I’ve been doing a deep dive into the book of Colossians with my new Bible study from The Daily Grace Co. I have to tell you, these Bible studies are my new favorite. It started with the Ecclesiastes study I got for Christmas. Ecclesiastes is probably my most favorite book of the Bible, so I really enjoyed that study. Now I’m following up that study with this Colossians study and absolutely loving it.

The Theme of Colossians

The reoccurring theme of the book of Colossians is In Him. Paul continually draws us back to Jesus. In this world, there are so many things that fight for our attention and focus. But Paul continually reminds us of what’s really important.

I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:1-3

A Glimpse into Paul’s Life

We get a glimpse into Paul’s personal life and goals. He writes that he agonizes for a group of believers, many of whom he has never met. Why would he be so torn up about a group of people he hasn’t even met? He answers that question in the next verse. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan. What was this mysterious plan? Well, it’s not so mysterious, even though we make it that way so often. This mysterious plan was simply…Jesus. Through Jesus, we find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that we all seek after. There is no wisdom and knowledge outside of Jesus.

The Lack of Peace Around Us

We can take a look around and be so easily overwhelmed and discouraged. It’s a political week in which lines have been drawn in the sand, and people say hateful things to people who didn’t vote or don’t think like they do. At the same time, fires still threaten communities that have already lost so much. There are threats everywhere you look, and it feels overwhelming and daunting. If we’re not careful, we get buried in all of it—the uncertainty, the overwhelm, the discouragement.

And yet, in the midst of a tumultuous culture, over two thousand years ago, Paul told believers what that answer was. And that answer was Jesus. It was then, and it still is now. Only in him do we find the wisdom and knowledge we need to get through this life

Three Ways to Grow a Strong Faith

How do we find that wisdom and knowledge found in Him? Paul tells us how in the next few verses.

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6,7

Paul breaks it down for us into three steps. He writes that if we do these three things, our faith will grow strong, and we will overflow with thankfulness.

1. Continue to follow Jesus

It’s not enough to accept Jesus by faith. Now we have to continue in that faith. Don’t turn back from following Him when it gets hard. Don’t let fear and doubt creep in. Refuse to listen to Satan’s lies that you aren’t important to God, that he doesn’t love you. Choose to follow Jesus, no matter what.

2. Let your roots grow down into him

We have to go deep in our relationship with God, or when the hard times come, we will cast our faith aside. The best way to grow our roots in him is to develop a morning time routine in which you spend the first part of your day…every day…with God. We have to make sure our roots run deep, so that when the storms of life come, we aren’t uprooted.

3. Build your life on Jesus.

Build your life around Jesus. Get involved in a local church. Find a small group to join. Teach your children how to have a morning time routine of Bible reading and prayer. Pray before meals. Pray as a family. Make God a priority in your home.

If you want the treasures that are found in a relationship with God—wisdom, knowledge, peace, thankfulness, and a life overflowing with God’s goodness, this is the roadmap.

More Encouragement

For more encouragement, check out my post, 6 Ways to Build Your Faith Today.