Colossians 1:27-29, "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Colossians 2:6-7, "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."
I am currently doing an online Bible study on Colossians. With each session, I am feeling the urge to share with you a little of what I am learning. Spreading the gospel is 'The Great Commission' and we are called to action by whatever means enables us to do so.
My online Bible study is led by Louie Giglio. He points out, in verse 27, that the mystery of the gospel is 'Christ in you.' It is not Christ 'and' you, but rather Christ living in and through you. I think that's a profound truth we so often miss.
We have the power of Jesus inside of us to do what He calls us to.
We often think that we are still 'working' our way to heaven... that's not so. If that we're true, heaven would be empty. No one can get eternal life without the acceptance of Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. We all fall short of the glory of God and that's why we need Christ 'in' us. If it was Christ 'and' us, our salvation would never be secure.
Louie referred to the rope of self-reliance that we all cling to, but must let go of:
"When you let go of the rope you'll realize that Jesus not only did all the work to bring you to God, Jesus is living in you to supply the power to allow you to walk in God."
God will give you the grace you need to fulfill His purposes for your life.
As for myself, I have clung to the rope of self-reliance with fear of the unknown that was guided by a lack of trust that God would not provide for all my needs. When I worked in Springfield, I was so tired after work that I had panic attacks driving home. A 20 minute drive home took up to 2 hours. My dilemma was my hidden secret covered by lies because of the fear of not being able to drive any longer. Finally, one day I literally froze at a stoplight and couldn't move. A stranger was God-sent to help me within 2 minutes. After my secret came into light, I was taught how to use my hand controls. They were there all along, I just needed to ask for help. God provided for me ahead of my fears and provided a few more years of driving for me. His provisions for us are always for our good, whether its give or take.
If your faith is counting on you... remember Jesus is asking you to count on Him alone, not on anything you can do. Our faith is secured by Jesus' clutch on us as His child, not our wavering hold on Him.
Therefore, as a believer with Christ 'in' you, you walk alongside God. As verse 2:7 above says, "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." We are commanded to make Jesus, the center and foundation of our lives. We are commanded to put our faith in Jesus Christ alone. We are commanded to give praise, honor, and acknowledgement for all Jesus is, was, and is to come in our lives.
What did we contribute to our salvation? The 100% sin nature within us that made our salvation necessary. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9