Message summary: Today we consider the phrase "rooted and built up in Him".

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“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Across the road from our house we have a large corn field. This, like most corn, is used for animal feed and in several weeks they will harvest it by chopping up the corn stalk and all as silage. It will feed the cows on the large dairy farm about 1/2 mile from our house.

Although we eat a few roots such as carrots, potatoes, beets and radishes, we probably give little thought to a plant's root system. After all we don't see them and I don't think most people would consider roots as a thing of beauty, like flowers. But roots are absolutely vital to any plant’s health.

Yesterday we wrote of the vital necessity of continuing to live our lives in Him or literally walking in Him. Today let us consider two more metaphors for staying spiritually fit in the text: being rooted and being built up.

Other Bible translations render the text: "Keep your roots deep in Him and have your lives built on Him." (Expanded Bible)  "Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him." (Amplified)

Essentially in this text we have both an agricultural/horticultural and a building/architectural metaphor, each would have connected with readers in the ancient world as well as those of us many generations later into the future if we know or learn about agriculture and construction!

1) "Rooted" Perhaps Paul had in mind the teaching of our Lord, who warned of the deadly spiritual condition of shallow roots or rootlessness in the Parable of the Sower. Jesus said of the seed that fell on rocky soil, "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away" (Luke 8:13).

The Greek word for root is "rhizoo" and suggests stability, nourishment and life derived from contact with Christ ("in Him"). As a plant's roots sink deep into the rich soil for long term stability and nourishment, so too we should root our faith deep into sound Biblical doctrine and solid spiritual food that comes from knowing Christ. These well-nourished roots will keep us strong forever. Roots are a vital part of the believer's life.

2) "Built up" The above photo shows Jesse and Ed squaring the foundation when were adding our master bedroom addition several years ago. It's not a photo we are likely to share but is an essential part of the finished room, part of the building up of our room. In our growing walk with Christ we need a sustaining foundation and strong structure.

"Built up" is in the present tense ("being continually built up" (Amplified Bible) signifying continuous "edification" and the active voice identifies this as a choice we must make. The verb tense pictures the building as a process, that is sanctification and progressive growth in Christ-like character. (Precept Austin Online commentary)

We have the responsibility to implement the means of grace that God has ordained for our "rooting" and building up". This includes an active, lifelong pursuit of reading, studying, meditating, memorizing, and obeying God's Word; regular communion with God through prayer and learning to discern His will in matters of concern to us; sharing with others of the good things of God; influencing others to come to faith and mentoring them in their faith. As we grow in Him there is more and more that Christ reveals to us through the Bible, His Spirit, spiritual leaders, everyday experiences, trials, and life's circumstances.

Are you being rooted and built up in Him?

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13.

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber