Jesus was received as lord

JESUS WAS RECEIVED AS LORD
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Colossians2:6 6So then, just as you received Christ
Jesus as LORD, continue to liveyour lives in him,
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Pulpit Commentary Homiletics
The Principle Of A ConsistentChristian Walk
Colossians 2:6, 7
T. Croskery.
As ye receivedChrist Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.
I. THE RECEPTION OF CHRIST IS THE SUBSTANCE OF
CHRISTIANITY.
1. This includes the reception of him doctrinally, as the historicalPerson
Jesus, and the acceptanceof him as Lord. The false teachers misrepresented
his true characterin these respects.
2. But it expressly points to a believing receptionof himself as at once the sum
and substance of all teaching and the foundation of all hope for man. Those
who thus receive him
(1) become sons of God (John 1:11, 12);

(2) receive the promise of an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15), are co-heirs
with himself (Romans 8:17);
(3) receive the very Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9);
(4) receive rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28);
(5) possess securitythat he will save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).
II. THE WALK MUST CORRESPONDTO THE SPIRITUAL RECEPTION.
"So walk ye in him." This implies:
1. That we are carefully to guard the true doctrine of Christ's person. One
apostle rejoicedto hear that his children" walkedin truth" (2 John 1:4).
There were men who "walkednot after the traditions which they receivedof
the apostle" (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Let us give earnestheed to what has been
"receivedof the Lord" and. is delivered "to his apostles"(1 Corinthians
11:23). Let us not "lose whatwe have wrought" (2 John1:9).
2. That we are to walk in all holy obedience to Christ's commands. "Ye are
my friends, if ye do whatsoeverI command you" (John 15:14).
3. But the passageessentiallymeans that we are to walk in Christ as the
sphere or element in which our life is to find development. We are to walk in
him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and our life is to be the life of faith in
the Sonof God(Galatians 2:20). All our strength, guidance, motives, are to be
found in him. "His grace will be sufficient for us," as he "dwells in our hearts
by faith."
III. THE CONDITIONS OF A HOLY WALK IN CHRIST. "Having been
rooted and being built up in him, and being establishedin your faith, even as
ye were taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." There is here an
expressive variety of metaphor.
1. The believer must be firmly rooted in Christ. This is done once for all in
regeneration. It is a past act. The tree may shake in its topmost branches, but
its roots are firm because they graspthe solid earth. So the firmness of
believers is due to Christ (John 10:28, 29), and his sapmakes them fruitful

(John 15:5). The believer is to "castforth his roots as Lebanon," and thus he
will "grow up unto him in all things."
2. He must be built upon Christ as the Foundation.
(1) There is no other foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). As the foundation
upholds the house, so is the believerupheld by Christ (Matthew 16:18).
(2) The building is progressive - "being built up in him" (1 Corinthians 3:9-
15). The believer is to receive "the strengthening of his faith" in Christ. Thus
the body of Christ "maketh increase ofitself in love."
3. He must be establishedin faith. "Establishedin your faith, even as ye were
taught."
(1) Faith is the greatmeans of giving stability to life. "It is a goodthing that
the heart be establishedwith grace" (Hebrews 13:9).
(2) Faith itself needs stability. The Gnostics exaltedknowledge above faith,
but faith holds the key of the soul's position. "Therefore be not faithless, but
believing;" "Lord, increase our faith." The strong faith of Abraham gave him
the stability that marked his singularly consistentand holy career.
(3) Faith must have constantreference to its grounds in the Word - "evenas
ye were taught." The Colossians were notto follow the false teachers, but
Epaphras, their teacher.
4. There must be an abounding faith mingled with thanksgiving. "Abounding
therein with thanksgiving."
(1) We cannot trust God too much. We ought, therefore, to pray continually,
"Lord, increase our faith." We ought also to add to our faith every other
Christian grace (2 Peter1:5).
(2) Our faith must overflow with thanksgiving. We must be sensible of our
mercies and privileges, and thus we shall getthe comfort and benefit of them
by "giving of thanks." - T.C.

Biblical Illustrator
As ye have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him.
Colossians 2:6, 7
Christian activity the safeguard of the Church
Bishop Magee.
This letter was written under opposite feelings — feelings that never seem
absent from the apostle — the most intense faith in the gospeland the most
intense fear for it. No shadow of doubt crossedhis mind that it was God's
gospel, and that the whole powerof God went with it; and yet he was filled
with fear for it and its success inthe world. This seems a strange
contradiction, but it was no difficulty of St. Paul's day, it is the difficulty of all
times. We believe in the gospel, and yet we are constantly seeking to preserve
it. Why? We are afraid for the gospelnot because it is not Divine, but because
it is. The world may be trusted to provide for its own. Its products grow
naturally, as weeds grow. But the Divine gift comes from another clime, and
because it will not thrive without care and culture we fear. It is because it is
the ark of God we carry that we tremble as we put our hands to it. The ark

will never perish, but the hands that bear it may falter, and for a time let it
fall into the hands of its enemies. The Church shall never perish, but there is
no promise that the living branch shall not be scathedby unbelief or
godlessness. Becauseofthe preciousness ofthe treasure we hold in earthen
vessels, we rejoice andtremble as we receive it in trust from God. As we send
out new missionaries, and as the faith of Christ passes into new recepticles,we
think of how the faith shall be preserved. We know of the Divine Word which
is a light to our path, and the creeds and sacraments;but our text speaksof
another safeguard. If the Colossians were to be rooted and built up and
preservedfrom the corruptions of the world, philosophy, and vain deceits, it
was not to be by the possessionofthe Word, creeds, and sacraments, but in
addition by walking in Christ as they had receivedHim. Activity in Christian
life and work serves to defend and preserve the faith.
I. BecauseIT IS PERPETUALLY PROVING IT. Christianity is a science, the
knowledge ofGod; but it is an applied science, andthe application of the
science ofthe knowledge ofGod is walking with God. Astronomy is a science;
navigation is astronomy applied to practice. Every time the sailorunfolds his
map at sea, and is enabled to mark the very spot where his ship is, he has a
fresh proof that astronomy is true. There is many a captain who carries his
vesselinto port who is quite sure that his nautical tables are true, who cannot
astronomicallyprove them; but he has practicalproofs, and the oftener he
avails himself of that, the surer he is.
1. So it is with our faith. The Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement, are mysterious
things; but we prove them as we find this to be true, that the faith which
makes us know Him makes us know ourselves, and brings us into a nearer,
living, and deepercommunion with Him.
2. Prayeris a mystery. Who can prove to us how and why it is answered? But
who knows that prayer is answered? He who has gone down upon his knees
and has risen with new light and strength. So walk in Christ, so carry and
work the mysteries of faith into your life, and then you will have continued
proofs of the truth of your faith.

II. BecauseUSE IS A MEANS OF SAFETY. That which we possess, however
precious, we are more likely to lose if we lock it up than if we use it daily. It
may be stolen long before we get to know it. But what we constantly use we
miss directly it is gone. So with the Christian faith. It is those portions that we
live by and in, that as we daily use them it becomes impossible to lose. But let
there be any part of your creed that is not woven into daily life, and the
adversary may be stealing it before you wist.
III. BecauseIT TENDS TO THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE SOUL, If the
mystery of the faith is to be held in a pure conscience,then as the conscience
grows purer will be the surer graspof the mystery of faith. It is in the light of
the single eye that God's truth reveals itself. If the treasure be held in earthen
vessels, thenit depends upon the purity of the vesselwhether its contents be
preservedin sweetness.And among purifying methods activity is one of the
most effective. An article in constantuse often keeps itselfclean.
(Bishop Magee.)
The Christian life
J. Gill.
I. THE GREAT BLESSING. "Ye have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord."
1. Acceptance ofChrist. A voluntary act.
2. Possessionof Christ. Having receivedHim He is ours, and we share all His
acts.(1)Christ died: we die with Him (Galatians 2:20), and so are free from
the penalty of sin in the eyes of the law.(2)Christ was buried (ver. 12) and we
with Him, and so became dead to our former life (Romans 6:4).(3) Christ rose,
and we rise with Him into newness oflife (ver. 13).(4)Christ is at the right
hand of God, and we ascendwith Him into the honours and safetyof the
heavenly life (Colossians 3:1-3).
II. THE URGENT DUTY.

1. Walk, implying —(1) Progress, notonly motion. There may be motion in
the sapof a plant, but the plant is fixed; and in a ball struck by a bat, but that
is forced, not voluntary; but 8 walk implies personalactivity. So in the
Christian walk.
(a)We must not stay at the starting-point.
(b)We must not loiter, "Forgetting the things behind."
(c)We must not walk as in a circle, "laying again the foundation of
repentance," etc.(2)Change ofscene, in a walk our eyes are ever dwelling on
something fresh. So we must ever be finding something new in Christ.(3) Our
walk is to be "in Him." He is to be seenin us. Others are to know our Master
by our life.
2. Rootedin Him.(1) The root gives stability to the tree. Those trees are most
stable whose roots take the largestand deepesthold.(2) The life of a tree
depends upon its rootedness;uproot it and you destroy it. So we die if not
rooted in Christ our Life.
3. Built up in Him.
(1)Constantadditions.
(2)Growing solidity.
(3)Ultimate perfection.
(4)Exhibition of the Architect's skill, patience, and power.
4. Stablishedin the faith. We must have Christ in us or we shall be
overthrown. We are not to be a vane turning at every breath of wind, nor a
plant taking such slight hold that some strongerblast will overthrow; but like
an oak or a house on a rock, so stablished that no powercan move. This is
necessaryin view of the various influences to which Christian life is exposed.
III. The STRONG MOTIVE.
1. The obligation — "As." Having receivedChrist we are bound to walk in
Him.

2. The appeal — "Ye." Think of what you were and what Christ has made
you. Show your gratitude by walking in Him.
(J. Gill.)
Suggestive features ofthe Christian life
G. Barlow.
I. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BEGINS IN A PERSONALRECEPTION OF
CHRIST. "As ye have therefore receivedChrist Jesus the Lord." Religionis
the receiving of a Divine gift. It is the growthand development of the
supernatural in man. Christ is received —
1. As the Christ. The Colossianheresyaimed at subverting the true idea of the
Anointed One, commissionedby the Fatherto effect the reconciliationof the
world to Himself; it interposeda series ofangelic mediators. To receive the
Son of God effectually is to receive Him in all that He claimed to be, and to do,
as the Divine, specially-anointedSon, who is the only mediator betweenman
and God. It is of unspeakable importance to catch the true idea of the
characterand office of Christ at the beginning of the Christian life.
2. As Jesus the Lord. Our receptionof Christ does not place us beyond the
reachof law, but creates in us the capacityfor rendering an intelligent and
cheerful obedience.
3. By an actof faith. To receive Christ is to believe in Him.
II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS GOVERNED BYTHE LAW OF CHRIST, To
walk in Christ implies —
1. A recognitionof Him in all things. In everything that constitutes our daily
life — business, home, society, friendships, pleasures, cares, etc.,we may trace
the presence ofChrist and recognize His rule.
2. A complete consecrationto Him.
3. A continual approximation to the highest fife in Him.

III. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS SUPPORTEDAND ESTABLISHED BY
FAITH IN FULLY DECLARED TRUTH,
IV. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE HAS ITS MOST APPROPRIATE OUTFLOW
IN THANKSGIVING. This is the end of all human conduct. Thanksgiving
should be expressedin every word and appear in every action.
(G. Barlow.)
The threefold growth
A. J. Gordon, D. D.
I. THE CHRISTIAN'S DOWNWARD GROWTH. "Rootedin Him." All of
strength and fruitfulness there is in us depends on the depth with which we
strike down into the life and love of God. Measuring and grasping the love of
God, Paul begins downward. "Rootedandgrounded." We canonly reach
loftily upward, and broadly outward, as we strike deeply downward. For as
the height of a tree is generallyin proportion to its depth, the outreaching of
its branches according to the down-striking of its roots, so a Christian cannot
fail of attaining to a lofty lily, if only he can first attain to a lowly life. We can
see at a glance how much depends on this being rootedin Christ.
1. Our fruitfulness. A fruitfulness that continues in spite of surrounding
drought, and barrenness, and death — how shall it be maintained? I recently
witnessedthe effects of long continued drought. The growing corn stood
parched and earless.The reasonis not simply the long absence ofrain in
summer, but also the superabundance of rain in spring — that on this account
the roots of the corn and wheat ran along on the surface without striking
down into the bottom soil. The plants had such prosperous rains in spring that
they made no provision for a dry time by going down into the rich depths.
2. Our strength. You have seenthe oak smitten by the whirlwind, and how
with its giant arms it has caught the tempest in its embrace, and hurled it
back, defeated, while itself stoodfirm and unmoved in its rootedstrength. It is
pitiful to see a godless man trying to be steadfastin affliction. He has no

hidden hold on God by faith and prayer; he has not been sinking his faith
deeper and deeper into the heart of Christ as the years rolled on. And now,
when the shock comes, he has nothing to hold him. His friends try to prop him
up with prudential maxims. But props cannever take the place of roots.
3. Purity. "Considerthe lily how it grows."It is in the stream, but not of it.
Downdeep into the rich and nourishing earth it strikes its roots, and so grows
on the nutriment of the hidden soil. If you can reachdown into God, and feed
altogetheron Him, you may present the beautiful spectacle.
II. THE CHRISTIAN'S UPWARD GROWTH. "Rootedand built up in
Him."
1. Notbuilt up as the house is built, with materials gatheredhere and there,
and wrought togetherfrom without. The tree builds itself from the heart, and
so does the Christian. Morality seeks to overlaymen with goodworks. Its
office is to getthem to take on goodnessin successive layers, by contactwith
goodmen and goodbooks. Here is organic growth as againstmechanical, vital
increase as againstartificial.
2. The duty of habitual aspirationafter the highest attainments in grace is
here urged. It has been said that no man cangaze on the marble statue of the
Apollo Belvidere without standing more erect, and dilating his form in
unconscious imitation. If the perfect physical form produces such impression,
how much more the man who is perfectin spiritual stature and in moral
greatness — the man Christ Jesus?
III. THE CHRISTIAN'S OUTWARD GROWTH. "Abounding therein with
thanksgiving." This is the branching out into all service, and fruitfulness, and
praise.
1. The one significant fact concerning the gifts of God to us is their exceeding
abundance. The grace of God which bringeth salvation "was exceeding
abundant." The mercy of God is "abundant mercy." "The Holy Ghostis shed
forth abundantly." It is "our Godwho will abundantly pardon." "An
entrance be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of

God." And as though to sum up all, the apostle writes of Him who is "able to
do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."
2. What is the abundance bestowedforexcept that it may flow out in
abounding blessings to others?
(A. J. Gordon, D. D.)
Retrospectionthe basis of progress
J. Burton.
I. CHRISTIAN CONSCIOUSNESSIN ITS APPREHENSIONOF CHRIST.
"Ye have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord."
1. There are two opposing theories as to the Personof Christ — the
rationalistic, which rules out His Godhead;the revealed, which is the basis of
the catholic faith. The one holds to Him as the perfectionof humanity, the
other as the incarnation of Deity.
2. Two systems of theologywidely distinct are dependent on these theories.
The one puts man at the centre, and is wholly human; the other enthrones
God, and is essentiallyDivine. Two of the widest extremes of religious life flow
from these systems. The first is a religionof self-development, and depends on
personalculture. In the second, regenerationis a supernatural birth
superinduced by a powercoming directly from God. The one has its type in
education, the other in faith.
3. There is only one Christ. He is not a variable or divisible quantity. His
personality is definite, His claims absolute, His work specific.
4. It is within the one or the other of these systems that we must posit our
decisions. We cannotacceptof both. If the one is true the other is false. We
must be for Christ or againstHim.
II. CHRISTIAN CONSCIOUSNESSIN ITS RECEPTIONOF CHRIST. "Ye
have received."

1. There is agreementwith some shades of difference in the terms receiving,
believing, trusting, Christ. He who intelligently believes the testimony, trusts
in the promise and receives the gift. "To as many as receivedHim," etc. Here
are two things implied.(1) Faith receives the whole Christ. All that we see of
the incarnate Word in His acts, teaching, death, etc., Christian faith accepts.
And then a supernatural person necessitatesa supernatural mission; and also
the systembeing given, we should expect to find what we do find, a
supernatural person its central figure. Christ and His system are co-ordinate
and identical. Acceptof Christ, and you must receive His truth. Receive the
record, and you must acceptHis person. Faith thus makes all the truth a
welcome guestto the Christian heart.(2) On the side of faith Christ asks and
gets the whole of man. The full integrity of the mental and moral life goes over
in this actof faith to Christ. Thus there is a virtual exchange of two individual
persons, a mutual transfer of relations and interests, out of which comes the
sublime unity of a new and indivisible life. "I am crucified with Christ," etc.
2. The life of faith, as embodied in the moralities of Christian living, is thus
provided for, and follows this consecrating act. "Rooted and built up and
stablished."(1)Life has its genesis in a root — faith in Christ. All life is a
feeding thing. From the flower in the wall up to the brain and soul all things
live by what they feed upon. In all life there is that into which life strikes its
root.(2)Growth is a result of manifold processes. Itis not a mechanical
product. You canfabricate material structures: growth is an organic creation.
To make an atom or a world or to destroy them may require no more than the
instant volition of God. To grow a grain of wheat He employs the grandest
forces in the universe; and these are yokedby a thousand subtle laws keptat
work by His personalwill. How much more grand are the agencieswith which
He originates, feeds, and glorifies life in the soulof man is seenin this, that in
the one service He harnesses law, and in the other He incarnates Himself. "He
is our life."(3)In the fervid enunciation of figures the apostle appears for a
moment to get into a complicationof incongruous similitudes — "walking"
implying action, "rooted" demanding rest;and yet there is consistency.
Progressupward in the corn, e.g., comes outof fixedness of root. Unroot it,
and you kill its growth. So we "grow up in all things into Christ" only as we
rest in the fixedness of faith.

III. CHRISTIAN CONSCIOUSNESSIN ITS SUBJECTION TO CHRIST,
1. The emphasis is on the word "Lord." What is this sovereignheadshipof
Christ?(1) In the Church mediatorially, "He is the head of the body";
administratively, "He is Lord of all"; virtually, and in fact, "He is our life."(2)
Higher up in the ranges of spiritual life "in all things He has the pre-
eminence." Godhas highly exalted Him. All the angels of God worship
Him.(3) In the material worlds "He is before all things, and by Him all things
consist." Theyare what He makes them and where He places them. They get
their use and glory as He employs them. All agencies, influences, events, ages,
are tributary to Christ.(4) So in the future of the world's history "He must
reign." Man's proud intellect, his enterprise, wealth, art, science, etc.,are
coming, and must finally come, to serve Him.
2. But there is a more close and vital relationin the faith that gives to Christ
the lordship over His people. What, then, is the dominion under which we
voluntarily place ourselves in our surrender to Christ?(1) Its sphere is
specific. "The kingdom of God is within you" — where the personality of the
man is.(2) Its claim is absolute. "Ye are not your own." Christ claims to be
monarch absolute over mind, body, etc., because allhas been "bought with a
price."(3)And the mind is free and unconstrained in its surrender. Man's will
is free; and yet how man may exert that freedom, on what objects, for what
ends, and with what results, is to be determined by the authority of the Lord
Christ. "One is your Master."
(J. Burton.)
Faith is receiving Christ
C. H. Spurgeon.
Suppose that you should go to a baker's window, and stand there for an hour,
and stare at the bread, I do not think that the sight would fill you much. No,
you must eat, or else there might be tons of bread within reach, and yet you
would die of famine. You might be buried in a grave of bread, and it would be
of no use to you. Even manna would not nourish you unless you ate it. You

must receive food into yourself, or it is not food to you. The Saviour Himself,
if you do not receive Him by faith, will be no Saviour to you.
(C. H. Spurgeon.)
As and So
C. H. Spurgeon.
There is greatsafetyin going back to first principles. To make sure of being in
the right way, it is goodto look back at the entrance. Well begun is half done.
The Colossians have commencedwell; let them go on as they have begun.
I. THE FACT STATED. Sincere believers have "received" Christ. This is the
old gospelword. Here is no evolution from within, but a gift from without
heartily acceptedby the soul. This is free grace language;"received," not
earned or purchased. Not receivedChrist's words — though that is true, for
we prize every precept and doctrine — but receivedChrist. Observe —
1. The personality of Him whom they received. "ChristJesus the Lord," His
person, Godhead, humanity, Himself into their
(1)knowledge;
(2)understanding;
(3)affections;
(4)trust;
(5)as their life at their new birth, for when they receivedHim He gave them
powerto become the sons of God.
2. The threefold characterin which they receivedHim..
(1)As Christ anointed and commissionedof God;
(2)as Jesus, the Saviourto redeemand sanctify them;
(3)as the Lord to reign and rule over them with undivided sway.

3. The looking awayfrom selfin this saving actof reception. It is not said, as
ye have fought for Jesus and won Him; or, studied the truth and discovered
Christ Jesus;but, as ye have "received" Him. This strips us of everything like
boasting, for all we do is to receive.
4. The blessedcertainty of the experience of those to whom Paul wrote: "As ye
have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord." They had really receivedJesus;they
had found the blessing to be real: no doubt remained as to their possessionof
it.
II. THE COUNSELGIVES: "So walk ye in Him." There are four things
suggestedby "walk."
1. Life.
2. Continuance.
3. Activity.
4. Progress.
III. THE MODELWHICH IS PRESENTEDTO US. We are to walk in Christ
Jesus the Lord "as we receivedHim." And how was that? We receivedHim
—
1. Gratefully.
2. Humbly.
3. Joyfully.
4. Effectually.
5. Unreservedly.Thus we should continue to walk in Him, evermore in our
daily life excelling in all these points. Alas, some have never receivedJesus!
Our closing words must be addressedto such.
(C. H. Spurgeon.)
Receiving Christ and walking in Him

J. Vaughan, M. A.
It was quite in accordance withPaul's logicalmind that he should often place
what he is teaching in a proposition: "As ye have received, so walk." All true
religion lies in that analogy.
I. THE RECEPTION.
1. As what?
(1)As Christ, the anointed of God;
(2)as Jesus, your Divine Saviour;
(3)as Lord, the King of your heart.
2. How? By an actof faith. Faith was the hand that took the inestimable gift.
3. Whither? Into your hearts.
4. With what consequence?He became united to your very being, and is now
your own.
II. THE WALK.
1. As the receptionwas an act of faith, so the walk must be a walk of faith.
2. As we receivedpardon for sin, so we must walk in liberty, free from the
bondage of sin and fear.
3. As we receivedChrist Jesus as Lord, so we must walk in the path of His
commandments.
(J. Vaughan, M. A.)
The life and walk of faith
C. H. Spurgeon.
We shall deal with the text —

I. BY WAY OF EXPOSITION.
1. The life of faith is representedas(1) receiving. This implies(a) the opposite
of anything like merit.(b) A sense ofrealization making the matter a reality.
One cannotreceive a shadow or a phantom, but only something substantial.
While we are without faith Christ is a name or a history merely. By the actof
faith Christ becomes a realperson in our consciousness.(c)Grasping it. What
I receive becomes my own, so by faith Christ becomes my Christ. Look at
some of the senses in which the word is used in Scripture, such as —(d)
Taking — we take Christ into us as the empty vesseltakes in water.(e)
Holding — what we take in. A seive does not receive water. The life of faith
consists in holding Christ within us the hope of glory. Believing. "He came to
His own, and His own receivedHim not."(f) Entertaining. Thus the barbarous
people at Melita receivedPaul. After we have found Christ we entreat Him to
come in and sup with us.(g) Enjoying. We read of receiving the crown of life,
which means enjoying heaven and being satisfiedwith its bliss; and so when
we receive Christ we enjoy Him.(2) Receiving Christ. Salvation may be
describedas the blind receiving sight, the dead life, etc.; but we have not only
receivedthese things, we have receivedChrist, both as Saviour and Lord, in
His Divinity and humanity.(3) This is a matter of certainty; and the apostle
goes onto argue from it. It is not a supposition or a hope, or a trust, but a fact.
"Ye have."
2. The walk of faith.(1) Walk implies
(a)action. The receptionof Christ is not to be made a mere thing of thought
for the chamber. We must not sit down in indolence, but carry into practical
effectwhat we believe.
(b)Perseverance;not only being in Christ to-day, but all our life.
(c)Habit. A man's walk is the constanttenor of his life.
(d)Continuance. It is not to be suspended. How many people think that in the
morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Christ, and then
they may be in the world all day.(2) Christ is to be the element in which we
are to walk. If a man has to cross a river, he fords it quickly, but just as we

walk in the air are we to walk in Christ.(a) As Christ was when we received
Him the only ground of our faith, so long as we live we are to stand to the
same point.(b) We receivedChrist as the substance of our faith, and just as
you then no more doubted the reality of Christ than your own existence, so
walk ye in Him.(c) Then Christ was the joy of your souls;let Him always be
so.(d) He was then the objectof your love, and must be for ever.
II. BY WAY OF ADVOCACY. Suppose that having been so far savedby
Christ we should begin to walk in some one else, what then?
1. What a dishonour to our Lord.
2. What reasonis there for the change?
(1)Has Christ proved Himself insufficient?
(2)Can philosophy and vain deceit offer you a wisdom such as His?
(3)Do ceremonies tempt you? You have all that you can require in Christ.
3. What can your heart desire beyond God? Having Christ, you have God,
and having God, you have everything.
III. BY WAY OF APPLICATION.
1. To those who complain of a want of communion. If it were worth your while
to come to Him at first, it is worth while for you always to keepto Him.
2. To those who complain of a want of comfort. No wonder, if you do not live
near the source ofconsolation.
3. To the inconsistent. When a man walks in Christ, he acts as Christ would
act.
(C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Christly character
D. Thomas, D. D.

In this statement of factPaul's argument culminates. He appeals to their
experience. They had receivedthe doctrine of Christ from Epaphras, and He
Himself had entered their hearts.
I. The ORIGIN of the Christly character. "ReceivedChrist." which means to
acceptHim —
1. As the supreme objectof the soul's love.
2. As the imperial guide of the soul's activities.
3. As the only Physicianof the soul's diseases. This is the reception — not
merely the reception of His doctrines into the intellect, but Himself into the
heart as its moral monarch.
II. ITS PROGRESS. "Walk in Him." This implies —
1. A most vital connectionwith Him. "In Him." In His ideas, spirit, aims,
character.
2. A possibility of walking out of Him. Peterdid so. Man's liberty as a
responsible being and the Word of God show this.
3. A real personalexertion. No one canwalk for us.
(D. Thomas, D. D.)
Christ is the believer's foundation
T. Guthrie.
The lighthouse tower, that stands among the tumbling waves, seems to have
nothing but them to rest on, yet there, stately and stable, it stands, beautiful in
the calm, and calm in the wintry tempest, guiding the sailor on to his desired
haven, past the rolling reef, through the gloom of the darkestnight, and the
waters of the gloomiestsea. Why is it stable? You see nothing but the waves,
but beneath the waves, down below the rolling, tumbling billows, its
foundation is the solid rock. And what that toweris to the house on yon sand-
bank Christ's righteousness is to mine, Christ's works to my best ones.

(T. Guthrie.)
Progressis gradual
Dr. Goulburn.
Gradual ascentis as necessaryto the mind in order to its reaching a great
idea, as it is to the body in order to its reaching a greatheight. We cannot
ascendto the pinnacle of a cathedral, which towers aloft in air, without either
steps or an inclined plane. We cannot reachthe summit of a mountain without
first toiling up its base, then traversing its breast, and then successively
crossing the limits where verdure passes into crag, and crag into a wilderness
of snow. Even when we have gainedthe highest point, we are still, it is true, at
an infinite distance from the blue vault of the firmament which stretches
above our heads. Still we have a better and more exaltedview of what that
firmament is: we have at leastrisen above the fogs and mists which obscure its
glory; and the air which encompassesus is transparent to the eye, and
invigorating to the frame. Now, the law of man's bodily progress is also the
law of his mental progress. Bothmust be gradual. No grand idea canbe
realized exceptby successive steps andstages, whichthe mind must use as
landing-places in its ascent.
(Dr. Goulburn.)
COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(6) As ye have therefore received.—Comp. the more emphatic language of
Colossians 1:5-7;Colossians 1:23. As in the case ofthe Corinthians and

Galatians (2Corinthians 11:4 and Galatians 1:6), he entreats them not to be
turned aside to “anotherJesus,” or“anothergospel, which is not another.”
MacLaren's Expositions
Colossians
CHRISTIAN PROGRESS
Colossians 2:6-7 {R.V.}.
It is characteristic ofPaul that he should here use three figures incongruous
with eachother to express the same idea, the figures of walking, being rooted,
and built up. They, however, have in common that they all suggestaninitial
act by which we are brought into connectionwith Christ, and a subsequent
process flowing from and following on it. Receiving Christ, being rootedin
Him, being founded on Him, stand for the first; walking in Him, growing up
from the rootin Him, being built up on Him as foundation, stand for the
second. Fully expressedthen, the text would run, ‘As ye have receivedChrist,
so walk in Him; as ye have been rooted in Him, so grow up in Him; as ye have
been founded on Him, so be builded up.’ These three clauses presentthe one
idea in slightly different forms. The first expressesChristianprogress as the
manifestation before the world of an inward possession, the exhibition in the
outward life of a treasure hid in the heart. The secondexpressesthe same
progress as the development by its own vital energyof the life of Christ in the
soul. The third expresses the progress as the addition, by consciousefforts, of
portion after portion to the character, which is manifestly incomplete until the
headstone crowns the structure. We may then take the passagebefore us as
exhibiting the principles of Christian progress.

I. The origin of all, or how Christian progress begins.
These three figures, receiving, rooted, founded, all express a greatdeal more
than merely accepting certaintruths about Him. The acceptanceoftruths is
the means by which we come to what is more than any belief of truths. We
possessChristwhen we believe with a true faith in Him. We are rooted in
Him. His life flows into us. We draw nourishment from that soil. We are built
on Him, and in our compactunion find a real support to a life which is
otherwise baseless andblown about like thistledown by every breath. The
union which all these metaphors presupposes is a vital connection;the
possessionwhichis the first stepin the Christian life is a real possession.
There is no progress without that initial step. Our own experience tells us but
too plainly and loudly that we need the impartation of a new life, and to be set
on a new foundation, if we are ever to be anything else than failures and blots.
There is sure to be progress if the initial step has been taken. If Christ has
been received, the life possessedwill certainly manifest itself. It will go on to
perfection. The union effectedwill work on through the whole characterand
nature. It is the beginning of all; it is only the beginning.
II. The manner of Christian progress or in what it consists.
It consists in a more complete possessionof Him, in a more constant
approximation to Him, and a more entire appropriation of Him. Christian
progress is not a growing up from Christ as starting-point, but into Christ as
goal. All is contained in the first act by which He is first received;the
remainder is but the working out of that. All our growthin knowledge and
wisdom consists in our knowing what we have when we receive Christ. We

grow in proportion as we learn to see in Him the centre of all truth, as the
RevealerofGod, as the Teacherofman, as the Interpreter of nature, as the
meaning and end of history, as the Lord of life and death. Morals, politics,
and philosophy flow from Him. His lips and His life and death proclaim all
truth, human and divine.
As in wisdom so in character, all progress consists in coming closerto Jesus
and receiving more and more of His many-sided grace. He is the pattern of all
excellence, the living ideal of whatsoeverthings are pure, whatsoeverthings
are lovely, whatsoeverthings are of goodreport, virtue incarnate, praise
embodied. He is the power by which we become gradually and growingly
moulded into His likeness. Everypart of our nature finds its best stimulus in
Jesus for individuals and for societies. Christand growth into Him is
progress, and the only way by which men canbe presentedperfect, is that
they shall be presented ‘perfect in Christ,’ whereunto every man must labour
who would that his labour should not be in vain. That progress must follow
the threefold direction in the text. There must first be the progressive
manifestation in actand life of the Christ already possessed, ‘As ye received
Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.’ There must also be the completer
growth in the soulof the new life alreadyreceived. As the leaf grows green
and broad, so a Christlike charactermust grow not altogetherby effort. And
there must be a continual being builded up in Him by constantadditions to
the fabric of graces setonthat foundation.
III. The means, or how it is accomplished.
The first words of our text tell us that ‘Ye have receivedChrist Jesus as
Lord,’ and all depends on keeping the channels of communication open so
that the reception may be continuous and progressive. We must live near and
ever nearerto the Lord, and seek that our communion with Him may be
strengthened. On the other hand, it is not only by the spontaneous

development of the implanted life, but by conscious andcontinuous efforts
which sometimes involve vigorous repressionof the old self that progress is
realised. The two metaphors of our text have to be united in our experience.
Neither the effortless growthof the tree nor the toilsome work of the builder
suffice to representthe whole truth. The two sides of deep and still
communion, and of strenuous effort basedon that communion, must be found
in the experience of every Christian who has receivedChrist, and is advancing
through the imperfect manifestations of earth to the perfect union with, and
perfect assimilationto, the Lord.
To all men who are ready to despair of themselves, here is the way to realise
the grandesthopes. Nothing is too great to be attained by one who, having
receivedChrist Jesus as Lord, walks in Him, rooted and builded up in Him, ‘a
holy temple to the Lord.’
BensonCommentary
Colossians 2:6-7. As, or since, ye have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord — Have
acknowledgedJesusofNazareth to be the true Messiahpromised to the Jews,
and consequentlya divinely-commissioned Teacher, Mediator, Saviour, and
Lawgiver; yea, the great Prophet, Priest, and King of his church, and
therefore your sovereignLord, and the final Judge of men and angels;so walk
ye in him — Let your spirit and conduct, your dispositions, words, and
actions, be in perfect consistencywiththis acknowledgment;walk in the same
faith, love, and holiness, in which you receivedhim, steadily believing his
doctrines, obeying his precepts, relying on his promises, revering his
threatenings, and imitating his example; rooted — In him, as trees in a good
soil, or as the graft is rootedin the stock;and built — Upon him, the only sure
foundation of your confidence and hope for time and eternity; and established
in the faith — In your persuasionof the truth and importance of the gospelin
all its parts; as ye have been taught — By those that have preachedit to you;
abounding therein — Making continual progress in your acquaintance with it
and conformity to it; with thanksgiving — To God, for having made you
partakers of so greata blessing.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
2:1-7 The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge ofthe truth as it is in
Jesus. Whenwe not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to
make confessionwith the mouth. Knowledge and faith make a soulrich. The
strongerour faith, and the warmer our love, the more will our comfort be.
The treasures ofwisdom are hid, not from us, but for us, in Christ. These
were hid from proud unbelievers, but displayed in the personand redemption
of Christ. See the dangerof enticing words; how many are ruined by the false
disguises and fair appearancesofevil principles and wickedpractices!Be
aware and afraid of those who would entice to any evil; for they aim to spoil
you. All Christians have, in professionatleast, receivedJesus Christ the Lord,
consentedto him, and takenhim for theirs. We cannot be built up in Christ,
or grow in him, unless we are first rooted in him, or founded upon him. Being
establishedin the faith, we must abound therein, and improve in it more and
more. God justly withdraws this benefit from those who do not receive it with
thanksgiving; and gratitude for his mercies is justly required by God.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
As ye have therefore receivedChrist Jesus the Lord - Have receivedhim by
faith as your Saviour, or as you were instructed respecting his rank,
character, and work. The object here is to induce them not to swerve from the
views which they had of Christ when he was made knownto them. They had
at first probably receivedtheir ideas of the Saviour from the apostle himself
(see the Introduction); and, at any rate, the apostle designs to assure them that
the views which they had when they "receivedhim," were founded in truth.
So walk in him - Continue in those views of Christ; live in the maintenance of
them; let them regulate your whole conduct. The word walk, in the Scriptures,
is used to denote the manner of life; and the sense here is, that they should live
and actwholly under the influence of the conceptions whichthey had of the
Saviour when they first embracedhim. The particle "so" is supplied by our
translators, and rather weakensthe sense. No stress should be laid on it, as is
often done. The meaning is, simply, "Since you have receivedChrist as your
Lord, as he was preached to you, hold fast the doctrine which you have

received, and do not permit yourselves to be turned aside by any Jewish
teachers, orteachers ofphilosophy."
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
6. "As therefore ye received(once for all; the aoristtense; from Epaphras)
Jesus the Christ as your Lord (compare 1Co 12:3; 2Co 4:5; Php 3:8), so walk
in Him." He says not merely, "Ye received" the doctrine of Christ, but
"Jesus"Himself; this is the essence offaith (Joh 14:21, 23; Ga 1:16). Ye have
receivedonce for all the Spirit of life in Christ; carry into practice that life in
your walk (Ga 5:25). This is the main scope of the Epistle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary
Having cautionedthem againstsophisticalseducers, andcommended them for
that order and sound faith he understood to be amongstthem, he here infers
an exhortation to continuance in both, especiallyin the latter, with respectto
the personof Christ, according as he had before describedhim: for he doth
not say:As ye have receivedthe doctrine of Christ, or concerning Christ, but:
As ye have receivedChrist himself, as John 1:11,12 1Jo 5:11,12,in whom is all
treasuredup for salvation. He adds not only Jesus, ( who came to save his
people from their sins), but the Lord, intimating they should not therefore
suffer any rules of faith or life to be imposed upon them by any other
whatsoever, but should be persuaded to abide
in him, whom they had embraced, and order their conversationaccording to
his mind, 1 Thessalonians4:1, knowing that he is the way, the truth, and the
life, John 14:6; being led by his Spirit, and deriving virtue to go on in this
orderly walk and persevere in the faith.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
As ye have therefore receivedChrist Jesus the Lord,.... Receiving Christ is
believing in him: faith is the eye of the soul, that sees the beauty, glory,

fulness, and suitableness ofChrist; the foot that goes to him, and the hand
that takes hold on him, and the arm that receives and embraces him; so that
this is not a receiving him into the head by notion, but into the heart by faith;
and not in part only, but in whole: faith receives a whole Christ, his personas
God and man; him in all his offices, as prophet, priest, and King; particularly
as a Saviour and Redeemer, he being under that characterso exceeding
suitable to the case ofa sensible sinner; and it receives all blessings ofgrace
along with him, from him, and through him; as a justifying righteousness,
remissionof sins, adoption of children, grace for grace, and an inheritance
among all them that are sanctified;and both Christ and them, as the free
grace gifts of God; which men are altogetherundeserving of, and cannot
possibly give any valuable considerationfor: so these Colossianshad received
Christ gladly, joyfully, willingly, and with all readiness;and especiallyas "the
Lord", on which there is a peculiar emphasis in the text; they had received
him and believed in him, as the one and only Lord and head of the church; as
the one and only MediatorbetweenGod and man, to the exclusion of angels,
the worship of which the false teachers were introducing; they had received
the doctrines of Christ, and not the laws of Moses, whichjudaizing preachers
were desirous of joining with them; they had heard and obeyed the Son, and
not the servant; they had submitted to the authority of Christ as King of
saints, and had been subjectto his ordinances;wherefore the apostle exhorts
them to continue and go on, believing in him, and holding to him the head:
so walk ye in him; not only in imitation of him as he walked, in the exercise of
grace, as love, patience, humility, and meekness,and in the discharge ofduty;
but by faith in him, going on in a way of believing in him, always looking to
him, leaning on him, and deriving grace and strength from him: to walk in
Christ, is to walk in and after the Spirit of Christ, under his influence, by his
direction, and through his assistance;and to walk in the doctrine of Christ,
abiding by it, and increasing in the knowledge ofit; and to walk in the
ordinances of Christ, which with ills presence and spirit, are ways of
pleasantness andpaths of peace:particularly here it may signify, to make use
of Christ, and walk on in him, as the way, truth, and the life; as the only way
of accessto God, and acceptancewith him; as the way of salvation, as the only

true way to eternal life and happiness, in opposition to every creature, angels,
or men; the worshipping of the one, or works done by the other.
Geneva Study Bible
As ye have therefore {h} receivedChrist Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
(h) So then Christ does not depend upon men's traditions.
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Meyer's NT Commentary
Colossians 2:6 f. From the warning given in Colossians2:4 and having its
ground assignedin Colossians2:5, follows (οὖν) the positive obligationto
make Christ, as He had been communicated to them through the instruction
which they had received, the element in which (ἐν αὐτῷ)their conduct of the
inner and outer life moves (περιπατεῖτε), whereuponthe more precise modal
definitions are subjoined by ἐῤῥιζωμένοι κ.τ.λ.
ὡς] according as. Observe that in the protasis παρελάβετε and in the apodosis
περιπατεῖτε (not ἐν αὐτῷ, as Hofmann thinks) have the emphasis, in which
case the addition of an οὕτως was not necessary. Their walk in Christ is to be
in harmony with the instruction, by means of which they have through
Epaphras receivedChrist.
παρελάβετε] have received(Colossians 1:7;Ephesians 4:20), comp. Galatians
1:9; Galatians 1:12;1 Thessalonians2:13;1 Thessalonians4:1; 2
Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 11:23. Christ was communicated to them as
the elementof life.[84]The rendering: have accepted(Luther, Bähr, Böhmer,
Huther, Hofmann), is not contrary to Pauline usage (de Wette;but see on Php
4:9; 1 Corinthians 15:1); but it is opposedto the context, in which after
Colossians 2:4 (see especiallyColossians 2:7 : καθὼς ἐδιδάχθητε,and
Colossians 2:8 : ΚΑΤᾺ ΤῊΝ ΠΑΡΆΔΟΣΙΝ ΤῶΝ ἈΝΘΡ.) the contrast
betweentrue and false Christian instruction as regulative of the walk, and not

the contrastbetweenentrance into the fellowship of Christ and the walk
therewith given (Hofmann), predominates.[85]
ΤῸΝ Χ. Ἰ. ΤῸΝ ΚΎΡΙΟΝ]A solemnly complete designation, a summary of
the whole confession(1 Corinthians 12:3; Php 2:11), in which τὸν κύριον,
conformably with its position and the entire connection, is to be taken in the
sense:as the Lord, consequentlyattributively, not as a mere apposition (de
Wette, Bleek, Ellicott, and others), in which Hofmann includes also Ἰησοῦν, a
view which is not warranted by Ephesians 3:1.
Colossians 2:7. ἘῤῬΙΖΩΜ. Κ. ἘΠΟΙΚΟΔ. ἘΝ ΑὐΤῷ] introduces the ethical
habitus in the case ofthe required περιπατεῖν ἐν Χ. But the vivid conception,
in the urgency of properly exhausting the important point, combines very
dissimilar elements;for the two figures, of a plant and of a building, are
inconsistentas such both with ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤΕῖΤΕ and with one another. Comp.
Ephesians 3:17 f. By beginning a new sentence with ἘῤῬΙΖΩΜΈΝΟΙΚ.Τ.Λ.,
and thus construing it in connectionwith Colossians 2:8 (Schenkel, Hofmann),
we should gain nothing in symmetry, and should only lose without sufficient
reasonin simplicity of construction;while we should leave the ἘΝ ΑὐΤῷ
ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤΕῖΤΕ in Colossians2:6 in a disproportionately bald and isolated
position. This conjunction, moreover, of heterogeneous figures might quite as
legitimately have been made by the apostle himself as by an interpolator,
whose hand Holtzmann thinks that he here discovers.
Observe further the difference in time of the two participles, whereby the
stedfastnessofthe ἐν Χριστῷ εἶναι (figuratively representedby ἘῤῬΙΖΩΜ.)
is denoted as a subsistent state, which must be present in the case ofthe
περιπατεῖν ἐν αὐτῷ, while the further development of the Christian condition
(figuratively representedby ἐποικοδ.)is set forth as a continuing process of
training; comp. Acts 20:32.

ἘΠΟΙΚΟΔ.] becoming built up, in which ἐπί exhibits the building rising on
the foundation. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12; Ephesians
2:20; Xen. Anab. iii. 4. 11; Plat. Legg. v. p. 736 E. The building up may in
itself be also regardedas an act accomplished(through conversion), as in
Ephesians 2:20 : ἐποικοδομηθέντες, which, however, as modal definition of
ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤ., would not have suited here. The progress and finishing of the
building (de Wette, following Acts 20:32, where, however, the simple form
οἰκοδ. shouldbe read) are conveyedby the present, not by ἘΠΟΙΚΟΔ. in
itself (comp. Ephesians 2:22). Nordoes the latter representthe readers as
stones, which are built up on the top of those alreadylaid (Hofmann); on the
contrary, they are in their aggregateas a church (comp. on Eph. l.c.)
representedas an οἰκοδομή in the course of being built (i.e. of a more and
more full development of their Christian common life), in regardto which the
ἐπί in ἘΠΟΙΚΟΔ. presupposes the foundation laid by Epaphras, namely,
Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11); and the building materials, including the stones,
are not the persons, but the doctrines, by means of which the builders
accomplishtheir work (see on 1 Corinthians 3:12).
ἐν αὐτῷ]belongs to both participles, so that Christ is to be conceived
doubtless as the soil for the roots striking downwards (Ephesians 3:17), and as
the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) for the building extending upwards; but
the expressionis determined by the conceptionof the thing signified, namely,
the ἐν Χριστῷ εἶναι, as in ἘΝ ΑὐΤῷ ΠΕΡΙΠΑΤ., and not by the figures; hence
Paul has not written ἐπʼ αὐτόν(1 Corinthians 3:12), or ἘΠʼ ΑὐΤῷ (Ephesians
2:20), which would have been in harmony with the latter participle, but he
exhibits Christ as the Person, in whom that which is meant by the being
rooted and becoming built up has its specific being and nature, and
consequentlythe condition of endurance and growth.[86]Comp. on Ephesians
2:21.
καὶ βεβαιούμ. τῇ πίστ.] And to this being rooted and becoming built up there
is to be added the being stablished by the faith, as the development of quality

in the case, in order that no loose rooting may take place, nor any slack
building be formed. The dative τῇ πίστει (see the criticalremarks)is to be
takenas instrumental, not: with respectto (in oppositionto de Wette), since
the following modal definition περισσ. ἐν αὐτῇ specifies, not how they are to
be stablished in respectof the faith, but how they are to be stablished by it, by
the fact, namely, that they are rich in faith; poverty in faith would not be
sufficient to bring about that establishment. In like manner we should have to
take the reading ἐν τ. πίστει, which Hofmann defends. He, however, joins this
ἘΝ Τ. ΠΊΣΤΕΙnot with ΒΕΒΑΙΟΎΜ., but with the following
ΠΕΡΙΣΣΕΎΟΝΤΕς,—aconnectionwhichis excluded by the genuineness of
ἘΝ ΑὐΤῇ, but which is, even apart from this, to be rejected, because Paul
would, in order to be fairly intelligible, have inserted the ἘΝ ΑὐΤῷ only after
ΒΕΒΑΙΟΎΜΕΝΟΙ, to which it would also refer.
ΚΑΘῺς ἘΔΙΔΆΧΘ.] namely, to become stablished by the faith. For this they
have received(from Epaphras, Colossians 1:7) the instructions which are to
guide them.
περισσεύοντες κ.τ.λ.]is subordinate to the ΒΕΒΑΙΟΎΜ., andthat as
specifying the measure of the faith, which must be found in them in order that
they may be stablished through faith; while at the same time the requisite vital
expression, consecratedto God, of the piety of the believing heart is brought
out by ἐν εὐχαρ.:while ye are abounding in the same amidst thanksgiving, i.e.
while ye are truly rich in faith, and at the same time giving thanks to God for
this blessing of fulness of faith. The emphasis is upon περισσ., in which lies the
more preciselydefining element; περισσεύειν ἐν is nothing else than the usual
abundare aliqua re, to have abundance of something (Romans 15:13; 1
Corinthians 8:7; Php 1:9, et al.), and ἐν εὐχαρ. indicates an accompanying
circumstance in the case, the ethical consecrationofgrateful piety, with which
the richness in faith must be combined; comp. Colossians 3:17,
Expositor's Greek Testament

Colossians 2:6. ὧς οὖν παρελάβετε. Oltramare translates “since,”and
interprets, “since ye have receivedChrist … it is in Him you must walk”. But
probably the usual interpretation “as” is right, meaning the form in which
they had received(= καθὼς ἐμάθετε, Colossians 1:7). The sense is, in that case,
live in accordancewith what you received, and the emphasis is on περιπ., not
on ἐν αὐτῷ.—παρελάβετε is practicallyequivalent to ἐμάθετε, receivedby
instruction, rather than receivedinto the heart.—τὸνΧριστὸν Ἰησοῦντὸν
Κύριον. This is frequently translated“the Christ, even Jesus the Lord”
(Hofm., Lightf., Sod., Haupt, Abb.). In favour of this is the fact that ὁ Χ. Ἰ. is
not a Pauline expression, but neither is Ἰ. ὁ Κύριος. A further argument in its
favour is that ὁ Χριστός is very frequent in this Epistle, and especially
prominent in this sectionof it. If this is so we must suppose that Paul has
chosenthe form of words to meet some false view at Colossæ. Areference to a
Judaistic conceptionof the Messiah, heldby the false teachers, which failed to
rise to the Christian conceptionof His Personas Lord, is supposed by Haupt
to be intended. This is possible, but the other possible view “ye receivedChrist
Jesus as Lord” is no more inconsistentwith Pauline usage, andemphasises
still more the Lordship of Christ, which it was the chief aim of the Apostle to
assert. There seems to be no hint that the MessiahshipofJesus was
challenged;at most there was the question what Messiahshipinvolved. More
probably there is no reference to the Messiahshipat all.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
6. As ye have therefore &c.]As if to say, “I see with joy your present stedfast
faith and consequentholy union; therefore I entreat you at once to stay there
and to grow there, for you will be tempted towards a very different region
otherwise.”
“Have received”:—somewhatbetter, did receive, at their conversion.—The
Greek word rendered “receive” is frequently used of the receptionof
teaching,—learning;and no doubt the reference is mainly to their “reception”
from their missionary (Colossians1:7) of the revealed truth. See further just
below. But Ellicott wellsays that “the object[Christ] is so emphatically

specified” as to imply that “they received… Christ Himself, in Himself the
sum and substance ofall teaching.” Cp. John 1:12; 1 John 5:11-12.
Christ Jesus the Lord] Lightfoot punctuates and renders, the Christ, even
Jesus the Lord; taking the reference to be to their having learned and
welcomedas the true Christ (Messiah)not the speculative “Christ” of the
heretics but the historic Jesus ofthe Incarnation and the Cross. This
rendering (in view of the Greek)stronglycommends itself to us, though R.V.
retains A.V. In any case, however, the solemnemphasis of the whole phrase
points in the direction of thought indicated by Lightfoot.
“The Lord”:—doubtless in the highest sense ofthe word. Cp. Php 2:11.
walk ye in him] “Let your actuallife as believers be guarded and guided by
this Lord thus received.” He warns them of the danger, amidst heretical
surroundings, of an unapplied orthodoxy. If they would be both firm and
vigorous they must put truth into life.—On the word “walk” see above on
Colossians 1:10. It occurs often in these Epistles of the Captivity; eight times
in Eph., four times in Col., twice in Phil.
“In Him”:—see on Colossians 1:2 above.
Bengel's Gnomen
Colossians 2:6. Τὸν Κυρίον, the Lord) The article shows that they had
receivedChrist as the Lord.—ἐν αὐτῷ περιπατεῖτε, walk ye in Him) This is
the scope ofthe epistle. We give the following summary:—
I. The Inscription, Colossians 1:1-2.

II. The Doctrine, by which the apostle pathetically explains the
mystery of Christ, in the way of thanksgiving for the Colossians,ver. 3 seq.,
and prayer for the same, Colossians1:9-10;Colossians 1:12-13;Colossians
1:15-16;Colossians 1:21-22 :
Along with a declarationof his affectionfor them, Colossians 1:24-25;
Colossians 2:1-2.
III. The Exhortation.
1) General, by which he stirs them up to perseverance in Christ,
Colossians 2:6-7 :
And admonishes them not to be deceived, Colossians2:8.
Here againhe describes the mystery of Christ, in order, Colossians2:9-10 :
And in the same order derives his admonitions from Christ, the Head,
Colossians 2:16 :
And from His death, Colossians 2:20, etseqq.:
And from His exaltation, Colossians 3:1-4.
2) Special.

1. Thatvices should be avoided, Colossians 3:5-9 :
And virtues practised, Colossians 3:10-11:
Especiallylove, Colossians3:12-13 :
And the study of the word of Christ, Colossians3:16-17.
2. Thatthey should do their duty.
1. Wives and husbands, Colossians 3:18-19.
2. Children and parents, Colossians 3:20-21.
3. Servants and masters, Colossians 3:22-23;Colossians 4:1.
3) Final, To prayer, Colossians 4:2-3.
To spiritual wisdom, Colossians4:5-6.
IV. Conclusion, Colossians 4:7-8;Colossians 4:10-11;Colossians
4:15-16;Colossians 4:18.

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 6. - As therefore ye receivedChrist Jesus the Lord, walk in him
(Philippians 1:27; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians
2:13-15;1 Corinthians 15:1, 2; Galatians 3:2-4; Galatians 5:1; Hebrews 3:6;
Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 10:23;John 7:17; John 15:5-10;Romans 3:11). Such
a walk will be consistentwith their previous steadfastness,and will lead them
to larger spiritual attainments (Colossians 1:10;see note). "Ye received"
(παραλαμβάνω, not δέχομαι, as in Colossians 4:10:comp. 1 Thessalonians
2:13) reminds the Colossians ofwhat they had received(compare" ye were
taught," ver. 7 and Colossians 1:7)rather than of the way of their receiving it.
"Christ Jesus the Lord," is literally, the Christ Jesus, the Lord - an expression
found besides only in Ephesians 3:11 (RevisedText). The prefixed article
points out Christ Jesus in his full style and title as the Personwhom the
Colossians had received, and receivedas the Lord. "The Lord" has a
predicative force, as in 1 Corinthians 12:3 (R.V.); 2 Corinthians 4:5;
Philippians 2:11. "Jesusis Lord" was the testing watchwordapplied in the
discerning of spirits; "Jesus Christis Lord" is to be the final confessionofa
reconcileduniverse; and "Christ Jesus is Lord" is the rule of faith that guides
all conduct and tests all doctrine within the Church (comp. ver. 19;Romans
16:18). It is "a summary of the whole Christian confession" (Meyer). To
vindicate this lordship, on which the Colossianerrortrenched so seriously, is
the main objectof the Epistle (Colossians 1:13-20). We must not, therefore,
with Alford, Lightfoot, Hofmann, analyze "the Christ Jesus:" "Ye received
the Christ, (namely) Jesus, who is the Lord." The writer has already used
"Christ Jesus" as a single proper name at the outset(Colossians1:1, 4); and it
was the lordship of Christ Jesus, not the Messiahshipof Jesus, thatwas now in
question. In Acts 18:5, 28 the situation is entirely different. In the following
clause, "in him" is emphatic, as in ver. 7 (compare the predominant αὐτός of
Colossians 1:16-22;Colossians 2:9-15). Hence the contradictionof figure,
"walk, rooted, and builded up," does not obtrude itself. (On "walk," see note,
Colossians 1:10;and on "in Christ" in this connection, see notes, Colossians
1:4; Colossians 2:10; and comp. Romans 6:3-11; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians
5:17; John 15:1-7.)
Vincent's Word Studies

Ye received(παρελάβετε)
By transmission from (παρά) your teachers.
Christ Jesus the Lord (τὸν Χριστόν Ἱησοῦν τὸν Κὑριον)
The Christ, speciallydefined by the following words, thus emphasizing the
personalChrist rather than the Gospel, becausethe true doctrine of Christ's
person was perverted by the Colossianteachers.The Christ, even Jesus, the
Lord.
PRECEPT AUSTIN RESOURCES
BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR
Verse 6-7
Colossians 2:6-7
As ye have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him.
Christian activity the safeguardof the Church
This letter was written under opposite feelings--feelings thatnever seem
absent from the apostle--the most intense faith in the gospeland the most
intense fear for it. No shadow of doubt crossedhis mind that it was God’s
gospel, and that the whole powerof God went with it; and yet he was filled
with fear for it and its success inthe world. This seems a strange
contradiction, but it was no difficulty of St. Paul’s day, it is the difficulty of all
times. We believe in the gospel, and yet we are constantly seeking to preserve
it. Why? We are afraid for the gospelnot because it is not Divine, but because
it is. The world may be trusted to provide for its own. Its products grow

naturally, as weeds grow. But the Divine gift comes from another clime, and
because it will not thrive without care and culture we fear. It is because it is
the ark of God we carry that we tremble as we put our hands to it. The ark
will never perish, but the hands that bear it may falter, and for a time let it
fall into the hands of its enemies. The Church shall never perish, but there is
no promise that the living branch shall not be scathedby unbelief or
godlessness. Becauseofthe preciousness ofthe treasure we hold in earthen
vessels, we rejoice andtremble as we receive it in trust from God. As we send
out new missionaries, and as the faith of Christ passes into new recepticles,we
think of how the faith shall be preserved. We know of the Divine Word which
is a light to our path, and the creeds and sacraments;but our text speaksof
another safeguard. If the Colossians were to be rooted and built up and
preservedfrom the corruptions of the world, philosophy, and vain deceits, it
was not to be by the possessionofthe Word, creeds, and sacraments, but in
addition by walking in Christ as they had receivedHim. Activity in Christian
life and work serves to defend and preserve the faith.
I. Becauseit is perpetually proving it. Christianity is a science,the knowledge
of God; but it is an applied science, and the application of the science ofthe
knowledge ofGod is walking with God. Astronomy is a science;navigationis
astronomy applied to practice. Every time the sailor unfolds his map at sea,
and is enabled to mark the very spot where his ship is, he has a fresh proof
that astronomy is true. There is many a captain who carries his vesselinto
port who is quite sure that his nautical tables are true, who cannot
astronomicallyprove them; but he has practicalproofs, and the oftener he
avails himself of that, the surer he is.
1. So it is with our faith. The Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement, are mysterious
things; but we prove them as we find this to be true, that the faith which
makes us know Him makes us know ourselves, and brings us into a nearer,
living, and deepercommunion with Him.
2. Prayeris a mystery. Who can prove to us how and why it is answered? But
who knows that prayer is answered? He who has gone down upon his knees

and has risen with new light and strength. So walk in Christ, so carry and
work the mysteries of faith into your life, and then you will have continued
proofs of the truth of your faith.
II. Becauseuse is a means of safety. That which we possess, howeverprecious,
we are more likely to lose if we lock it up than if we use it daily. It may be
stolenlong before we get to know it. But what we constantly use we miss
directly it is gone. So with the Christian faith. It is those portions that we live
by and in, that as we daily use them it becomes impossible to lose. But let
there be any part of your creed that is not woven into daily life, and the
adversary may be stealing it before you wist.
III. Becauseit tends to the sanctificationof the soul, If the mystery of the faith
is to be held in a pure conscience, thenas the consciencegrowspurer will be
the surer graspof the mystery of faith. It is in the light of the single eye that
God’s truth reveals itself. If the treasure be held in earthen vessels, thenit
depends upon the purity of the vesselwhetherits contents be preserved in
sweetness.And among purifying methods activity is one of the most effective.
An article in constantuse often keeps itselfclean. (Bishop Magee.)
The Christian life
I. The great blessing. “Ye have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord.”
1. Acceptance ofChrist. A voluntary act.
2. Possessionof Christ. Having receivedHim He is ours, and we share all His
acts.
II. The urgent duty.
1. Walk, implying--

(a) We must not stay at the starting-point.
(b) We must not loiter, “Forgetting the things behind.”
(c) We must not walk as in a circle, “laying againthe foundation of
repentance,” etc.
2. Rootedin Him.
3. Built up in Him.
4. Stablishedin the faith. We must have Christ in us or we shall be
overthrown. We are not to be a vane turning at every breath of wind, nor a
plant taking such slight hold that some strongerblast will overthrow; but like
an oak or a house on a rock, so stablished that no powercan move. This is
necessaryin view of the various influences to which Christian life is exposed.
III. The strong motive.
1. The obligation--“As.” Having receivedChrist we are bound to walk in Him.
2. The appeal--“Ye.” Think of what you were and what Christ has made you.
Show your gratitude by walking in Him. (J. Gill.)
Suggestive features ofthe Christian life
I. The Christian life begins in a personalreception of Christ. “As ye have
therefore receivedChrist Jesus the Lord.” Religionis the receiving of a Divine
gift. It is the growth and development of the supernatural in man. Christ is
received--
1. As the Christ. The Colossianheresyaimed at subverting the true idea of the
Anointed One, commissionedby the Fatherto effect the reconciliationof the
world to Himself; it interposeda series ofangelic mediators. To receive the
Son of God effectually is to receive Him in all that He claimed to be, and to do,
as the Divine, specially-anointedSon, who is the only mediator between man

and God. It is of unspeakable importance to catch the true idea of the
characterand office of Christ at the beginning of the Christian life.
2. As Jesus the Lord. Our receptionof Christ does not place us beyond the
reachof law, but creates in us the capacityfor rendering an intelligent and
cheerful obedience.
3. By an actof faith. To receive Christ is to believe in Him.
II. The Christian life is governedby the law of Christ, To walk in Christ
implies--
1. A recognitionof Him in all things. In everything that constitutes our daily
life--business, home, society, friendships, pleasures, cares, etc., we may trace
the presence ofChrist and recognize His rule.
2. A complete consecrationto Him.
3. A continual approximation to the highest fife in Him.
III. The Christian life is supported and establishedby faith in fully declared
truth,
IV. The Christian life has its most appropriate outflow in thanksgiving. This is
the end of all human conduct. Thanksgiving should be expressedin every
word and appear in every action. (G. Barlow.)
The threefold growth
I. The Christian’s downward growth. “Rootedin Him.” All of strength and
fruitfulness there is in us depends on the depth with which we strike down
into the life and love of God. Measuring and grasping the love of God, Paul
begins downward. “Rootedand grounded.” We can only reachloftily upward,

and broadly outward, as we strike deeply downward. Foras the height of a
tree is generallyin proportion to its depth, the outreaching of its branches
according to the down-striking of its roots, so a Christian cannot fail of
attaining to a lofty lily, if only he can first attain to a lowly life. We can see at a
glance how much depends on this being rooted in Christ.
1. Our fruitfulness. A fruitfulness that continues in spite of surrounding
drought, and barrenness, and death--how shall it be maintained? I recently
witnessedthe effects of long continued drought. The growing corn stood
parched and earless.The reasonis not simply the long absence ofrain in
summer, but also the superabundance of rain in spring--that on this account
the roots of the corn and wheat ran along on the surface without striking
down into the bottom soil. The plants had such prosperous rains in spring that
they made no provision for a dry time by going down into the rich depths.
2. Our strength. You have seenthe oak smitten by the whirlwind, and how
with its giant arms it has caught the tempest in its embrace, and hurled it
back, defeated, while itself stoodfirm and unmoved in its rootedstrength. It is
pitiful to see a godless man trying to be steadfastin affliction. He has no
hidden hold on God by faith and prayer; he has not been sinking his faith
deeper and deeper into the heart of Christ as the years rolled on. And now,
when the shock comes, he has nothing to hold him. His friends try to prop him
up with prudential maxims. But props can never take the place of roots.
3. Purity. “Considerthe lily how it grows.”It is in the stream, but not of it.
Downdeep into the rich and nourishing earth it strikes its roots, and so grows
on the nutriment of the hidden soil. If you can reachdown into God, and feed
altogetheron Him, you may present the beautiful spectacle.
II. The Christian’s upward growth. “Rootedand built up in Him.”
1. Notbuilt up as the house is built, with materials gatheredhere and there,
and wrought togetherfrom without. The tree builds itself from the heart, and
so does the Christian. Morality seeks to overlaymen with goodworks. Its
office is to getthem to take on goodnessin successive layers, by contactwith

goodmen and goodbooks. Here is organic growth as againstmechanical, vital
increase as againstartificial.
2. The duty of habitual aspirationafter the highest attainments in grace is
here urged. It has been said that no man cangaze on the marble statue of the
Apollo Belvidere without standing more erect, and dilating his form in
unconscious imitation. If the perfect physical form produces such impression,
how much more the man who is perfectin spiritual stature and in moral
greatness--the man Christ Jesus?
III. The Christian’s outward growth. “Abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
This is the branching out into all service, and fruitfulness, and praise.
1. The one significant fact concerning the gifts of God to us is their exceeding
abundance. The grace of God which bringeth salvation “was exceeding
abundant.” The mercy of God is “abundant mercy.” “The Holy Ghost is shed
forth abundantly.” It is “our God who will abundantly pardon.” “An entrance
be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of God.” And
as though to sum up all, the apostle writes of Him who is “able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
2. What is the abundance bestowedforexcept that it may flow out in
abounding blessings to others? (A. J. Gordon, D. D.)
Retrospectionthe basis of progress
I. Christian consciousnessin its apprehension of Christ. “Ye have received
Christ Jesus the Lord.”
1. There are two opposing theories as to the Personof Christ--the rationalistic,
which rules out His Godhead;the revealed, which is the basis of the catholic
faith. The one holds to Him as the perfection of humanity, the other as the
incarnation of Deity.

2. Two systems of theologywidely distinct are dependent on these theories.
The one puts man at the centre, and is wholly human; the other enthrones
God, and is essentiallyDivine. Two of the widest extremes of religious life flow
from these systems. The first is a religionof self-development, and depends on
personalculture. In the second, regenerationis a supernatural birth
superinduced by a powercoming directly from God. The one has its type in
education, the other in faith.
3. There is only one Christ. He is not a variable or divisible quantity. His
personality is definite, His claims absolute, His work specific.
4. It is within the one or the other of these systems that we must posit our
decisions. We cannotacceptof both. If the one is true the other is false. We
must be for Christ or againstHim.
II. Christian consciousnessin its receptionof Christ. “Ye have received.”
1. There is agreementwith some shades of difference in the terms receiving,
believing, trusting, Christ. He who intelligently believes the testimony, trusts
in the promise and receives the gift. “To as many as receivedHim,” etc. Here
are two things implied.
2. The life of faith, as embodied in the moralities of Christian living, is thus
provided for, and follows this consecrating act. “Rootedand built up and
stablished.”
III. Christian consciousness inits subjectionto Christ,
1. The emphasis is on the word “Lord.” What is this sovereignheadshipof
Christ?
2. But there is a more close and vital relationin the faith that gives to Christ
the lordship over His people. What, then, is the dominion under which we
voluntarily place ourselves in our surrender to Christ?

Faith is receiving Christ
Suppose that you should go to a baker’s window, and stand there for an hour,
and stare at the bread, I do not think that the sight would fill you much. No,
you must eat, or else there might be tons of bread within reach, and yet you
would die of famine. You might be buried in a grave of bread, and it would be
of no use to you. Even manna would not nourish you unless you ate it. You
must receive food into yourself, or it is not food to you. The Saviour Himself,
if you do not receive Him by faith, will be no Saviour to you. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
As and So
There is greatsafetyin going back to first principles. To make sure of being in
the right way, it is goodto look back at the entrance. Well begun is half done.
The Colossians have commencedwell; let them go on as they have begun.
I. The fact stated. Sincere believers have “received” Christ. This is the old
gospelword. Here is no evolution from within, but a gift from without heartily
acceptedby the soul. This is free grace language;“received,” notearned or
purchased. Not receivedChrist’s words--though that is true, for we prize
every precept and doctrine--but receivedChrist. Observe--
1. The personality of Him whom they received. “ChristJesus the Lord,” His
person, Godhead, humanity, Himself into their
2. The threefold characterin which they receivedHim..
3. The looking awayfrom selfin this saving actof reception. It is not said, as
ye have fought for Jesus and won Him; or, studied the truth and discovered
Christ Jesus;but, as ye have “received” Him. This strips us of everything like
boasting, for all we do is to receive.
4. The blessedcertainty of the experience of those to whom Paul wrote: “As ye
have receivedChrist Jesus the Lord.” They had really receivedJesus;they
had found the blessing to be real: no doubt remained as to their possessionof
it.

II. THE COUNSELGIVES: “So walk ye in Him.” There are four things
suggestedby “walk.”
1. Life.
2. Continuance.
3. Activity.
4. Progress.
III. The model which is presentedto us. We are to walk in Christ Jesus the
Lord “as we receivedHim.” And how was that? We receivedHim--
1. Gratefully.
2. Humbly.
3. Joyfully.
4. Effectually.
5. Unreservedly.
Thus we should continue to walk in Him, evermore in our daily life excelling
in all these points. Alas, some have never receivedJesus!Our closing words
must be addressedto such. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Receiving Christ and walking in Him
It was quite in accordance withPaul’s logicalmind that he should often place
what he is teaching in a proposition: “As ye have received, so walk.” All true
religion lies in that analogy.
I. The reception.
1. As what?

2. How? By an actof faith. Faith was the hand that took the inestimable gift.
3. Whither? Into your hearts.
4. With what consequence?He became united to your very being, and is now
your own.
II. The walk.
1. As the receptionwas an act of faith, so the walk must be a walk of faith.
2. As we receivedpardon for sin, so we must walk in liberty, free from the
bondage of sin and fear.
3. As we receivedChrist Jesus as Lord, so we must walk in the path of His
commandments. (J. Vaughan, M. A.)
The life and walk of faith
We shall deal with the text--
I. By way of exposition.
1. The life of faith is representedas
(a) the opposite of anything like merit.
(b) A sense ofrealization making the matter a reality. One cannotreceive a
shadow or a phantom, but only something substantial. While we are without
faith Christ is a name or a history merely. By the act of faith Christ becomes a
real personin our consciousness.
(c) Grasping it. What I receive becomes my own, so by faith Christ becomes
my Christ. Look at some of the senses in which the word is used in Scripture,
such as--
(d) Taking--we take Christ into us as the empty vesseltakes in water.

(e) Holding--what we take in. A seive does not receive water. The life of faith
consists in holding Christ within us the hope of glory. Believing. “He came to
His own, and His own receivedHim not.”
(f) Entertaining. Thus the barbarous people at Melita receivedPaul. After we
have found Christ we entreat Him to come in and sup with us.
(g) Enjoying. We read of receiving the crown of life, which means enjoying
heaven and being satisfiedwith its bliss; and so when we receive Christ we
enjoy Him.
2. The walk of faith.
(a) action. The reception of Christ is not to be made a mere thing of thought
for the chamber. We must not sit down in indolence, but carry into practical
effectwhat we believe.
(b) Perseverance;not only being in Christ to-day, but all our life.
(c) Habit. A man’s walk is the constanttenor of his life.
(d) Continuance. It is not to be suspended. How many people think that in the
morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Christ, and then
they may be in the world all day.
(a) As Christ was when we receivedHim the only ground of our faith, so long
as we live we are to stand to the same point.
(b) We receivedChrist as the substance ofour faith, and just as you then no
more doubted the reality of Christ than your own existence, so walk ye in
Him.
(c) Then Christ was the joy of your souls; let Him always be so.
(d) He was then the object of your love, and must be for ever.
II. By way of advocacy. Suppose that having been so far savedby Christ we
should begin to walk in some one else, what then?

1. What a dishonour to our Lord.
2. What reasonis there for the change?
3. What can your heart desire beyond God? Having Christ, you have God,
and having God, you have everything.
III. By wayof application.
1. To those who complain of a want of communion. If it were worth your while
to come to Him at first, it is worth while for you always to keepto Him.
2. To those who complain of a want of comfort. No wonder, if you do not live
near the source ofconsolation.
3. To the inconsistent. When a man walks in Christ, he acts as Christ would
act. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Christly character
In this statement of factPaul’s argument culminates. He appeals to their
experience. They had receivedthe doctrine of Christ from Epaphras, and He
Himself had entered their hearts.
I. The ORIGIN of the Christly character. “ReceivedChrist.” which means to
acceptHim--
1. As the supreme objectof the soul’s love.
2. As the imperial guide of the soul’s activities.
3. As the only Physicianof the soul’s diseases. This is the reception--not
merely the reception of His doctrines into the intellect, but Himself into the
heart as its moral monarch.
II. Its progress. “Walk in Him.” This implies--

1. A most vital connectionwith Him. “In Him.” In His ideas, spirit, aims,
character.
2. A possibility of walking out of Him. Peterdid so. Man’s liberty as a
responsible being and the Word of God show this.
3. A real personalexertion. No one canwalk for us. (D. Thomas, D. D.)
Christ is the believer’s foundation
The lighthouse tower, that stands among the tumbling waves, seems to have
nothing but them to rest on, yet there, stately and stable, it stands, beautiful in
the calm, and calm in the wintry tempest, guiding the sailor on to his desired
haven, past the rolling reef, through the gloom of the darkestnight, and the
waters of the gloomiestsea. Why is it stable? You see nothing but the waves,
but beneath the waves, down below the rolling, tumbling billows, its
foundation is the solid rock. And what that toweris to the house on yon sand-
bank Christ’s righteousness is to mine, Christ’s works to my best ones. (T.
Guthrie.)
Progressis gradual
Gradual ascentis as necessaryto the mind in order to its reaching a great
idea, as it is to the body in order to its reaching a greatheight. We cannot
ascendto the pinnacle of a cathedral, which towers aloft in air, without either
steps or an inclined plane. We cannot reachthe summit of a mountain without
first toiling up its base, then traversing its breast, and then successively
crossing the limits where verdure passes into crag, and crag into a wilderness
of snow. Even when we have gainedthe highest point, we are still, it is true, at
an infinite distance from the blue vault of the firmament which stretches
above our heads. Still we have a better and more exaltedview of what that
firmament is: we have at leastrisen above the fogs and mists which obscure its
glory; and the air which encompassesus is transparent to the eye, and
invigorating to the frame. Now, the law of man’s bodily progress is also the
law of his mental progress. Bothmust be gradual. No grand idea canbe
realized exceptby successive steps andstages, whichthe mind must use as
landing-places in its ascent. (Dr. Goulburn.)

BRIAN BILL
Deepening Your Roots Series
Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003
based on 235 ratings
(rate this sermon)
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Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15
Denomination: Baptist
Summary: It’s important to not just focus on our conversion—we’re calledto
demonstrate our commitment on a daily basis by going deeper with God.
1 2 3
Next
Deepening Your Roots
During our “Building for the Future” emphasis, I prepared a five-minute
sermon on a cassettetape to help explain the key ingredients of our campaign.
I receiveda lot of very positive feedback. Mostof the accoladesI receivedhad
more to do with the length than with the content! People were surprised that I

could preach such a short sermon. I have goodnews for you this morning,
while I won’t be preaching a five-minute sermon, I will be preaching a shorter
message. This is by design because we wantedto give ample time in the service
to celebrate communion and to pray for the persecutedchurch. We’ll focus on
three verses from Colossians 2 and pick up the rest next Sunday.
Last week we focusedon our purpose for living. Here’s a quick summary:
1. Suffer joyfully for the gospel.
2. Serve according to your calling.
3. Move people to maturity.
4. Work wholeheartedlywith His energy.
5. Enrich the lives of others.
6. Delightin obedience.
As we live out our purpose, we quickly realize that Christian growthis a
process. We become Christians in an instant when we receive Christ Jesus the
Lord, but it takes a lifetime to live out our faith. Our focus should not just be
on knowing, our emphasis must also be on growing. The Bible links
information with transformation we’re to become what we’ve begun. Truth
must be perceived and then personalizedbecause biblical belief always leads
to action. Faith that does not have an impact on one’s behavior is not true
faith. Or, as James 2:17 says, “…Faithby itself, if it is not accompaniedby
action, is dead.”
Do you know what a mixed metaphor is? A mixed metaphor combines two or
more images that don’t seemto make sense. Here are some examples:
You’ve buttered your bread...now lie in it
Clearly we’ve opened a Pandora’s box…ofworms
Burning the midnight oil… at both ends
Marching to the beat… of a dead horse

It’s time to step up to the plate… and cut the mustard
Robbing Peter… to pay the Piper
Video Illustration of the Week
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In Colossians2:6-7, Paul mixes severalmetaphors in order to describe the
process ofspiritual growth: “So then, just as you receivedChrist Jesus as
Lord, continue to live in him, rootedand built up in him, strengthenedin the
faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Many
commentators believe that this is the theme of the entire book, sort of like the
hinge point of Colossians.
On the faith side, the Colossianshad receivedChrist Jesus as Lord and had
been taught the faith. On the practice side, they needed to continue to live in
Him and be built up in Him, becoming strengthenedin their faith and
overflowing with thankfulness.
Paul uses 6 word pictures of spiritual progress.
1. Soldier. This first picture is a review from verse 5: “…to see how orderly
you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.” As we learned lastweek, as
members of God’s army we are to be solidly united againstthe enemy, as each
of us practice discipline and strive to obey our Supreme Commanding Officer.
We’re not to battle againsteachother, but to do battle with eachother as we
serve side-by-side.
2. PowerWalker. The Christian life must be lived out. It’s to go from our
head, to our heart, to our hands, and then to our feet. When Paul says, “Just
as you receivedChrist Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him,” he’s reminding
his readers that since they receivedJesus by faith, so too they must walk by
faith in His power. That’s the only way to make spiritual progress. The verb
indicates continuous action - we are to continue to live in Him. The past event
of receiving Christ should be a present reality in our lives. Our conduct must

be consistentwith His lordship. Our worship should affectour walk and our
practice must conform to our principles.
The Colossians hadnot merely receivedthe doctrines of Christ; they had
receivedChrist Himself. The title, “Christ Jesus as Lord” is unique, occurring
only here in Paul’s letters. As Christ, He is identified as the Messiah, or
“anointed one,” promised to Adam, Abraham, and Moses andprophesied
about by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah. Jesus was his human name given at
His birth and means Savior. Lord indicates that He is supreme and sovereign.
He has no rivals and we must bow before His preeminence.
3. Tree. In this agricultural metaphor, just as a tree is “rooted,” we are to be
grounded in the soil of God’s Word. The tense of the Greek word means,
“once and for all having been rooted.” Those who have received Christ are
rooted in Him. A tree puts down deep roots in order to find nutrition and to
provide stability. Likewise, we must go deep with Christ in order to find the
fuel we need to flourish, and in order to withstand the storms of life.
This image most likely comes from the beautiful picture in Jeremiah17:8:
“He will be like a tree planted by the waterthat sends out its roots by the
stream. It does not fear when heat comes;its leaves are always green. It has no
worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” When we are
rooted in a relationship with Christ, we will have everything we need for life
and for godliness as 2 Peter1:3 declares. Justas a tree cannot thrive without
any roots, so too, we cannot grow if we have not been grounded in “His glory
and goodness.”.
4. Building. Paul next moves to a constructionimage to show that as our
foundation is built on Christ, we must continue to add on so that we’re “being
built up in him.” Ephesians 2:20 tells us that at conversionwe were “built on
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the
chief cornerstone.”A cornerstone was a big stone placedat the intersecting
angle, where two walls of a building came together. In biblical times, buildings
were often made of cut rock. By uniting two intersecting walls, a cornerstone
helped align the whole structure and tie it together. In the same way, as the

chief cornerstone, Jesusholds everything togetherand provides alignment to
our lives.
The Family Life Center wouldn’t be of much use with just a foundation. The
base is laid in order to build a strong building. God doesn’t want us to stop
with conversion;instead He longs for us to construct our lives as 1
Corinthians 3:12 states with “gold, silver, and costlystones” insteadof using
things that don’t lastlike wood, hay, and straw. In order to be strong, we must
build with solid materials. Again, the tense of the verb indicates that the
building keeps on going. The Christian life is not meant to be a one or two-
story house, but rather a skyscraperthat just keeps going up!
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5. Student. The next metaphor is found in the phrase, “strengthenedin the
faith as you were taught.” We’re to be students in God’s graduate schoolso
that our faith canbe strengthened, or established. By the way, Colossians 2:7
is where the 2:7 DiscipleshipCourse gets its name. As students, we must be
taught the Word of God in order to grow in our faith. That’s why we you hear
us talk so much about the importance of every believer plugging into a small
group. We don’t want to just be a church that has small groups; we are a
church that is made up of small groups. Since a disciple must always be
learning, make sure you are putting yourself in an environment where you
can study and be strengthenedon a regular basis.
6. River. This word picture of a river bursting over its banks is basedon the
phrase, “overflowing with thankfulness.” As we receive instruction in biblical
truth it should produce inner joy. The more we understand grace, the more
gratitude we will have. Kent Hughes writes, “A thankless spirit betrays a life
which is no longerfocusing on the greatness ofChrist.” If you don’t feelvery
thankful today, it’s probably because you’ve takenyour eyes off of Jesus and
put them on your problems. If you’re in town two weeks fromWednesday, I

encourage youto attend our annual Thanksgiving service. We’ll sing some,
and read Scripture, and then give you an opportunity to publicly express your
thankfulness. It’s one of my favorite services ofthe entire year!
Live It Out
These two verses challenge us to…
Grow downward by being “ rooted”
Grow upward by being “built up”
Grow inward so that we canbe “strengthenedin the faith”
Grow outward as we “overflow with thankfulness”
As Paul mixes up his metaphors, he also changes his verb tenses in order to
show what has happened to us, and what we are responsible for. In this list of
6 word pictures, there are only two active verbs: to live in Him and to be
thankful. Our living should lead to thanksgiving. Our task is to live
surrendered to His supremacy and to abound in the giving of thanks for what
God has done for us in Christ.
Be On Guard
Drop down to verse 8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow
and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic
principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
When we lived in Mexico, the American Embassyissuedseveralwarnings to
Americans to be on constantguard againstkidnapping. Beth and I were
vigilant every single day. Wheneverwe were out we always kept our girls
right by our side.
The false teachers usedseductive tactics so the believers had to “see to it” that
they didn’t let down their guard and be captured by philosophy that was
contrary to Christ.
What could be wrong with philosophy since it simply means “the love of
wisdom”?

First, it’s “hollow.” Many of the philosophies we hear of today when
compared with the reality of human existence are far off the mark because
they are empty.
The secondcharacteristicis that this philosophy is “deceptive.” It may sound
goodbut it is designedto lead people astray.
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The third reasonwe are to be on guard is that these empty and deceptive
philosophies “depend on human tradition.” They arise out of the thinking of
men, find a foothold in society, and then are passedalong from generationto
generationso as to appearpopular and widely supported. Hardly anyone
dares question them because it seems like everybody believes them. One
obvious example today is the theory of evolution.
Fourthly, this philosophy depends on “the basic principles of this world.” This
refers to “things in a row,” and became associatedwith the alphabet. These
basic principles refer to the elementarystages ofreligious idolatry, or even the
worship of fallen angels.
No man-made religion can lead to truth, for truth can be found only in Christ.
As something hollow, philosophy cannot fill anyone except with more
emptiness. By contrast, Colossian1:25 says that we have receivedthe Word of
God in “its fullness” and Colossian2:2 reminds us that because we know
Christ, we have the “full riches of complete understanding.”
If we put these three verses togetherwe canconclude by saying that a
grounded, growing and grateful believer will not be led astray. You don’t
have to worry about being spiritually kidnapped if you are a soldier, a power
walker, a tree, a building, a student, and an overflowing river.

I want to close this morning with a simple question. Imagine that you were
arrestedfor being a Christian and the authorities brought charges against
you. Would they find enough evidence to convict you?
RECEIVING AND WALKING
by JAMES BOURNE
"As ye have therefore receivedChrist Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him."
(Colossians2:6)
To walk in Christ as we receivedhim is to retain the sense of our need of him,
as when we felt the Day Spring from on high first visited us, and the terrors of
the Lord made us afraid. O how plainly and feelingly did we then feel the need
of a Saviour. Then we hastened, we fled from the wrath to come. Hell seemed
close to us, and law and justice seemedready to push us in. How sweetwas the
news of pardon then! How sweeta promise, when we could believe the Holy
Spirit applied it to us personally. There was no halving it then, we felt we
needed a whole Saviour, a Prophet to teach, a Priestto atone, and a King to
reign. Christ Jesus was gladly receivedas such with all the heart.
How is it we walk not so with Christ now? Surely because we have lost our
first love, and the powerful impression of our wants we once had; hence comes
that indifference towards Christ and his appointed means. A spiritual appetite
is wanting where the heavenly manna is loathed as light bread.
To walk with Christ is to be sensible of his worth with that same fervor of
Spirit as when we first receivedhim. O the love of our espousals, how precious
was the dear Lord Jesus to us then! When we first viewed him bearing our
sins, conquering our rebellion, opening the eyes of our understanding, healing
our consciences. We felt our accessto the Father was through him, and all our
peace and joy was in him. At that time (if asked)we used to declare he was
altogetherlovely. "My soullongeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the
Lord." (Ps. 84:2) Watchthis point, if you grow cooland indifferent in your

Jesus was received as lord

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