IF YOU BELIEVE IN HIM – PROVE IT! Col. 2:6 There is great safety in going back to first principles. To make sure of being in the right way, it is good to look back at the entrance gate. Well begun is half done. The text is addressed, not to the ungodly, nor to strangers, but to those who have received “Jesus Christ as Lord.” They have commenced well, let them go on as they have begun. For the spiritual good and establishment of such in the faith, the apostle longs, and to this end he gives the exhortation. I. NOTICE IN THE TEXT THE FACT STATED. Sincere believers have in very deed “received Christ Jesus the Lord.” This is the old gospel word. Here is no evolution from within, but a gift from without, heartily accepted by the soul. This is free-grace language –“received”, not earned or purchased. It is not said that they received Christ’s words, though that is true, for they prize every precept and doctrine; but they received Christ. Carefully observe: 1. The personality of Him whom they received. “Christ Jesus the Lord,” His person, His Godhead, His humanity, Himself. Received Him into their knowledge, their understanding, their affections, their trust. Received Him as their life at their new birth, for when they received Him He gave them power to become the sons of God. 2. The threefold character in which they recieved Him. They recieved Him – As Christ, anointed and commissioned by God. As Jesus, the Saviour, to redeem and sanctify them. As Lord, to reign and rule over them with undivided sway. 3. The looking away from self in this saving act of reception. It is not said, as ye have fought for Jesus and won Him, or, as ye have studied the truth and discovered Christ Jesus, but, as ye have received Him. This strips us of everything like boasting, for all we do is to receive. II. THE COUNSEL GIVEN. “So walk ye in Him.” There are four things suggested by that word “walk.” 1. Life. Vitally enjoy the Lord Jesus. 2. Continuance. Remain in Christ; make Him your constant place of daily movement and occupation. 3. Activity. Busy yourselves, but not with a new way of salvation. Work for Jesus, and with Him, and in obedience to Him. 4. Progress. Advance, but ever let your most advanced thought remain in Him. III. THE MODEL WHICH IS PRESENTED TO US. We are to walk in Christ Jesus the Lord “as we received Him.” And how was that? 1. We received Him gratefully. How we blessed His Name for regarding our low estate! 2. We received Him humbly. We had no claim to His Grace, and we confessed this and were lowly. 3. We received Him joyfully. Our first joy was as bright as the dew of the morning. Have we lost it? 4. We received Him effectually. We brought forth many spiritual fruits, and abounded unto life, faith, love and every grace. 5. We received Him unreservedly. We made no conditions with Him, and we reserved nothing for the flesh.