The Different Aspects of Growth in Faith
Text: Colossians 2:7
The apostle Paul highlighted different aspects of growth in faith. It was important that the Colossians understood the different aspects of their growth in the faith.
“Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 2:7
Seven aspects are highlighted to communicate an effective picture of what it means to grow in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!
1. “Received Christ Jesus” (Aorist Tense) [Colossians 2:6]
a) Faith begins with receiving Jesus.
b) He is received as Saviour and Lord.
2. Walking with Jesus (Present Tense) [Colossians 2:6]
a) This is an on-going event.
b) Receiving of Jesus is a single event.
3. “Rooted” (Perfect Passive Participle) [Colossians 2:7]
a) This must of course be well-established.
b) Rootedness will evidence in the present circumstances of life.
4. Being “built up” (Present Passive Participle) [Colossians 2:7]
a) On-going work.
b) The focus is on the present work being done.
5. Being “established” (Present Passive Participle) [Colossians 2:7]
a) On-going work.
b) The focus is on the present work being done.
6. “As you have been taught” (Aorist Passive Participle) [Colossians 2:7]
a) Reference to action done in the past.
b) The work of teaching the Colossians had already been done.
7. Abounding in the faith in Christ with thanksgiving (Present Active Participle) [Colossians 2:7]
a) Abounding was a present on-going activity.
b) The Colossians were active participants.
c) Faith in Christ Jesus the Lord should cause the believer to be filled with thanksgiving.