Rooted in Christ
Colossians 2:6–15
Introduction:
Dear Friends in Christ!
Have you ever been a protected witness by any chance?
I know that was a long shot, but I had to ask. However, most of us have seen movies or know how special witness are protected, right? It happens often that a witness to a major crime must be protected. Evil powers are bent on doing away with the witness who would incriminate them in court. Thus, “safe houses” are created by law enforcement for protection of the innocent, so that the law may take its course to convict the guilty. It also happens at times, though, that a “safe house” may not turn out to be so safe. The location is compromised, and the witness may be in grave danger. So, to keep protecting the witness a safe house needs to be found. And today’s Epistle reading from Colossians chapter 2, tells us that if you are rooted in Crist, then, there is your Safe House, the Safest House, for that matter.
I. Here you have been rooted in Christ: at the font.
Now, suppose you are a protected witness, and the law enforcement is taking you into a safe house. What would the first things you do as soon as you enter that safe house?
I’m sure the very first thing you will do is trust the one handling your case and that the safe house is truly a safe house. Second when you enter that house, you probably will be checking for weak spots where the enemy could enter. Strong and safe doors, good and safe windows, uncompromised telephone system, know the exits and your surroundings in case you must run out of the house. Once that is done, you relax, you will be kept safe. O, there is one essential aspect, that you are truly a witness, you are rotted in the case that makes you a protected witness.
In a similar way, should happen with us Christians. Like a protected witness the first thing we need to do is to realize that we are rooted in Christ. And know that being rooted in Christ, begins through the miracle of Baptism. There you get to be set solidly on the foundation of Christ.
That’s why Paul says in verse 12, hat in your baptism you have “been buried with” Christ. “in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Now this verse is of great importance because it shows you what happens at your baptism.
In Baptism your sins are done with, buried. So, you really participate in Jesus death and burial.
Baptism ensures that your old nature has been slain too. Your “body of the flesh” or as Paul calls it somewhere else, the “body of death” (Rom 7:24) has been put off for good.
So today, God does not deal with you according to the bad stuff you do, your sins, God does not deal with that common knowledge of Karma we have and are so readily to use and apply to others. No, and although our old self may yet deceive us into sinning, which happens often, we have the assurance that that old nature will not condemn us.
In Baptism you also get to be “filled in him” (v 10), equipped with every spiritual blessing from the heavenly realms (Eph 1:3), ready and kept as his for eternal life (Jn 17:3; 1 Cor 1:7–9).
As you see, in Baptism you are rooted, grounded, solidly grounded in Christ. He has buried you, raised you and forgiven you. Your debt has been paid for. All the legal demands that haunt you have been satisfied. And on top of that He has disarmed your enemies (vv 12–15), those who want to destroy you.
Now, here is another safety element you need to check so that your Safe House remains safe, and that is the truth of the nature of Jesus Christ. The text emphasizes that in Christ is God, for “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (v 9). With his body interpenetrated with the divine nature, his was the effective sacrifice for you, his blood cleansing you from all sin (l Jn 1:7). Without this knowledge, without understanding this truth, and receiving it, your safe House, is not safe house anymore.
II. Therefore, you are in the safest house.
Now, if you have received and inherited all of that, then you are in the Safest House, and you are rooted in Christ.
The enemy does certainly pose many dangers that our text addresses and that we need to watch out for.
Among the enemies we have false teaching that undermine the nature of Jesus. Or even undermine the teaching wheat baptism means and does.
In our days there are different Christian thoughts and teachings even in Christian congregations that undermine very important biblical truths. And no is not true that the understanding of baptism is just a mere individual congregation politics, as somebody once told me. That there is just one baptism but each group or congregation can understand it the way they want, but it turns into politics when we fight about that.
That reasoning might be right when it comes to that, just human reasoning, but when it comes to the efficacy of baptism, we need to stick to what the Scriptures offer us, otherwise the Safest House will not be for us. That’s why today we stress Paul’s encouragement and teaching, to be Rooted in Christ, always.
That’s regarding baptism, but then through radio, television, internet, podcasts, we have a whole range of preachers, that let’s face it, we like to hear and follow. If you do, please keep in mind this Paul’s teaching on the Nature of Christ. Because if loose sight of that, our Safest House might be compromised. Many of these preachers will sound attractive, telling us something to feel good for the moment, or for a time, but if in what they preach there is no Christ, and Him offering us hope, even if it doesn’t feel good for the moment, watch out, because your safe House might be compromised.
Next, we to understand also that our own nature can be another danger that still lurks around. Yes, although the “body of death” has been put off for good, it hasn’t been destroyed yet. You are still here, aren’t you? We are still in this perishable body, in the flesh. Therefore, our flesh, this body, this old nature, still entices each of us toward a reunion with the old neighborhood of evil (v 8), with the things that kill our soul.
It happens by bribing us with nice things. Like Satan enticed Eve with and appetizing fruit. And just like Eve we fall to Satan’s temptation, and when that happens, we are in trouble because will will find ourselves outside of the Safest House.
So, whenever we wonder if maybe, just “Maybe I’m not rooted in Christ after all!” That is, if we seriously ponder about our faith, true faith, knowledge and understanding of God’s word, because more often than not, we fall prey to human reason and false hope, centered in the human effort. But if you do wonder, then chances are, you are outside of the Safest House, or a least trying to leave it.
But to you traying to exit the Safest House, and to all, Paul wants you attention, to hear him insisting on the nature and perfection of Christ, and how he brings you to him. Listen again what he says about Christ: “…in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” that is, he is God in the flesh, and he is for you. He is also the “head of all rule and authority.” He has put off “the body of the flesh,” He brings you to life with him at his resurrection, “through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” And lastly “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
All these Jesus has done for you. All these are yours! And Paul wants you to be reminded again, and again of these blessings and riches given to you, because yes, Paul is aware that we are prone to fall trap of the evil one. He says at the beginning of the chapter: “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” (v.4) “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (V. 8)
As you see the way the enemy takes people captive is by charming them. He deceives them, and once they are deceived, he slays them. He is the old serpent who charmed Eve through his the enticing of the fruit. 2 Co. 11:3. Should we say by cheating! Yes he cheated them with something which wasn’t. And today still does the same, he uses his agents to take us captives with enticing words. See the danger of enticing words; how many are ruined, even death spiritually, by the flattery of those who lie and deceive, and teach something that although has the appearance of Christian teaching they have taught falsely. “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Rom. 16:18). Paul says.
Against that we ought to stand, we out to stand on guard. “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.” He says.
Let’s not exchange him for something else. The great concern of those who are in the Safest House, is to remain in that House, it is to walk with Christ, in our daily lives and in communion with him.
We are rooted in him through our baptism, and as his baptized children we need to grow up in him in all things. —As we have been taught. As the Word teaches us. Not as what could be, or our own conclusions but by what the Word tells us.
The world out there is certainly not safe, but thankfully Your house is safe! This is good news as we await for the day of final delivery. And as we wait for that day, remember what the apostle John says: “We know that everyone who has been born of
God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 Jn 5:18). So, remember that when the pastor declares to you, “I forgive you all your sins,” be assured that not one sin can escape this forgiveness, for the one who speaks through him “is the head of all rule and authority” (v 10).
Now, in the face of the danger that yet lurks to capture you, you walk in confidence and freedom. What will response be? Thanksgiving and prayer! Every step that you take is blessed by the hand of your indwelling Christ, to whom you are thankful! And with whom you have a pray to always.
Conclusion:
Dear friends, we might never know how is like being a protected Witness in our legal system. But we are God’s protected witness, and he keeps us in safest house. Rooted in Christ, his cross, you live forever; you have peace, joy, and pleasure; you become clean, righteous, and powerful against the devil and death, “and nothing shall hurt you” (Lk 10:19). You are safe in Christ, now and forever.
Colossians 2:6–15
Introduction:
Dear Friends in Christ!
Have you ever been a protected witness by any chance?
I know that was a long shot, but I had to ask. However, most of us have seen movies or know how special witness are protected, right? It happens often that a witness to a major crime must be protected. Evil powers are bent on doing away with the witness who would incriminate them in court. Thus, “safe houses” are created by law enforcement for protection of the innocent, so that the law may take its course to convict the guilty. It also happens at times, though, that a “safe house” may not turn out to be so safe. The location is compromised, and the witness may be in grave danger. So, to keep protecting the witness a safe house needs to be found. And today’s Epistle reading from Colossians chapter 2, tells us that if you are rooted in Crist, then, there is your Safe House, the Safest House, for that matter.
I. Here you have been rooted in Christ: at the font.
Now, suppose you are a protected witness, and the law enforcement is taking you into a safe house. What would the first things you do as soon as you enter that safe house?
I’m sure the very first thing you will do is trust the one handling your case and that the safe house is truly a safe house. Second when you enter that house, you probably will be checking for weak spots where the enemy could enter. Strong and safe doors, good and safe windows, uncompromised telephone system, know the exits and your surroundings in case you must run out of the house. Once that is done, you relax, you will be kept safe. O, there is one essential aspect, that you are truly a witness, you are rotted in the case that makes you a protected witness.
In a similar way, should happen with us Christians. Like a protected witness the first thing we need to do is to realize that we are rooted in Christ. And know that being rooted in Christ, begins through the miracle of Baptism. There you get to be set solidly on the foundation of Christ.
That’s why Paul says in verse 12, hat in your baptism you have “been buried with” Christ. “in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Now this verse is of great importance because it shows you what happens at your baptism.
In Baptism your sins are done with, buried. So, you really participate in Jesus death and burial.
Baptism ensures that your old nature has been slain too. Your “body of the flesh” or as Paul calls it somewhere else, the “body of death” (Rom 7:24) has been put off for good.
So today, God does not deal with you according to the bad stuff you do, your sins, God does not deal with that common knowledge of Karma we have and are so readily to use and apply to others. No, and although our old self may yet deceive us into sinning, which happens often, we have the assurance that that old nature will not condemn us.
In Baptism you also get to be “filled in him” (v 10), equipped with every spiritual blessing from the heavenly realms (Eph 1:3), ready and kept as his for eternal life (Jn 17:3; 1 Cor 1:7–9).
As you see, in Baptism you are rooted, grounded, solidly grounded in Christ. He has buried you, raised you and forgiven you. Your debt has been paid for. All the legal demands that haunt you have been satisfied. And on top of that He has disarmed your enemies (vv 12–15), those who want to destroy you.
Now, here is another safety element you need to check so that your Safe House remains safe, and that is the truth of the nature of Jesus Christ. The text emphasizes that in Christ is God, for “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (v 9). With his body interpenetrated with the divine nature, his was the effective sacrifice for you, his blood cleansing you from all sin (l Jn 1:7). Without this knowledge, without understanding this truth, and receiving it, your safe House, is not safe house anymore.
II. Therefore, you are in the safest house.
Now, if you have received and inherited all of that, then you are in the Safest House, and you are rooted in Christ.
The enemy does certainly pose many dangers that our text addresses and that we need to watch out for.
Among the enemies we have false teaching that undermine the nature of Jesus. Or even undermine the teaching wheat baptism means and does.
In our days there are different Christian thoughts and teachings even in Christian congregations that undermine very important biblical truths. And no is not true that the understanding of baptism is just a mere individual congregation politics, as somebody once told me. That there is just one baptism but each group or congregation can understand it the way they want, but it turns into politics when we fight about that.
That reasoning might be right when it comes to that, just human reasoning, but when it comes to the efficacy of baptism, we need to stick to what the Scriptures offer us, otherwise the Safest House will not be for us. That’s why today we stress Paul’s encouragement and teaching, to be Rooted in Christ, always.
That’s regarding baptism, but then through radio, television, internet, podcasts, we have a whole range of preachers, that let’s face it, we like to hear and follow. If you do, please keep in mind this Paul’s teaching on the Nature of Christ. Because if loose sight of that, our Safest House might be compromised. Many of these preachers will sound attractive, telling us something to feel good for the moment, or for a time, but if in what they preach there is no Christ, and Him offering us hope, even if it doesn’t feel good for the moment, watch out, because your safe House might be compromised.
Next, we to understand also that our own nature can be another danger that still lurks around. Yes, although the “body of death” has been put off for good, it hasn’t been destroyed yet. You are still here, aren’t you? We are still in this perishable body, in the flesh. Therefore, our flesh, this body, this old nature, still entices each of us toward a reunion with the old neighborhood of evil (v 8), with the things that kill our soul.
It happens by bribing us with nice things. Like Satan enticed Eve with and appetizing fruit. And just like Eve we fall to Satan’s temptation, and when that happens, we are in trouble because will will find ourselves outside of the Safest House.
So, whenever we wonder if maybe, just “Maybe I’m not rooted in Christ after all!” That is, if we seriously ponder about our faith, true faith, knowledge and understanding of God’s word, because more often than not, we fall prey to human reason and false hope, centered in the human effort. But if you do wonder, then chances are, you are outside of the Safest House, or a least trying to leave it.
But to you traying to exit the Safest House, and to all, Paul wants you attention, to hear him insisting on the nature and perfection of Christ, and how he brings you to him. Listen again what he says about Christ: “…in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” that is, he is God in the flesh, and he is for you. He is also the “head of all rule and authority.” He has put off “the body of the flesh,” He brings you to life with him at his resurrection, “through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” And lastly “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
All these Jesus has done for you. All these are yours! And Paul wants you to be reminded again, and again of these blessings and riches given to you, because yes, Paul is aware that we are prone to fall trap of the evil one. He says at the beginning of the chapter: “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” (v.4) “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (V. 8)
As you see the way the enemy takes people captive is by charming them. He deceives them, and once they are deceived, he slays them. He is the old serpent who charmed Eve through his the enticing of the fruit. 2 Co. 11:3. Should we say by cheating! Yes he cheated them with something which wasn’t. And today still does the same, he uses his agents to take us captives with enticing words. See the danger of enticing words; how many are ruined, even death spiritually, by the flattery of those who lie and deceive, and teach something that although has the appearance of Christian teaching they have taught falsely. “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Rom. 16:18). Paul says.
Against that we ought to stand, we out to stand on guard. “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.” He says.
Let’s not exchange him for something else. The great concern of those who are in the Safest House, is to remain in that House, it is to walk with Christ, in our daily lives and in communion with him.
We are rooted in him through our baptism, and as his baptized children we need to grow up in him in all things. —As we have been taught. As the Word teaches us. Not as what could be, or our own conclusions but by what the Word tells us.
The world out there is certainly not safe, but thankfully Your house is safe! This is good news as we await for the day of final delivery. And as we wait for that day, remember what the apostle John says: “We know that everyone who has been born of
God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 Jn 5:18). So, remember that when the pastor declares to you, “I forgive you all your sins,” be assured that not one sin can escape this forgiveness, for the one who speaks through him “is the head of all rule and authority” (v 10).
Now, in the face of the danger that yet lurks to capture you, you walk in confidence and freedom. What will response be? Thanksgiving and prayer! Every step that you take is blessed by the hand of your indwelling Christ, to whom you are thankful! And with whom you have a pray to always.
Conclusion:
Dear friends, we might never know how is like being a protected Witness in our legal system. But we are God’s protected witness, and he keeps us in safest house. Rooted in Christ, his cross, you live forever; you have peace, joy, and pleasure; you become clean, righteous, and powerful against the devil and death, “and nothing shall hurt you” (Lk 10:19). You are safe in Christ, now and forever.