{"id":1841,"date":"2025-05-28T17:01:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T17:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=1841"},"modified":"2025-12-15T21:09:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T21:09:12","slug":"rooted-and-built-up-in-christ","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/rooted-and-built-up-in-christ\/","title":{"rendered":"ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rooted and Built Up in Christ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colossians 2:6\u201315 (NIV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Growing up in Florida, hurricanes were a part of life. Every summer and fall, we\u2019d track the latest storm on the news\u2014names like Andrew, Charley, Frances. Some were near misses, others came roaring through with intensity. I remember the eerie calm before the winds picked up. The power would flicker, and then the trees would start to sway\u2026 and crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After every storm, we\u2019d survey the damage. I can still picture massive limbs snapped off like twigs. Tall pine trees\u2014some split clean in half, like someone snapped a pencil across their knee. It was sobering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now living in South Carolina, I\u2019ve witnessed the same kind of power\u2014most recently in the fall of 2024 when Hurricane Helene came barreling through the Upstate. Trees that had stood for decades\u2014strong oaks and towering poplars\u2014were pulled out of the ground, roots and all. It was shocking to see how something so large and established could still fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet\u2026 not every tree fell. That was the curious part. Some trees, right next to the ones that toppled, remained rooted. Same soil. Same wind. Same storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What made the difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depth.<\/strong>
The trees that held firm had roots that ran deep. They were anchored\u2014connected to systems underground that held them when the wind tried to rip them apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same is true in our spiritual lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storms will come. Doubts will swirl. Culture will shift. Trials will hit. And when they do, the question won\u2019t be: \u201cWere you busy?\u201d<\/em> or \u201cWere you visible?\u201d<\/em> The question will be: \u201cWere you rooted?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Colossians 2, Paul turns our attention toward spiritual depth. After proclaiming the supremacy of Christ, he challenges the church to continue<\/strong> in Him\u2014rooted, built up, and strengthened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because when you\u2019re rooted in Christ, you don\u2019t just survive the storm\u2014you grow through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s turn to the Word and let God speak to the soil of our souls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colossians 2:6\u201315 (NIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

6<\/strong>\u00a0So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7<\/strong>\u00a0rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8<\/strong>\u00a0See 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. 9<\/strong>\u00a0For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10<\/strong>\u00a0and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11<\/strong>\u00a0In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12<\/strong>\u00a0having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13<\/strong>\u00a0When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14<\/strong>\u00a0having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15<\/strong>\u00a0And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul begins with a charge that connects belief and behavior. He says:\u00a0\u201cYou received Christ\u2014now continue in Him.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Let\u2019s unpack what that looks like for us today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Stay Rooted in Christ\u2014Because Shallow Faith Won\u2019t Survive the Storm (vv. 6\u20137)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u201cSo then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Paul uses two vivid metaphors: a tree that\u2019s rooted, and a building being built up. Both are images of depth and growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice the progression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Rooted<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 planted deep in the gospel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Built up<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 growing in strength and maturity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Strengthened in the faith<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 stable and secure in doctrine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Overflowing with thankfulness<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 joyfully grounded in grace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    This is a picture of the Christian life in motion. Not stagnant. Not passive. But grounded and growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Imagine walking through a forest and spotting a small sapling. Now imagine walking through Sequoia National Park and standing beneath a 300-foot-tall redwood. What\u2019s the difference? Time\u2014and\u00a0depth<\/strong>. Redwoods have an underground root system that stretches for hundreds of feet, intertwining with the roots of neighboring trees. That\u2019s how they stand through storms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Application:<\/strong> If your roots are in your emotions, circumstances, or culture\u2014you will be shaken. But if you\u2019re rooted in Christ, nothing can uproot you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are you feeding your roots daily in the Word? Are you growing deeper in Christ\u2014or just wider in activity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But Paul knows that rooting in Christ doesn\u2019t happen in a vacuum. There are forces\u2014both subtle and deceptive\u2014that want to pull us away. So next, he sounds the alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Guard Against Deception\u2014Because the World Will Offer You Substitutes (v. 8)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    \u201cSee to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    This is Paul\u2019s warning label. He\u2019s saying: \u201cDon\u2019t be taken captive.\u201d<\/em> The phrase here is military\u2014it\u2019s the idea of being kidnapped, led away like a prisoner of war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And what does the enemy use? Not brute force\u2014but ideas<\/em>.
    Ideas that sound wise. Feel spiritual. Even carry religious language.
    But they are hollow<\/strong>\u2014empty at the core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul says these ideas are rooted in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Human tradition<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 man-made systems and rituals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Elemental spiritual forces<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 demonic influences that subtly oppose Christ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      A few years ago, a prominent health product was being sold that claimed to be a \u201cmiracle supplement.\u201d It had the right branding, celebrity endorsements, and powerful testimonials. But later it was discovered that the ingredients were nothing but sugar and water. It looked helpful\u2014but it was hollow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That\u2019s what worldly philosophies do. They promise freedom but deliver captivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Application:<\/strong> Not every spiritual-sounding idea is from God. Test every teaching against Christ. If it doesn\u2019t exalt Him, ground you in Scripture, and align with the gospel\u2014it\u2019s hollow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Stay alert. Guard your mind. Don\u2019t drift from the Source<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Why is it so dangerous to drift from Christ? Because in Him\u2014and\u00a0only<\/strong>\u00a0in Him\u2014is fullness. So now Paul reminds us what we already have in Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Find Your Fullness in Christ\u2014Because He Lacks Nothing, and You Lack Nothing in Him (vv. 9\u201310)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cFor in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n

      This is one of Paul\u2019s boldest statements. All the fullness of God<\/strong>\u2014not part, not a glimpse\u2014dwells in Jesus. And now, Paul says, \u201cYou have been brought to fullness.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      That word \u201cfullness\u201d in Greek (pl\u0113r\u014dma<\/em>) means complete, filled to capacity<\/strong>. In Christ, we are spiritually complete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • You don\u2019t need to add mystical experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • You don\u2019t need to strive to be \u201cenough.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • You are full\u2014because He is full.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        And Paul adds:\u00a0\u201cHe is the head over every power and authority.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0There is no higher name. No greater throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Imagine walking into a five-star restaurant and being seated at a table with a feast prepared just for you\u2014multiple courses, masterfully crafted. But instead of enjoying it, you pull out a half-eaten granola bar from your bag and settle for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Why do we settle for spiritual junk food when we\u2019ve been given the fullness of Christ<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Application:<\/strong> Don\u2019t live like you\u2019re spiritually empty when you\u2019ve been filled. Stop chasing what the world says you need. Everything your soul longs for is found in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        But Paul isn\u2019t finished. He ends this section with a glorious reminder\u2014not just of who Jesus is, but what He\u2019s done. And in these final verses, Paul takes us to the cross and declares our complete victory in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        4. Walk in Freedom\u2014Because Jesus Has Already Won (vv. 11\u201315)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \n

        \u201cGod made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins\u2026 he has taken [the record of our debt] away, nailing it to the cross.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

        Here, Paul unpacks the gospel with breathtaking clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • You were\u00a0dead<\/strong>\u00a0in sin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • But God made you\u00a0alive<\/strong>\u00a0in Christ.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • He\u00a0forgave<\/strong>\u00a0all your sins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • He\u00a0canceled<\/strong>\u00a0your debt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • And He\u00a0disarmed<\/strong>\u00a0the enemy, triumphing over every spiritual force.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          In the Roman world, when someone was crucified, a list of charges was nailed above their head. Paul says Jesus took\u00a0our list<\/strong>\u2014our guilt, our shame, our spiritual debt\u2014and\u00a0nailed it to the cross.<\/strong>\u00a0Paid in full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Years ago, a man racked up a massive debt with his business\u2014hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just before he was forced into bankruptcy, a friend stepped in and paid it\u00a0entirely<\/strong>. The man wept, not just because he was free\u2014but because he knew he didn\u2019t deserve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          That\u2019s what Jesus did for us\u2014except the debt was deeper, and the cost was His life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Application:<\/strong> You don\u2019t have to live in guilt. You don\u2019t have to fight for victory\u2014it\u2019s already been won. Walk in freedom. Stand in grace. Let the cross be your confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Conclusion:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Friends\u2014don\u2019t drift.
          Don\u2019t settle for shallow roots, hollow philosophies, or performance-based faith.
          Stay rooted. Stay full. Stay free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In a world of confusion, Christ is your clarity.
          In a world of lack, Christ is your fullness.
          In a world of striving, Christ is your peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          You don\u2019t need to go searching for spiritual shortcuts. You just need to sink your roots deeper into Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          So today\u2014build on Him.
          Grow in Him.
          Stay in Him.
          And live a life anchored in the truth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Christ is above all\u2014and in Him, so are you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Closing Prayer:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Heavenly Father, we thank You today, for being our firm foundation. Thank You that in You, we are rooted, built up, strengthened, and filled. Forgive us for the times we\u2019ve drifted from You\u2014chasing hollow ideas or trying to earn what You\u2019ve already given. Root us again in Your truth. Guard our hearts from deception. Fill us with the joy of our salvation. Let us live free, forgiven, and full\u2014because of Your victory on the cross. And let our lives proclaim what our hearts believe: That You are enough. That You are supreme. And that You are Lord. In Your name we pray, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Rooted and Built Up in Christ Colossians 2:6\u201315 (NIV) Introduction: Growing up in Florida, hurricanes were a part of life. Every summer and fall, we\u2019d …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1841","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1841"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2703,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1841\/revisions\/2703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}