Lucas Cecka introduced this summer’s theme in the first session, which is:
ESTABLISHED!
The thought behind the theme is that we are all projects ourselves. Working on ourselves
as Christians calls us to become more established in Christ. The theme verse is:
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.”
Why must we become established? Lucas gave an analogy of two ditches. One ditch represents our worldly thoughts and desires. Colossians 2:4-8 talks about how Paul was absent in body, but he was present in spirit and desired to encourage their walk with Christ. Paul calls his readers to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and to continue to build themselves in Him, “be rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing in thankfulness.” He also warns them to become dependent on Christ, not to become captives to deceptive philosophy and dependent upon tradition or spiritual forces. Therefore, we must be established so this doesn’t happen. The world is constantly pushing us to pursue things of this world that look satisfying. The second ditch described is that of self-righteousness. Colossians 1:23 talks about continuing in one’s faith by establishing and firming their spiritual foundation. “Both of these ditches are rejecting instead of receiving Christ,” Lucas pointed out.
What does it mean to receive Him? First, it requires dying to self. Philippians 3:8 calls us to consider everything we once held close is now a loss because knowing Jesus Christ is worth more than anything we could ever desire. The overarching question is are we able to hold loosely to the things of this world? Secondly, receiving Christ is free and salvation is given away freely, without any catches. Colossians 2:13-14 states we are dead in our trespasses, but God made us alive by cancelling our record of debt. Overall, we must stop trying to earn what Jesus offers for free.
Establishing ourselves within Christ and building a firm foundation within the Word is necessary. Developing a yearning for Christ to lead our lives is something we should desire as Christians. This summer is all about establishing a foundation within Christ.