Fortifying Faith

In the landscape of Christian faith, moments of wavering belief are not uncommon, even among the most devout followers of Christ. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Church in Colossae, addresses this very human experience in his epistle, particularly in Colossians 2:6-7. This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding how believers can bolster their faith when faced with doubt or uncertainty. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve deep into the theological implications of Paul's words, examining how they relate to the broader context of Scripture and provide practical guidance for the contemporary believer navigating the complexities of faith in an increasingly secular world.

Exegesis of Colossians 2:6-7

Let us begin by examining the primary text in question:

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

The Context of Colossians

Paul's letter to the Colossians was written to address specific challenges facing the young Church in Colossae. The believers there were confronted with false teachings that threatened to undermine the sufficiency of Christ and the Gospel. In this context, Paul's exhortation in Colossians 2:6-7 serves as a reminder of the foundational truths upon which their faith was built.

Theological Analysis of Key Phrases

1. "As you received Christ Jesus the Lord"

This phrase emphasizes the initial act of faith and submission to Christ's lordship. The aorist tense used here in the Greek (παρελάβετε) indicates a decisive moment of reception, likely referring to their conversion experience.

2. "So walk in him"

The imperative to "walk" (περιπατεῖτε) in Christ suggests an ongoing, active faith. This is not merely about intellectual assent but about a life fully aligned with Christ's teachings and character.

3. "Rooted and built up in him"

Paul employs dual metaphors here: one agricultural (ἐρριζωμένοι) and one architectural (ἐποικοδομούμενοι). This combination emphasizes both the depth and stability of faith (rooted) and its progressive growth and development (built up).

4. "Established in the faith"

The concept of being established (βεβαιούμενοι) conveys the idea of confirmation and steadfastness. This suggests that faith is not static but is continually reinforced through practice and experience.

5. "Just as you were taught"

This phrase underscores the importance of sound doctrine and teaching in the life of the believer. It implies a continuity with apostolic instruction and warns against deviation from established truth.

6. "Abounding in thanksgiving"

Gratitude (εὐχαριστίᾳ) is presented here as both a natural outflow of genuine faith and a means of strengthening it. The participle "abounding" (περισσεύοντες) suggests an overflowing abundance of thankfulness.

Theological Implications for Faith Formation

The Nature of Saving Faith

Colossians 2:6-7 provides insight into the nature of saving faith. It is not merely a one-time decision but an ongoing relationship with Christ. The initial reception of Christ as Lord is to be followed by a continual walking in Him. This aligns with other Pauline teachings, such as Philippians 2:12-13, which encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (ESV).

The Role of Discipleship in Faith Formation

The phrase "just as you were taught" highlights the crucial role of discipleship in the Christian life. Faith is not formed in isolation but within the context of the Church and under the guidance of mature believers. This echoes Paul's instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (ESV).

The Interplay of Divine and Human Agency

While Paul emphasizes human responsibility in walking with Christ, the passive participles "rooted" and "built up" suggest divine agency. This tension between human effort and divine grace is a recurring theme in Pauline theology, reflecting the mysterious interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the process of sanctification.

Practical Applications for Bolstering Faith

Immersion in Scripture

When faith wavers, Paul's instruction to walk in Christ "just as you were taught" implies a return to the foundational truths of the Gospel. This aligns with the Psalmist's declaration in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (ESV). Practical steps include:

1. Regular Bible study, both individually and in community

2. Memorization of key passages

3. Meditation on Scripture, allowing its truths to permeate one's thinking

Cultivation of Gratitude

The emphasis on "abounding in thanksgiving" suggests that gratitude plays a vital role in strengthening faith. This aligns with Paul's instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (ESV). Practical applications include:

1. Keeping a gratitude journal

2. Incorporating thanksgiving into daily prayer

3. Regularly sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness with others

Active Engagement in Christian Community

The metaphor of being "built up" implies a corporate dimension to faith formation. This is consistent with the New Testament's emphasis on the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Practical steps include:

1. Regular participation in corporate worship

2. Involvement in small group Bible studies

3. Seeking mentorship from mature believers

Intentional Discipleship

The phrase "just as you were taught" underscores the importance of intentional discipleship. This aligns with Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (ESV). Practical applications include:

1. Participating in formal discipleship programs within the Church

2. Engaging in one-on-one mentoring relationships

3. Pursuing theological education or advanced Bible study courses

Practicing Spiritual Disciplines

The concept of being "rooted" in Christ suggests the need for deep, consistent spiritual practices. This is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching on abiding in Him in John 15:4-5. Practical steps include:

Developing a consistent prayer life

Practicing fasting and solitude

Engaging in regular self-examination and confession

Addressing Common Challenges to Faith

Intellectual Doubts

For those struggling with intellectual doubts, Paul's emphasis on being "established in the faith" encourages a deeper exploration of Christian apologetics and theology. Resources such as the works of C.S. Lewis, Alvin Plantinga, or William Lane Craig can provide robust intellectual frameworks for addressing common objections to the Christian faith.

Emotional Struggles

The call to "walk in him" acknowledges that faith is not merely intellectual but involves the whole person, including emotions. For those facing emotional challenges to their faith, the Psalms provide a Biblical model for honest expression of feelings to God while maintaining trust in His character and promises.

Moral Failures

The ongoing nature of "walking in him" implies that moral failures, while serious, are not necessarily fatal to faith. The Biblical narratives of figures like David and Peter demonstrate God's grace in restoring those who have fallen. The practice of regular confession and repentance, as outlined in 1 John 1:9, becomes crucial in maintaining a vibrant faith.

Cultural Pressures

In an increasingly secular society, the call to be "rooted and built up in him" takes on added significance. Believers must cultivate a strong sense of identity in Christ that can withstand cultural pressures. This aligns with Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:2 to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (ESV).

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Faith Formation

While not explicitly mentioned in Colossians 2:6-7, the role of the Holy Spirit in faith formation is a crucial theological consideration. The Spirit's work in illuminating Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:12-14), convicting of sin (John 16:8), and empowering believers for godly living (Galatians 5:16-25) is essential for understanding how faith is bolstered and sustained.

Conclusion

Colossians 2:6-7 provides a rich theological foundation for understanding the nature of Christian faith and how it can be strengthened in times of doubt or wavering. By emphasizing the need for continual walking in Christ, being rooted and built up in Him, and abounding in thanksgiving, Paul offers a multifaceted approach to faith formation that engages the intellect, emotions, and will.

In an age where faith is often challenged on multiple fronts, this passage reminds us that the core of Christian discipleship remains unchanged: a deep, abiding relationship with Christ, nurtured through immersion in Scripture, active participation in the Church, and the cultivation of spiritual disciplines. As believers seek to bolster their faith, they can take comfort in the knowledge that they do not do so alone, but in communion with the body of Christ and through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Ultimately, the journey of faith is not about achieving perfect certainty or unwavering emotion, but about persevering in relationship with Christ through all of life's complexities. As we continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in the faith, we can trust that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6), even as we abound in thanksgiving for His unfailing grace and faithfulness.