Colossians 2:6 – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is a turning point in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Up to this point, he has been reminding them of the supremacy of Christ and warning them against false teachings. Now, he gives them a direct instruction: keep walking in Christ.

Paul starts with “just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord.” This refers to the moment when the Colossians first put their faith in Jesus. The word “received” doesn’t just mean they accepted a teaching-it means they embraced Jesus Himself. They believed in who He is (Lord) and what He has done (Savior).

But salvation isn’t just a one-time event. That’s why Paul follows with “continue to live your lives in him.” The Christian life isn’t just about starting with Jesus-it’s about staying with Him, growing in Him, and living every part of life through Him.

This verse teaches that faith in Christ isn’t just about words or beliefs-it’s about daily living. Just as they trusted Jesus for salvation, they must also trust Him in their everyday lives.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around 60-62 AD while he was imprisoned in Rome. The Colossian believers had already put their faith in Jesus, but they were now facing pressures from false teachings. Some people were saying that faith in Christ wasn’t enough-they needed extra knowledge, religious rituals, or spiritual experiences to be truly complete.

Paul’s message was clear: You already have Christ. Now, walk in Him. There is no need for anything else beyond Jesus. The Christian life isn’t about moving beyond Christ-it’s about growing deeper in Him.

This verse would have been especially important to new believers in Colossae. In the Roman world, people followed many gods and philosophies. The idea of continuing in one faith rather than adding new spiritual ideas was radical. Paul wanted them to know that true wisdom and spiritual growth come only from continuing in Christ, not seeking new religious experiences or teachings.

Theological Implications

1. Faith in Christ is More Than a One-Time Decision – Becoming a Christian isn’t just about accepting Jesus once; it’s about continuing to follow Him every day.

2. Jesus Is Lord Over Every Part of Life – The phrase “Christ Jesus as Lord” means that Jesus is not just Savior but also Master. True Christianity means submitting all areas of life to Him.

3. Spiritual Growth Happens Through Walking with Christ – There is no secret formula or additional requirement for spiritual maturity. The way to grow as a Christian is simply to continue in Jesus.

4. No Need for Additional Religious Systems – Paul is rejecting the idea that believers need special knowledge, rituals, or philosophies to be complete. Christ is enough.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sentence is short but packed with meaning. The structure emphasizes both the past (receiving Christ) and the future (continuing to walk in Him). This contrast shows that faith isn’t just about the past-it shapes the way we live now and in the future.

The phrase “continue to live your lives” is from the Greek word peripateō, which literally means “to walk.” Walking is a daily action-it takes effort, direction, and consistency. Paul uses this metaphor to show that following Christ is not just a belief but a lifestyle.

Biblical Cross-References

1. John 15:4 – “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
   • Jesus Himself taught that spiritual life comes from staying connected to Him.
2. Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
   • Paul explains that the Christian life is a daily walk of faith in Jesus.
3. Ephesians 4:1 – “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
   • Walking in Christ means living in a way that reflects our salvation.
4. Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
   • The Christian journey is an ongoing process-God continues His work in us.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• Faith is a daily walk, not just a past decision. It’s not enough to have “prayed a prayer” or made a commitment years ago. We must continue walking in Jesus every day.
• Christ is the foundation of everything. Many people try to add other spiritual ideas, traditions, or philosophies to their faith, but Paul reminds us that Jesus is enough.
• We must live under Christ’s Lordship. Jesus is not just a Savior who forgives sins; He is the Lord who leads our lives. Every decision, action, and belief should be shaped by Him.
• Christian maturity comes from abiding in Christ. There are no shortcuts to spiritual growth. The more we walk with Jesus, the stronger our faith becomes.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He not only saves people but also guides them every step of the way. He doesn’t leave believers alone after they come to faith-He invites them to walk with Him daily.

This verse shows that God desires an ongoing relationship with His children. He doesn’t just want people to believe in Him once-He wants them to experience His presence and guidance throughout their lives.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Path We Walk On
   • John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
   • Jesus is not just someone we believe in-He is the way we live.
2. Jesus is Lord, Not Just Savior
   • Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
   • Many people want Jesus as their Savior but don’t want to follow Him as Lord. Paul makes it clear that Jesus is both.
3. Jesus Gives Strength for the Walk
   • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
   • Walking in Christ isn’t always easy, but He gives us the strength to continue.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Paul tells the Colossians to continue in Christ. How would you describe your walk with Jesus right now-active and growing, or passive and stagnant?
2. What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord over your daily life? Are there areas where you struggle to let Him lead?
3. Many people today try to mix Christianity with other spiritual ideas or philosophies. How does this verse challenge that kind of thinking?
4. If someone asked you how to grow in faith, how would you explain “walking in Christ”?
5. What practical steps can you take to continue growing in Jesus daily?

Paul’s message is simple but life-changing: Don’t just start with Jesus-keep walking in Him. The Christian life is not about moving beyond Christ but going deeper into Him every day.