If you’ve ever approached the Christian life like a checklist—trying to earn God’s favor by doing more, trying harder, and staying on track—you’re not alone. But as Pastor Aaron reminded us this morning, that framework misses the heart of the gospel entirely. The Christian life isn’t about producing spiritual fruit by our own effort. It’s about abiding in Christ. All the traits we hope to see in ourselves—love, joy, patience, perseverance—are not self-generated. They’re the natural outflow of being connected to Jesus, who lives in us. That’s the real transformation: not behavior modification, but divine habitation.
Aaron walked us through Colossians 1 and emphasized Paul’s central message to a young Gentile church: know who Jesus is. Paul isn’t writing with a list of do’s and don’ts. He’s painting a breathtaking picture of Christ’s supremacy. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, the creator, sustainer, and heir of everything. He is the head of the church, the one who reconciles all things to God, and the one who makes peace by His blood. There is no higher name, no greater power, no deeper truth. And the most shocking part? That Jesus now lives in us.
So who are we in light of that truth? Paul reminds the Colossians—and us—that we were alienated, hostile toward God, and engaged in evil. But Jesus didn’t wait for us to clean up our act. He redeemed us, forgave us, and reconciled us to the Father. He transferred us from darkness into His kingdom. And now, clothed in His righteousness, we are blameless and beyond reproach. That’s not wishful thinking. That’s what happens when Christ takes up residence in our lives.
But how does this miraculous change play out practically? What do we do now? Paul’s answer is both simple and profound: remain in the faith. Stay rooted in dependence. Don’t shift away from the hope of the gospel. Like a glove has no power apart from the hand inside it, we have no power apart from Christ in us. The Christian life isn’t about imitating Jesus from a distance. It’s about letting His life animate ours from the inside out. We bear fruit not by striving but by staying connected.
This union with Christ transforms everything. It reframes how we approach relationships, conflict, and purpose. It reminds us that we’re not just followers of Jesus—we are filled with Jesus. Wherever we go, He goes. Whatever we face, He faces with us. The miracle is not just that we are forgiven or saved. The miracle is that Christ is in you. That’s the hope of glory.
Small Group Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to “abide in Christ”? How is that different from simply following rules or doing good things?
- Aaron used the image of a glove without a hand. In what ways do you try to “act Christian” without really depending on Christ’s power?
- Colossians 1 paints a big picture of who Jesus is. Which part of that description stood out to you, and why?
- Paul calls us to “remain in the faith.” What are some things in your life that tempt you to shift your focus or depend on yourself instead?
- If Christ is truly in you, what might change about how you approach your day, your relationships, or your struggles this week?
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