark of a growing believer is ‘overflowing with gratitude’.
“Living for Christ is a purposeful expression of what we do in our life. Living in Christ speaks of a positional expression of who we are.”
Our identity is not something we imitate, create, find or adopt.
Our identity begins when we have received the Lord Jesus Christ into our heart and accept HIM as Lord and Savior.
Paul wrote in Galatians 3:26-28 “You are all Children of God through faith in Christ Jesus… there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
We live in PC world (Politically Correct) – many words we use to say or communicate are now removed in USA – children are forbidden to read Bible in their lunch or free time.
Of course prayer is already removed from the public schools – now it is an offense to pray before start of a game or sport.
In such PC world the question comes to my mind is what it means to be a Christian.
What is our real Christian identity?
When we see divisions in the denominations and differences in the doctrines, deceptions from the pulpit, we are compelled to think about the real identity as a Christian.
First three verses speak of Apostle Paul’s concern for the church he did not establish.
He expresses his desire to unite them in love, a desire in heart to comprehend the mystery of God in Christ.
In Christ the Christian will discover all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge to understand his/her own identity.
Because it is our identity in Christ that defines who we are and how we think and act.
In the absence of sound teaching; distortions of truth will always rush in to fill the vacuum.
“Apostle Paul expressed the hope that his teaching of believers would establish them in faith firmly enough to enable them to distinguish between Christian doctrines and human philosophies parading as religious teaching.”
Human teachings based on worldly values are always deceptive.
He was warning against such people in the Church including clergy who use logical, appealing words to deceive and misguide the church flock.
When a Christian is shallow in the Word of God he/she is vulnerable to believe all garbage thrown at them.
The stability in our faith walk is always the result of our discipline and deeper understanding of who we are in Christ.
Our daily walk should be consistent and reflect our conversion experience.
Paul says “live out your salvation” – salvation is one time experience – but the change must reflect in everyday of our life.
It all begins when we submit to the Lordship of Christ.
7th verse is a beauty-all verb to magnify every aspect of Christian living shaping our identity.
Rooted in Christ - indwelling Christ
As long as we are deeply rooted in Christ, HE will deal with all issues of our life.
HE will influence our values and our priorities on day to day basis.
That is why it is important for a Christian to continue to live in Christ by being rooted in HIM.
Built up in Christ - character building
Our identity in Christ is reinforced every day when our lives are built on the firm foundation of God’s Word.
Our identity in Christ becomes stable and unshakable.
Strengthened in the faith - unwavering faith
The result of deep roots and strong foundation our faith gets stronger and stronger.
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ withstands every test of the time.
Our identity is further secured as we are strengthened in the faith in Jesus Christ.
Overflowing with gratitude - grateful heart
A Christian is always grateful for receiving and accepting the gift of salvation.
The spirit of gratitude overflows in our lives and is visible to the world.
The best characteristic mark of a growing believer is ‘overflowing with gratitude’.
“Living for Christ is a purposeful expression of what we do in our life. Living in Christ speaks of a positional expression of who we are.”
Our identity is not something we imitate, create, find or adopt.
Our identity begins when we have received the Lord Jesus Christ into our heart and accept HIM as Lord and Savior.
Paul wrote in Galatians 3:26-28 “You are all Children of God through faith in Christ Jesus… there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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