In episode 205, “Qualities of a Christ Follower”, Brooke & Faren discuss the meaning of Colossians 2:6-7 in the Bible. Hear what Paul says to the Colossians about what it looks like to follow Jesus. We use our © Read Pray Talk Tell Method to discover ways we can practically live this scripture out in everyday life. The Colossians mini series begins on episode 204 and goes through episode 208 of the Witty & Gritty podcast.
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Read About Following Christ
As we reflect on the book of Colossians, we know that Paul is writing to encourage and remind the people of Colossae to stay strong in the faith, even when the world is constantly tempting them. Paul talks about qualities of a Christ follower along with what happens when you pursue Christ. Last episode we invited you to read chapter one of Colossians with us, and now we’ll dive into chapter two. Let this scripture speak to you as it did for the people who read this letter so long ago:
“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 is stating that accepting Christ is the starting line, and following Him is the next step. The word “sanctification” comes into play here. This means as you walk with Christ, you become more like Him. This is where we can see some of the qualities of a Christ follower.
Think of tree roots growing deep into the ground; this is what our love of learning about God should look like. When we build our lives on Christ we get to experience the promise in the rest of this scripture. Our faith will grow strong and we will overflow with thankfulness.
Pray Over These Qualities
The world is so tempting, and we’d be silly not to prepare ourselves for what’s coming. This is why we need our roots to grow deep and to build our lives on Christ. Pray Colossians 2:6-7 over your life as you walk daily in Christ on Earth.
When we talk about qualities of a Christ follower, we see followers face temptation, and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, turn away from the world. Knowing you ought to follow the Lord is the easy part. It’s the doing it part that we need help. Pray that you stay strong, lean on God, and ask Him to help you deny the world’s temptations.
Some of the qualities of a Christ follower we discuss in this episode include the classic phrase WWJD (“What would Jesus do?”), and modeling how you think, act, pray, and respond. Do you move when God says to move? When the Holy Spirit nudges, do you follow through? If you’re faced with a situation do you respond like Jesus would? Pray you respond well when faced with these opportunities.
These are tough questions we address in the episode, so be sure to scroll back up and press play to hear our responses. We also discuss ways in which you hear from God, so if you feel like you’re missing the boat on how to do this, check out episode 205.
Talk About Temptations
If we’re being tempted on this side of heaven, we know our friends are too. This is where we can step in, pray for each other, and keep each other accountable. Yes, it may mean tough conversations, but we’d rather have a tough conversation early and out of love than having to help friends clean up terrible messes from falling into temptation.
If you are being tempted, reach out to your trusted Christian circle, and ask them to pray for you (and vice versa). This is also a great time to circle back to what the text says (the Bible). Satan likes to take the truth of the Bible and twist it in a way that is close, but inaccurate. Make sure your whole crew has solid theology when it comes to what God wants for us (or reach out to your church for help).
This is where Biblical worldview is needed. You can learn more about all of this in our podcast library. Just pick a topic you’d like to learn more about (or you’re struggling with), and tune into that mini series.
We encourage you to speak truth into each other in your Christian community. Help each other capture toxic thoughts and align it with the truth. We even have a mini series just for that! CLICK HERE if you’re wanting to improve your thought life. There are many ways to improve your personal qualities of a Christ follower, and capturing thoughts is one way to do that.
Tell Kids About Worldly Pressure
A few episodes ago, we talked about having an internal eternal mindset along with a solid Biblical worldview. At several points in life your child will feel pressure to belong, and we’ve got to figure out what God says about that. Tune into episode 205 “Qualities of a Christ Follower” to hear how we go on the offense.
We also address how to teach our children to find the silver lining in all situations. Start small so they get the hang of it, and over time they’ll be able to tackle bigger hurdles. Remember the scripture says “overflowing with thankfulness”. The more you model this, the more you’ll begin to overflow. This tactic also builds resilience and grit.
We hope you enjoyed episode 205, “Qualities of a Christ Follower”, through our © Read Pray Talk Tell Method. Now it’s up to you to work through the Bible chapter discussed, pray about this verse using the prompts given, have biblical community around this verse, and go point others to Christ with the tips we give. Remember, when you read, pray, talk, tell consistently, you’ll grow your faith in God more deeply. Tune in next week to hear another breakdown of a Bible verse!
Links From the Show
- Colossians Mini Series
- Witty & Gritty IG
- He Speaks to Me Bible Study by Priscilla Shirer
- Gangster Prayer Mini Series episodes 131-140
- Grit Mini Series 19-25
- Atomic Habits Mini Series 103-111
- Witty & Gritty podcast library
- Get Out Of Your Head Mini Series
