1. Rooted in Jesus Christ
Colossians 2:1 - 10

2. He is fighting (agon) for them in prayer
ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST
Paul’s battle
Paul is in prison yet His concern is for his fellow believers, even if he has not met them (1)
He is fighting (agon) for them in prayer
He is also battling so that his example in prison would encourage others
He wants to see a courageous church (2), their hearts encouraged (parakalein)
He wants to see a church bound together in love

3. These mysteries are “hidden” (apokruphos) in Jesus
ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST
Paul’s battle
He wants to see a church that is clear sighted in wisdom and knowledge moving forward
That wisdom and knowledge comes from Jesus through whom the mysteries of God are revealed
These mysteries are “hidden” (apokruphos) in Jesus
Unlike the Gnostics of his time who claimed special knowledge that was hidden, Paul says that Jesus reveals the truth

4. We face that same battle today
ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST
Who do we listen to (4, 8)?
Paul is concerned that the Colossians might be deceived as to what they should believe (4)
We face that same battle today
We need to avoid seductive lies that will lead us astray in matters of faith
Beware of the traditions of men and worldly philosophy that might “kidnap” us
Paul is encouraged to hear that they are standing strong together in faith

5. Be conscious of His presence with us at all times
ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST
Rooted and grounded (6,7)
Having received Jesus into their lives there is a need to press on (walk in Him)
Be conscious of His presence with us at all times
Rooted in Him (like a firmly secure tree, its life flowing from its roots)
Built up in Him (like a house on strong foundations)
Jesus is the source of our life and the strength needed for our stability

6. If we are in Christ then we are also complete
ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST
Complete in Him (9,10 )
While the false teachers would add to what Jesus had done, Paul declares that Jesus is all sufficient
Jesus is absolutely unique – all there is of deity is found in Him alone
If we are in Christ then we are also complete
If you move away from Jesus, no matter what you are promised: you lose
He is the One with all authority

7. Be careful who you listen to or read
ROOTED IN JESUS CHRIST
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Be careful who you listen to or read
Anything that tries to add or take away from what Jesus has done or said should be avoided
If we grasp the enormity of who Jesus is and what He has done for us then we will be firmly rooted and grounded in our faith
How big is your view of Jesus?