As we move on through the Book of Colossians, we are confronted with our third mention of "Giving Thanks" in chapter 2:6-7. A thankful heart is a mark of Christian maturity!
The Apostle Paul points out in v.6 that since they received Jesus Christ as their Savior, now they must walk in Him- to live out a life of faith and practice in accord with who Jesus is and in accord with His teaching. Our word for "walk" (περιπατέω) is in the present tense and is an imperative. This means that this is a command from Paul to continuously walk in relation to Christ. Day after day cultivating this walk. How do we do this?
Paul gives four participles in v.7 describing a worthy walk in Christ- how to enjoy a vital union with Christ.
1) Rooted (ῥιζόω) In Christ: Figuratively here, it means to be firmly fixed, planted in Christ. One is rooted in Christ at the moment one places their faith and trust in the finished cross work of Christ. So now one can begin to grow. We need to remember that we are rooted in Christ. The "tree" can now move upward in physical maturity, and for us spiritual maturity. Sometimes it feels like we struggle to mature in the faith. And that can be very frustrating. But remember, that if you have placed your faith and trust in Christ alone for your salvation, you can mature- the roots are there for the sap to flow and the plant mature (John 15).
2) Built up (ἐποικοδομέω) in Christ: Paul changes metaphors a bit to a building. The foundation has been laid (strong root system), now the building can be erected. Now again, the grammar is continuous action, therefore this is a process of building. When Christ has free reign over our lives we grow up into a beautiful building- we mature in the faith and gain victories over sin allowing us the shine brightly for Christ's glory!
3) Established (βεβαιόω) in the Faith: the idea is to make firm, sure, strong and stable. If we are continually maturing in the faith, we become more fixed and stable in our beliefs and usability to God. Observe Paul's words in Ephesians 4:13-15 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Notice now in our verse the phrase as ye have been taught. The Colossians matured in their faith through the teaching of Epaphras, possibly other teachers, and through Paul by this letter. We need to be teachable and learn from solid biblical teaching and preaching. So, as we spiritually mature, we walk in and present to the world a more superior way of life!
4) Abounding in Thanksgiving: Now we come to the "giving of thanks." Of all the things that Paul could present as a worthy walk, notice that he only presents four and the fourth is a life of gratitude! As we are observing through this book, a heart of giving thanks is important to God! It recognizes His greatness, wisdom, power, love, etc. It keeps us focused on Him and not distractions to lead us away from Him. Satan knows that if he can distract us away from the Lord, we will stumble and fall.
Notice also that Paul adds abounding (περισσεύω) therein- to be in abundance, excess, a picture of a river overflowing its banks. Often in the New Testament the idea is having more than enough. We are to be constantly (present tense- continuous action) overflowing with thanksgiving for all of the many blessings showered on us from God. Read Ephesians 1-2 to observe many of these blessings! A thankful heart glorifies the Lord before all those around us. And many of those around you need to see how awesome your God really is. A life of gratitude is a great and needed testimony before a world of unbelievers under the judgment of God.
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