“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” — Colossians 2:6–7 (KJV)
Few verses summarize the Christian life as beautifully and completely as Colossians 2:6–7. In just two lines, the Apostle Paul captures the entire journey of faith—from the moment a believer receives Christ to the daily walk of living in His strength. These verses are both an encouragement and an exhortation, reminding every follower of Jesus that faith is not a single event but a continual experience of growth, stability, and gratitude.
The book of Colossians was written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. It was addressed to the Christians in Colossae, a small city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), where false teachers had begun to influence the believers. These teachers mixed elements of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical practices, claiming that faith in Christ was not enough. Paul wrote this letter to correct that error and to reaffirm that Christ is sufficient for salvation, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
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Colossians 2:6–7 stands as the heart of that message. It bridges the deep theological truths of chapter 1—where Christ is exalted as the image of the invisible God—with the practical instructions that follow in chapters 3 and 4. These verses remind believers that Christianity is not about adding human philosophies to faith, but about remaining deeply rooted in Christ Himself.
When Paul says, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord,” he points back to the beginning of the Christian journey—when the Colossians accepted Jesus not merely as Savior, but as Lord over their lives. The phrase “so walk ye in Him” then moves the focus forward, calling them to live every day in obedience and dependence on that same Christ.
In a world that constantly tempts believers to drift, to doubt, or to depend on worldly wisdom, Paul’s message rings just as true today as it did two thousand years ago. To “walk in Christ” is to live in continual fellowship with Him—to let His presence shape our thinking, His truth guide our decisions, and His Spirit empower our actions.
This passage reminds us that spiritual growth is not about moving beyond Christ but going deeper into Him. Every stage of the Christian life—whether new faith or mature discipleship—finds its center in Jesus. The same grace that saves us is the grace that sustains us.
Colossians 2:6–7 is therefore both a command and a comfort: a command to remain steadfast in Christ, and a comfort that He provides the strength, nourishment, and peace we need to flourish. As we explore these verses, we’ll see that Paul’s message is not only theological—it’s intensely practical. It teaches us how to stay rooted in truth, built up in love, and overflowing with gratitude in a world that constantly seeks to uproot our faith.
What Does Colossians 2:6–7 Mean?
These two verses form a central pillar of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In them, he beautifully sums up the entire Christian life in a simple yet profound phrase — “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” It is a call to consistency between what believers profess and how they live. The same faith that brings us into a relationship with Christ must also guide and sustain our daily walk with Him.
Paul’s purpose in writing was to protect the Colossian believers from false teachers who were attempting to add human traditions, mysticism, and legalistic rituals to the message of the Gospel. These false doctrines implied that faith in Christ alone was not sufficient. Paul refutes this by reminding the church that everything they need for salvation and growth is found in Christ. He calls them back to the foundation of their faith — the moment they received Christ.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord”
To receive Christ means more than merely accepting His teachings; it means embracing His person, authority, and saving work. The phrase “Christ Jesus the Lord” emphasizes three vital truths:
Christ — the anointed One, the promised Messiah.
Jesus — His humanity, the Savior who entered history to redeem us.
The Lord — His divine authority, our rightful ruler and master.
Paul’s choice of titles reminds believers that their faith began with recognizing Jesus as Lord — not just Savior. To receive Him is to surrender to His rule. Christianity begins not with philosophy or ritual, but with a relationship — one founded on faith and submission to Christ’s lordship.
“So walk ye in Him”
After receiving Christ, the believer is not meant to stand still but to walk — a word Paul often uses to describe daily conduct (see Ephesians 4:1, Galatians 5:16). To “walk in Him” means to live in continual dependence upon Christ, following His example, and letting His Spirit guide every step. It is a lifelong process of growth, not a one-time event.
This phrase carries the idea of continuity and consistency. The way we started in faith — trusting Christ — is the same way we continue. The Christian life is not maintained by self-effort or new philosophies but by the same grace through which we were saved. Just as a tree draws life from the soil in which it’s planted, believers must draw strength, wisdom, and nourishment from Christ every day.
“Rooted and built up in Him”
Here Paul uses two metaphors — one from agriculture and another from architecture — to describe spiritual growth.
Rooted implies being firmly grounded in Christ like a tree with deep roots. Such roots provide nourishment and stability, enabling believers to withstand trials and false teachings.
Built up suggests an ongoing process — like a house being constructed. Christ is both the foundation and the cornerstone of that spiritual structure.
Together, these phrases convey that maturity in Christ requires both depth (rootedness) and development (growth). We are not called to grow apart from Christ but to grow deeper into Him.
“Established in the faith, as ye have been taught”
Paul reminds the Colossians that their faith must remain anchored in the truth they were originally taught — the Gospel message. To be “established” means to be strengthened, confirmed, or made firm. Spiritual maturity does not come from chasing new revelations but from being steady in the foundational truths of Christ.
This also implies accountability — believers must remain faithful to sound teaching and reject doctrines that distort or diminish the work of Christ. Being established in the faith means being unshaken by confusion or compromise.
“Abounding therein with thanksgiving”
Finally, Paul adds a crucial sign of genuine spiritual maturity: thankfulness. A grateful heart is the overflow of a soul that knows it is secure in Christ. Thanksgiving is both the evidence and the expression of faith.
When believers live in continual gratitude, they remain humble and joyful, recognizing that every blessing — salvation, growth, peace — comes from Christ alone. Gratitude keeps the heart soft, protects against pride, and fuels endurance during trials.
Paul’s emphasis on thanksgiving throughout this letter (see Colossians 1:3, 3:15, 4:2) shows that gratitude is not a feeling but a discipline — a continual act of worship that shapes our attitude and focus.
Breaking Down Colossians 2:6–7
Colossians 2:6–7 contains six powerful expressions that summarize the life of a true disciple of Christ. Each phrase carries a deep spiritual truth and a call to practical obedience. Together, they create a beautiful picture of what it means to live a Christ-centered, mature, and thankful life.
A. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord” — The Foundation of Faith
This first phrase reminds believers of the starting point of their Christian journey. The word “received” (Greek: paralambanō) means to take hold of or accept personally. It’s more than intellectual belief — it is an act of faith and surrender.
Paul emphasizes not just “Christ Jesus” but “Christ Jesus the Lord.” The title underscores three vital truths about who we have received:
Christ — the anointed One, sent by God to save humanity.
Jesus — the personal Savior who lived, died, and rose again.
The Lord — the sovereign ruler of our lives.
To receive Christ, then, is to embrace Him in His fullness — not only as Redeemer from sin but as Ruler over every aspect of life. It means we no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20).
Paul is reminding the Colossians: “The same Christ you first believed in is the same Christ you must continue with.” Faith is not a momentary act — it’s a lifelong relationship.
B. “So walk ye in Him” — The Continuation of Faith
The next phrase connects belief with behavior: “So walk ye in Him.” The verb “walk” (Greek: peripateite) describes a continuous, ongoing pattern of conduct. It paints a picture of life as a journey — step by step, day by day — lived in fellowship with Christ.
To walk in Him means to make Christ the center and source of everything we do. It is to follow His teachings, rely on His Spirit, and reflect His character in daily life. Just as we received Him by faith, we must walk by faith.
This walk is not mechanical but relational. It’s about abiding in Christ (John 15:4–5), drawing strength from Him, and letting His presence guide our decisions. Every choice, every response, every act of love or forgiveness flows from being “in Him.”
Paul is urging believers to remain consistent — the same faith that saved them must sustain them. Christianity is not about moving on to deeper philosophies or new revelations, but about going deeper into Christ Himself.
C. “Rooted in Him” — The Depth of Faith
Paul now moves from movement (walking) to stability (rooted). The imagery shifts from a traveler to a tree. To be “rooted in Him” is to be firmly planted in Christ, drawing spiritual nourishment and strength from Him.
The Greek word errizōmenoi indicates something that has already been firmly rooted — a completed action with continuing results. This means that once a believer is planted in Christ through faith, that connection is permanent and life-sustaining.
Just as a tree’s strength depends on the depth of its roots, so a Christian’s strength depends on how deeply they are grounded in the knowledge and love of Christ. Roots draw water and nutrients unseen, yet they determine the visible health of the tree. Similarly, what happens in the unseen life of prayer, worship, and study shapes a believer’s visible character.
Psalm 1:3 echoes this image beautifully:
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.”
When life’s storms come, only deeply rooted believers stand firm. Shallow faith withers under pressure, but rooted faith grows stronger through trials.
D. “Built up in Him” — The Growth of Faith
From the imagery of a tree, Paul transitions to the image of a building. “Built up in Him” speaks of spiritual growth, development, and continual progress.
The Greek word epoikodomoumenoi is in the present tense, showing an ongoing process. While we are already rooted in Christ, we are still being built up by Him. Christ is both the foundation and the builder of our faith (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Being “built up” implies cooperation — we allow God to shape, strengthen, and expand our spiritual structure through obedience, endurance, and fellowship. Each act of faith, each trial overcome, adds another layer to the building of our soul.
Ephesians 2:22 captures this process:
“In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
Growth in Christ does not mean independence from Him — it means dependence that deepens. We don’t build ourselves up by our own power; we grow because Christ builds us from within.
E. “Stablished in the Faith, as ye have been taught” — The Strength of Faith
To be “stablished” (Greek: bebaioumenoi) means to be made firm, strong, or unshakable. This phrase emphasizes stability in doctrine and conviction.
Paul reminds the Colossians that they must remain grounded in the truths they were originally taught. The faith they received through apostolic teaching — the Gospel of Christ — is the same faith that must sustain them. False teachers were trying to add human philosophy and mysticism to the Gospel, but Paul insists that spiritual maturity comes from depth, not novelty.
Being established in faith means:
Holding firm to biblical truth.
Refusing to be swayed by emotional or intellectual trends.
Continuing in what has been taught and proven true.
Maturity is not about chasing new ideas but standing confidently on the eternal truth of God’s Word.
F. “Abounding therein with thanksgiving” — The Overflow of Faith
Finally, Paul describes the result of being rooted, built up, and established: thanksgiving.
“Abounding” (Greek: perisseuontes) means overflowing, exceeding, or abundant. When faith is healthy and growing, gratitude flows naturally. Thanksgiving is the language of a heart that understands grace — the believer’s continual acknowledgment that everything good comes from Christ.
Gratitude protects the soul from pride and discontent. It transforms faith from duty into delight. Paul teaches that the mature believer not only stands firm in truth but also rejoices in it.
Philippians 4:6 reinforces this truth:
“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
A thankful heart is a guarded heart. It remains joyful in trials, humble in blessings, and steady in faith.
Colossians 2:6–7 Explanation and Commentary
Paul’s teaching in these verses forms one of the most practical expressions of Christian spirituality in the New Testament. It is both theological and deeply personal—a concise description of what it means to live the Christian life from conversion to maturity. Every word in this passage is intentional, illustrating the fullness and stability of a believer’s life in Christ.
A. The Heart of the Message: Continue as You Began
Paul begins with a simple principle: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.”
The Christian life starts with faith in Christ—and it continues the same way. We do not begin with grace and then grow by human effort. The same dependence that brought salvation sustains spiritual growth.
Matthew Henry comments, “Those that have received Christ Jesus must walk in Him; faith must be active, and grace exercised.” He emphasizes that faith is not static—it produces transformation. Receiving Christ was the first step; walking in Him is the lifelong journey of obedience, holiness, and dependence.
John Gill explains that the phrase “received Christ Jesus the Lord” refers not only to believing His Gospel but embracing His authority: “They received Him not merely as Jesus the Savior but as Lord, submitting to His rule and living under His direction.”
This command to “walk in Him” carries a personal tone—it’s about abiding, not just believing. A Christian who walks in Christ lives daily with a conscious awareness of His presence, drawing guidance and strength from Him moment by moment.
B. “Rooted in Him” — Firmly Grounded Faith
Paul’s first metaphor, “rooted,” speaks of permanence and nourishment. The believer’s life must be anchored in Christ the same way a tree draws life from deep roots. This imagery points to stability amid storms and growth that comes from connection, not independence.
Albert Barnes explains: “As the strength of a tree depends on being fixed in the earth, so the strength of a Christian depends on being fixed in the truth of the Gospel and drawing continual support from it.”
A believer rooted in Christ cannot be easily swayed by trials, doubts, or false doctrines. Their faith is not a shallow emotion but a deeply planted conviction that endures through every season.
To be “rooted in Him” is also a call to consistency in devotion. The more we know Christ through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, the deeper our roots go—and the more fruit we bear.
C. “Built Up in Him” — Steady Growth and Structure
The image shifts from a living tree to an architectural structure. “Built up in Him” portrays a believer’s ongoing spiritual growth. Christ is not only the soil in which we are rooted but also the foundation upon which we are built.
Charles Spurgeon remarked, “A house is not built in a day. It rises stone by stone, course by course, upon the solid foundation.” In the same way, spiritual maturity happens gradually through the daily work of grace.
Being “built up in Him” means allowing Christ to shape our character through both encouragement and correction. Every test we endure, every command we obey, and every truth we learn is part of the construction of a life that glorifies God.
This phrase also implies unity—believers are not only individually built up but also joined together with others as part of God’s spiritual temple (Ephesians 2:21–22). Growth in Christ never happens in isolation; it happens within the fellowship of His people.
D. “Established in the Faith” — Strengthened by Sound Doctrine
Paul adds another layer: “Established in the faith, as ye have been taught.”
To be “established” (Greek: bebaioumenoi) means to be made firm or unwavering. This stability comes from knowing and applying biblical truth.
Paul warns the Colossians against being “spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit” (Colossians 2:8). In contrast, being established in faith means holding firmly to the Gospel they originally received.
Warren Wiersbe notes, “Faith that is rooted in Christ and grounded in truth will not be easily moved.” The teaching they had received from Paul and Epaphras was enough—they did not need mystical experiences or new revelations to grow spiritually.
Maturity, therefore, is not about innovation but deepening in conviction. The more we know the truth, the less we are shaken by deception.
E. “Abounding Therein with Thanksgiving” — The Overflow of Grace
Finally, Paul concludes with the natural outcome of a healthy faith: thanksgiving.
The word “abounding” means overflowing, like a river that cannot be contained. When we are deeply rooted in Christ, gratitude becomes our reflex—thankfulness flows from the realization that everything we are and have comes from Him.
John Chrysostom, one of the early Church Fathers, said, “A thankful heart is the vessel of grace; for the more it is filled with gratitude, the more it expands.” Gratitude is evidence of spiritual maturity—it replaces pride with humility and anxiety with peace.
Paul often links thankfulness with spiritual growth (Colossians 3:15, 4:2). It is not an optional virtue but the defining mark of a heart that knows Christ well.
When gratitude overflows, it guards us against bitterness and self-reliance. It keeps our focus on God’s goodness rather than our struggles.
Context of Colossians 2:6–7
Every verse of Scripture shines brightest when seen within its broader context. Colossians 2:6–7 sits at the turning point of Paul’s letter, bridging rich theological truths about Christ’s supremacy (chapter 1) with practical instructions on Christian living (chapters 3–4). These verses summarize Paul’s plea to the Colossians: to remain steadfast in Christ, the one true source of wisdom, power, and life.
A. Historical Background
Paul wrote the Epistle to the Colossians around AD 60–62 while imprisoned in Rome. The church at Colossae had been established by Epaphras, one of Paul’s co-workers (Colossians 1:7). Though Paul had not personally visited the city, he felt a deep pastoral responsibility for its believers.
The Colossian church faced growing threats from false teachings—a mixture of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and Eastern mysticism. This syncretistic movement, sometimes called “the Colossian heresy,” suggested that believers needed more than faith in Christ to achieve spiritual fullness. These false teachers promoted secret knowledge, ascetic practices, angelic worship, and ritual observances as the path to true enlightenment.
Paul’s response was firm and clear: Christ is all-sufficient. He lacks nothing, and those who are in Him lack nothing either.
Colossians 1 exalts Christ as “the image of the invisible God” and the “head of the body, the church.” Colossians 2 builds on this by urging believers not to be led astray but to stay anchored in the truth.
B. Literary Context
Colossians 2:6–7 begins Paul’s practical exhortations that flow directly from the theological foundation of chapter 1. After describing who Christ is—Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer—Paul shows what that truth means for everyday life.
The passage acts as a summary of the entire letter:
In verse 6, Paul calls for continuity—to live in the same faith with which they began.
In verse 7, he calls for maturity—to grow deep roots and strong foundations in Christ.
Immediately after these verses, Paul warns:
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
This warning shows why Paul wrote verses 6–7 — he wanted believers to be so deeply rooted in truth that false doctrines could not uproot them.
C. The Flow of Paul’s Argument
Colossians 1:15–20 — Paul exalts Christ as supreme over creation and the Church.
Colossians 1:21–29 — He explains the believer’s reconciliation through Christ’s death and calls the Church to spiritual maturity.
Colossians 2:1–5 — Paul expresses his struggle and concern that believers remain united in love and firm in understanding.
Colossians 2:6–7 — He then gives the core command: to continue walking in the Christ they have already received.
This logical progression shows that Christian doctrine and practice are inseparable. What we believe about Christ must shape how we live in Him.
D. Theological Context
Paul’s words echo a foundational truth of the Gospel: salvation and sanctification both come through Christ alone.
Receiving Christ — justification (the beginning of faith).
Walking in Him — sanctification (the journey of faith).
Both depend entirely on God’s grace and the believer’s continued dependence on Christ’s presence and power.
Paul’s imagery of being rooted and built up contrasts sharply with the unstable ideas promoted by false teachers. Their philosophies offered shifting sands; Paul offered the solid rock of Christ.
Furthermore, his call to “abound with thanksgiving” reveals a countercultural truth — spiritual maturity is marked not by mystical experiences or strict rituals, but by gratitude. Thanksgiving is the natural overflow of a soul confident in the sufficiency of Christ.
Lessons from Colossians 2:6–7 for Christians Today
Colossians 2:6–7 is not only a timeless summary of the Christian life—it is a practical roadmap for every believer. In a world filled with distractions, doubts, and spiritual confusion, these verses remind us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, to walk daily in His truth, and to overflow with gratitude. Below are the key lessons these verses hold for believers today.
1. The Christian Life Is a Daily Walk, Not a One-Time Decision
Paul’s command to “walk in Him” reminds us that receiving Christ is just the beginning. Salvation is the starting line, not the finish line. The Christian life is a journey of growth—a step-by-step process of becoming more like Christ.
Walking in Christ means aligning our conduct with our confession. It means that the faith that saved us must shape our decisions, attitudes, and priorities every day.
In a culture that values instant results, Paul calls believers to patient progress. The Christian walk requires discipline, perseverance, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Like a traveler guided by light, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
2. We Must Stay Rooted in Christ, Not in the World
Paul’s metaphor of being “rooted in Him” reminds believers that spiritual nourishment comes only from Christ. Many people root their identity in career, wealth, relationships, or recognition—but these are unstable soils. When the storms of life come, they cannot sustain the soul.
To be rooted in Christ means to let His Word dwell richly in our hearts (Colossians 3:16). The deeper our roots go into His truth, the stronger we become. The storms of life will test our faith, but deeply rooted believers stand firm because their foundation is in something eternal, not temporary.
Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:20–21). The seed that fell on shallow soil sprang up quickly but withered under the sun. Likewise, shallow faith fails under pressure, but rooted faith thrives through trial.
The call to be rooted in Christ is a call to stability, endurance, and intimacy with God.
3. Spiritual Growth Requires Building on the Right Foundation
Paul’s phrase “built up in Him” teaches that faith is not static—it’s meant to grow. However, growth must be on the right foundation. The only solid foundation is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
This reminds us that maturity in the Christian life is not measured by busyness or emotion, but by how much our lives reflect Christ’s character. Building up in Him requires daily surrender—allowing God to construct, shape, and refine us through His Spirit.
Growth often involves discomfort. Just as a building must endure pressure during construction, believers must endure refining seasons where God removes pride, doubt, and fear. But each challenge strengthens the structure of faith, making us more resilient and more like Jesus.
4. Sound Doctrine Is Essential for Stability
Paul warns the Colossians to be “established in the faith, as ye have been taught.” This means that our faith must rest on truth, not trends. Many modern Christians drift spiritually because their beliefs are shaped more by social media or popular culture than by Scripture.
Sound doctrine anchors the believer in a world of confusion. When we know what the Bible teaches about salvation, grace, holiness, and eternity, we can stand firm when false ideas arise.
Paul’s phrase “as you have been taught” also points to the importance of discipleship. Growth in faith happens when we learn from faithful teachers, study God’s Word, and live in community with other believers.
True maturity is not found in chasing new revelations—it’s found in deepening our grasp of old, eternal truths.
5. Thanksgiving Is the Mark of a Mature Faith
Paul ends with the words “abounding therein with thanksgiving.” This phrase beautifully captures the attitude of a mature believer. Gratitude is the natural overflow of a heart rooted in grace.
When we remember that everything we have—salvation, peace, strength, purpose—comes from Christ, thanksgiving becomes the rhythm of our lives.
Gratitude guards the heart against pride and discontent. It turns trials into testimonies and complaints into praise. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, “In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
A thankful spirit does not ignore hardship but recognizes God’s hand in every circumstance. The more thankful we are, the less room there is for anxiety or bitterness.
6. Faith and Gratitude Work Together
Faith believes that God is in control; gratitude celebrates that truth. When faith and thanksgiving work together, they produce peace.
A thankful believer is a joyful believer because they see every situation—good or bad—as an opportunity to trust God. Gratitude also strengthens witness; a thankful heart testifies to the goodness of God even in difficult times.
In essence, gratitude keeps our spiritual roots healthy. It nourishes joy, strengthens faith, and keeps us focused on Christ instead of our circumstances.
7. True Maturity Is Staying Centered in Christ
Paul’s entire message to the Colossians can be summed up in one sentence: “Christ is enough.”
Maturity is not about knowing more facts or performing more rituals—it’s about depending more deeply on Jesus. False teachings in Paul’s day promised hidden wisdom and secret knowledge, but Paul insists that all fullness dwells in Christ (Colossians 2:9–10).
Today, we face modern versions of the same temptation—self-help philosophies, self-centered spirituality, and moral relativism. Yet Paul’s message remains clear: you don’t need to add anything to Jesus. You just need to remain in Him.
8. Gratitude Fuels Witness and Worship
When believers abound with thanksgiving, the world notices. A thankful heart radiates joy and draws others toward the Gospel. Gratitude turns ordinary life into worship.
Paul’s command invites us to live as testimonies of grace—to let our gratitude for salvation overflow into love, service, and compassion. When our lives are marked by thankfulness, they become living sermons about the goodness of God.
Supporting Bible Verses
Colossians 2:6–7 captures the essence of Christian maturity—rooted in Christ, walking in faith, and overflowing with gratitude. This same message echoes throughout the entire Bible. From Old Testament imagery of trees planted by streams of water to New Testament teachings on abiding in Christ, Scripture consistently points to the same truth: spiritual life flourishes only when it is anchored in God.
Here are key supporting Bible verses that illuminate and reinforce Paul’s message in Colossians 2:6–7.
1. John 15:4–5 — Abiding in Christ
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches…”
These verses perfectly parallel Paul’s call to “walk in Him.” Jesus Himself describes the believer’s relationship with Him as one of continual dependence. Just as a branch draws life and fruitfulness from the vine, we must remain connected to Christ through faith, prayer, and obedience. Without that abiding relationship, spiritual growth becomes impossible.
2. Ephesians 3:17–19 — Rooted and Grounded in Love
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend… the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.”
Paul uses similar imagery here to describe how believers draw nourishment from the limitless love of Christ. Being “rooted and grounded in love” points to both stability and strength. The deeper our roots in His love, the stronger we become in times of testing. Love, not law, is the soil in which true faith grows.
3. 1 Corinthians 3:11 — Christ the Foundation
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
This verse reinforces the truth that all spiritual building must rest on Christ alone. Just as Paul told the Colossians to be “built up in Him,” the Corinthians were reminded that Jesus is the immovable foundation of faith. Any life built on self-effort, worldly wisdom, or human philosophy will crumble, but a life founded on Christ will stand forever.
4. Psalm 1:2–3 — The Tree Planted by Water
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord… and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.”
This Old Testament image mirrors Paul’s word “rooted.” The believer who delights in God’s Word is like a well-watered tree—steady, fruitful, and alive. Its roots reach deep into divine truth, enabling it to thrive even in drought. A faith rooted in Scripture cannot be shaken by circumstance or culture.
5. Philippians 4:6–7 — Gratitude and Peace
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Paul’s emphasis on “abounding with thanksgiving” finds a powerful echo here. Gratitude is not merely polite—it’s a spiritual weapon. When believers cultivate thankfulness, anxiety loses its grip and peace takes root. Thanksgiving keeps the soul humble and focused on God’s faithfulness.
6. 2 Peter 3:18 — Growing in Grace
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
To be “built up in Him” is to grow continually in grace and knowledge. Spiritual maturity is not achieved overnight—it’s a lifelong process of learning, surrendering, and deepening in intimacy with Christ. Growth that comes from grace is gentle, steady, and genuine.
7. Jeremiah 17:7–8 — The Blessed Tree of Trust
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord… For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters… and shall not be careful in the year of drought.”
Jeremiah echoes the same spiritual principle Paul teaches: trust produces strength. Those whose confidence is in God remain fruitful even in adversity. Their roots draw unseen strength from His faithfulness.
8. Hebrews 13:15 — A Life Overflowing with Thanksgiving
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Thanksgiving is not just an attitude—it is worship. Paul’s call to “abound with thanksgiving” is echoed here as a continual act of devotion. Gratitude transforms daily life into worship, reminding us that all we have flows from the grace of God.
Conclusion
These two verses capture the entire rhythm of the Christian life—beginning in faith, continuing in growth, and ending in gratitude. Paul’s message to the Colossians remains God’s message to believers today: stay rooted, keep walking, and never stop giving thanks.
The Christian journey begins when we receive Christ as Lord, but it does not stop there. Salvation is the doorway; discipleship is the lifelong path that follows. To “walk in Him” means to live each day by faith—trusting His guidance, following His example, and depending on His strength. Our faith is not meant to be static or ceremonial but vibrant and active, shaping every decision and relationship.
The pictures Paul uses—rooted, built up, established, abounding—show that growth in Christ is both deep and dynamic. Like a tree, we must send our roots deep into His Word. Like a building, we must be constructed steadily on His truth. Like a student, we must remain firm in what we have been taught. And like a worshiper, we must let our hearts overflow with thanksgiving.
This passage also reminds us that Christ is both the foundation and the focus of spiritual maturity. We do not outgrow Him; we grow deeper in Him. Every season of life—whether joy or hardship—invites us to sink our roots further into His grace. Gratitude then becomes the fruit of a healthy faith. A thankful spirit not only honors God but also guards the heart against pride, fear, and doubt.
In a world that urges independence and self-reliance, Colossians 2:6–7 calls believers back to dependence—to a life anchored in the all-sufficiency of Christ. When we remain rooted in Him, we find stability in uncertainty, purpose in pain, and peace in every circumstance.
To receive Christ is to begin the journey.
To walk in Him is to grow.
To abound with thanksgiving is to live in the fullness of His grace.
