Rooted: Colossians - Week 5

Built Up in Him

Colossians 2:6–15 (CSB), "6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. 8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. 9 For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, 10 and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him."

Rooted to Stand 

Colossians 2:6–7, “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.”

Rooted – Like a tree with deep roots, our strength comes from being grounded in Christ
Built up – Our faith grows stronger as we mature spiritually
Established in the faith – We become stable through teaching and truth
Overflowing with gratitude – Thankfulness flows from a life grounded in grace

The Danger of Deceptive Ideas 
Colossians 2:8, “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.”

Don’t be taken captive. 

Sources of Deception:

1. Empty Philosophy

Modern equivalents:
- “The universe has a plan for you” (spirituality without Jesus)
- “Live your truth” (identity without Scripture)
- “Just be a good person” (morality without the gospel)
- “You don’t need forgiveness, just self-care” (therapy replacing theology)
- Nationalism or progressivism wrapped in religious language (Jesus remade in our image)

2. Human Tradition

Even in the church, we see:
- Legalism – Measuring holiness by rules rather than grace
- Celebrity Christianity – Prioritizing charisma over character
- Prosperity gospel – Treating God like a means to comfort or success

3. Elemental Spiritual Forces

- Distracting from Jesus
- Diluting biblical truth
- Derailing God’s purpose

The Fullness of Christ and Our Completion in Him
Colossians 2:9–10, “For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”

We are filled in Him – we lack nothing spiritually
He is over all powers – no rival teaching or authority compares

Examples of Modern Spiritual Add-Ons:
- Religious rituals or self-imposed disciplines that promise closeness to God but aren’t rooted in the gospel
- “Christianized” law-keeping — adding requirements God never commanded (e.g. Sabbath-keeping for righteousness, dietary laws, festivals)
- Chasing emotional experiences — believing that feeling spiritual is proof of maturity
- Hyper-spiritual teachings — angelic encounters, prophetic secrets, or “deeper revelation” that go beyond Scripture
- Prosperity or success formulas — believing that faith guarantees health, wealth, or comfort
- Mixing self-help with spirituality — blending Jesus with positive thinking, energy work, or manifestation practices
- Obsession with deliverance — treating spiritual warfare like a constant battle to “maintain” salvation rather than resting in Christ’s finished victory

New Covenant Transformation
Colossians 2:11–12, “You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ. When you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

- Old self cut away – Our sinful nature is removed through Christ
- Baptism – Publicly shows that we’ve died to sin and risen in new life
- Raised through faith – It’s not by effort, but God’s power

Total Forgiveness and Total Victory
Colossians 2:13–15, “And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.”

Paul gives the gospel in full:

- We were spiritually dead
- But God made us alive with Christ
- He forgave all our sins
- He canceled our debt—completely erased it
- He nailed it to the cross—final and public
- He disarmed spiritual powers—Jesus exposed and defeated every enemy

Stay Rooted, Stand Firm

If you’re in Christ, you already have:
- A firm foundation
- A full identity
- A forgiven past
- A victorious Savior

You were dead in your sin, but God made you alive in Christ.

Small Group Questions: Built Up in Him
Colossians 2:6–15

1. What does it practically look like to be “rooted and built up in Christ” in your daily life?
 - Where do you feel strong in your walk? Where are you still growing?
2. Paul warns about deceptive ideas. What cultural messages or “add-ons” to faith have you noticed that pull people away from Jesus?
 - How can we lovingly guard ourselves and others from these?
3. Colossians 2:10 says, “You have been brought to fullness in Christ.”
 - In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe that Christ is truly enough?
4. How do you see spiritual warfare playing out in the form of ideas or influences today?
 - What’s one “hollow philosophy” you’ve had to unlearn or challenge with Scripture?
5. Jesus has canceled our debt and triumphed over every enemy (v. 13–15).
 - How does this truth change the way you view your past and your spiritual authority in the present?

3-Day Devotional: Built Up in Him

Day 1: Rooted and Built Up
Scripture: Colossians 2:6–7, “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Reflection: Our spiritual life begins by receiving Christ as Lord, but growth is a daily, ongoing process. Like a tree depends on deep roots for stability, our faith depends on being deeply connected to Jesus. When rooted in Him, we grow stronger, wiser, and more grateful. This growth doesn’t happen overnight or through fleeting emotions—it happens through daily dependence on Christ and His Word.
Challenge: Today, identify one way you can “root” yourself more deeply in Christ—whether it’s reading Scripture, praying, or simply resting in His presence. Take a moment to thank God for His work in your life.

Day 2: Beware Deceptive Ideas
Scripture: Colossians 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Reflection: False teachings and cultural messages can subtly creep into our faith, tempting us to add to or replace the sufficiency of Christ. These “spiritual add-ons” may sound good, but they lead us away from the fullness of Jesus. Spiritual maturity means learning to recognize and reject these distractions, focusing instead on the gospel’s truth.
Challenge: Take some time to reflect on influences in your life—books, podcasts, conversations, or beliefs. Are there any ideas that pull you away from Christ’s sufficiency? Pray for discernment to reject anything that isn’t rooted in Him.

Day 3: Fullness, Forgiveness, and Victory in Christ
Scripture: Colossians 2:9–15, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness... He forgave all our sins and disarmed the powers and authorities...”
Reflection: Jesus is fully God and fully able to save. Because of Him, we are spiritually complete, forgiven, and victorious. The cross is the ultimate proof that sin, shame, and every enemy have been defeated. This truth frees us to live confidently, no longer trying to earn favor or add spiritual “extras” to our faith.
Challenge: Thank God today for the fullness and victory you have in Christ. If you’ve been carrying guilt or striving to prove yourself, surrender those burdens to Jesus. Rest in His finished work and walk forward in confidence.