JESUS ABOVE ALL GROWING UP IN HIM Colossians 2:6-15 Pursue an Intimacy with Jesus: (V. 6-7) We are to be grounded - Paul uses an illustration from agriculture—be “rooted in Jesus” Psalm 1:1-3 - John 15:4-7 We are to be growing - Paul uses an illustration from architecture—be “built-up in Jesus” Ephesians 2:19-22 - The result is that we will be “established in the faith”. Ephesians 4:13-14 We are to be grateful - Paul uses an illustration about our attitude—we are to “overflow with gratitude” .. our gratefulness should move us to action. .. thankfulness is a theme in Colossians. (Col. 1:3,12; 2:7; 3:15,17; 4:2) Rest in the Sufficiency of Jesus: (V. 8-10) We must reject false teaching (v. 8) - False teaching will hold you captive. - False teaching sounds convincing. Four characteristics of false teaching - philosophy - empty deceit - human tradition - elements of the world False teaching is not in accordance with Christ - the Word of God that is revealed. - the Spirit of God that has been received. We must retain faithful teaching (v.9-10) - Faithful teaching exalts and edifies Jesus. - Jesus is the fullness of God in bodily form. Colossians 1:19 - Colossians 1:22 (see also 1 Peter 2:24) - In Him we are filled - He is our “all in all” Colossians 3:11 - 1 Corinthians 15:28 Define Our Identity in Jesus: (V. 11-15) Who we are defines what we do. - There is a “being-doing” approach to the New Testament. .. who we are in Christ. .. what we are called to do. .. “In Him” or “With Him”. A Spiritual sign of Covenant (v. 11) - The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is now the Spiritual sign of the New Covenant. - This relates to our positional standing with God. - We have no need to perform any rituals in our flesh. (see Colossians 2:23) A Spiritual work of God on our behalf (v. 12-15) - We have been Spiritually baptized into Christ. .. our sins have been forgiven. .. our debt has been canceled. .. our enemy has been condemned. .. our victory has been secured. Next Step: - What is one thing that I can do this week to keep growing in Jesus?