Rooted Built Up and Overflowing

Rooted, Built Up, and Overflowing

7/11/2025

Living Out Colossians 2:6-7

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6–7

When Paul wrote to the believers in Colossae, he gave them (and us) a beautiful and practical picture of what it means to grow in Christ. In just two verses, he outlined four foundational aspects of the Christian life: being rooted in Christ, built up in Him, established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving. Let’s explore each one and what it means for us today.

Rooted in Christ Jesus
Think of a tree. Its strength, health, and fruitfulness all depend on one thing—its roots. In the same way, Paul reminds us to be deeply rooted in Christ. To be rooted means we’ve drawn our identity, our security, and our nourishment from Him. Roots are unseen, but they are essential. Being rooted in Christ begins with receiving Him as Lord, but it doesn’t stop there. It involves intentionally staying connected to Him through His Word, prayer, and obedience. When storms come—and they will—a rooted believer stands firm, drawing life from the unshakable foundation of Christ. Ask yourself: Am I deeply rooted in Christ, or do I rely on surface-level spirituality?
Built Up in Christ Jesus
While roots go down, building goes up. Paul shifts metaphors to show that our life in Christ isn’t static. We’re called to grow, mature, and be built up in Him—like a sturdy structure rising on a firm foundation. This “building up” happens through the Holy Spirit’s work in us, through godly teaching, and through community with other believers. Growth won’t always be easy or quick—but it will be worth it. Discipleship, daily surrender, and the refining of trials all help construct a faith that stands the test of time. Ask yourself: In what areas of my life is God currently building me up?
Established in the Faith
To be established is to be made firm, secure, and unwavering. As we remain rooted and built up in Christ, our faith becomes established—stable, confident, and enduring. We live in a culture where truth is often treated as relative and feelings reign supreme. But God calls us to be grounded—not in opinion or emotion—but in the truth of His Word. Paul reminds the Colossians to hold fast to the sound doctrine they were taught. Likewise, we must be diligent in learning and defending the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). Ask yourself: Am I grounded in truth, or do I shift with trends and opinions?
Abounding in Thanksgiving
Paul ends with this unexpected command: overflow with gratitude. Why? Because gratitude is the natural result of understanding all we have in Christ. When you’re rooted in Him, built up by Him, and established in His truth, how can you not be thankful? Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s been lavishly given. It protects us from bitterness, pride, and entitlement. And it keeps our hearts soft and humble before God. Ask yourself: Am I abounding in thanksgiving—or just occasionally thankful?