Rooted in Him
While St. Paul was the messenger delivering the good news of Jesus, the Christ, it is the Holy Spirit that keeps us in the faith.
As a Lutheran Christian, I am reminded of the great reformer, The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther. In his review and explanation of the Apostle’s Creed, he says this:
The Third Article—Apostle’s Creed, What Does This Mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers, and will at the Last Day raise up me and all the dead, and give unto me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true. (Source: Luther’s Small Catechism)
Read Colossians 2:6-15
- Verse six begins with the phrase: “so then.” Now that Paul has completed his section on the supremacy of the Christ, he begins this section emphasizing our relationship with Christ. What terms does Paul use in verses 6-7 to describe our relationship?
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- Paul is quick to caution the church not to be deceived by “hollow” and “deceptive” philosophy. On what are they based?
- Verse nine reminds us that Christ is the fullness of the Deity or Godhead. How would you define “Godhead?”
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- Paul talks about a different kind of circumcision in verse eleven. How would you characterize Paul’s use of this new circumcision?
- Let’s examine some other Scripture references on spiritual circumcision:
- Romans 2:29_____________________
- Galatians 5:6 _____________________
- Galatians 6:15 ____________________
- Ephesians 2:11-13 __________________
- Philippians 3:3 ____________________
- Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ circumcised us from the old Adam. What does this connect us to according to verse twelve?
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- God has made us “alive with Christ.” How did God dispose of our former self (old Adam)? Examine verses 14-15.
Using the terms: living, rooted, built up, strengthened, and overflowing, describe your faith walk.
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Heavenly father, you have removed the burden of sin by circumcising our hearts. You have nailed our debts to Calvary’s tree so that we might have life in Christ. Our faith is rooted in fact, built up, and strengthened for serving as we overflow with thanksgiving that You loved us so much to send your Son to be sin for us. In your saving name, Amen.