The apostle Paul unveils a profound mystery in his letter to the Colossians, something that had been hidden for ages: “And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing His glory” (Colossians 1:27). He goes on to say, “In Christ lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The secret is out—Christ in us is the key to unlocking a life of wisdom, growth, and transformation.
But how do we allow Christ to live in us in all His fullness? How can we walk in the wisdom and knowledge that Paul says are hidden in Him? Let’s explore how to practically live out this secret and grow in the treasures of wisdom God offers through Christ.
1. Abide in Christ: The Key to Fullness
Jesus calls us to abide in Him, just as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:4-5). Abiding isn’t passive—it’s an active, ongoing relationship that involves seeking Him daily through prayer, His Word, and cultivating an awareness of His presence in your life.
When we abide in Christ:
- His Word transforms us: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Reading Scripture is not just an intellectual exercise but a way to allow God’s truth to reshape how we think and live.
- Prayer keeps us connected: Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s will, opening ourselves up to His guidance and wisdom in every situation.
Abiding in Christ positions us to receive His wisdom. The more time we spend in His presence, the more His thoughts, desires, and ways of living become our own.
2. Be Led by the Holy Spirit: Walking in Wisdom
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Christian life is that Christ doesn’t just give us instructions and leave us to figure it out on our own. Instead, He gives us His Spirit to lead and empower us. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The Holy Spirit is our guide into all truth (John 16:13). As we learn to be sensitive to His voice, we experience Christ’s wisdom in real-time. Whether in small daily decisions or major life choices, the Spirit speaks, convicts, and guides us.
How do we walk by the Spirit?
- Cultivate sensitivity: Spend time in quiet prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and lead your steps.
- Practice obedience: When the Spirit prompts you to act or change direction, respond in faith. Each step of obedience strengthens your ability to hear His voice and grow in Christ-like wisdom.
3. Die to Self: Let Christ Live Through You
Paul’s life-changing declaration, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20), illustrates that for Christ to live in us fully, we must first die to ourselves. This means laying aside our selfish desires, ambitions, and plans to embrace God’s purposes.
Dying to self involves:
- Daily surrender: Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). This is a continual process of yielding control and allowing Christ’s will to be done in our lives.
- Trusting in God’s strength: As we die to self, we discover a new strength in Christ. Where we are weak, He is strong. This is where we begin to experience the fullness of His life working through us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice. The more we die to self, the more we make room for Christ to live fully in us, shaping us into people of wisdom and grace.
4. Renew Your Mind: Aligning with God’s Truth
To grow in wisdom, our minds must be renewed. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Renewing your mind means:
- Filling your thoughts with Scripture: Let God’s Word reshape your perspective on life, relationships, and decisions.
- Replacing worldly thinking: The world’s values often clash with God’s. We must actively choose to reject messages that glorify self, materialism, or compromise, and instead embrace God’s truth.
When we renew our minds, we begin to see life through God’s eyes, making decisions based on His wisdom rather than the world’s ever-changing opinions.
5. Seek Wisdom in Community: Grow with Others
Paul’s letters often emphasize the importance of the church body in helping one another grow. Wisdom is not something we gain in isolation; God designed us to grow in Christ alongside others.
In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul speaks of how we mature and grow as each part of the body does its work, “speaking the truth in love” to one another. Church community is where:
- We receive wise counsel: Others may have insights or experiences that help us understand God’s wisdom more fully.
- We sharpen one another: Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Healthy relationships with fellow believers refine us, hold us accountable, and encourage us in our walk with Christ.
Don’t underestimate the importance of being part of a church community. Surround yourself with people who seek God’s wisdom and can help you grow in your journey.
6. Embrace Humility: The Gateway to True Wisdom
James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” The path to wisdom begins with recognizing our need for it and humbly coming before God.
Christ Himself modeled humility (Philippians 2:5-8), and growing in wisdom means following His example. It’s not about gaining knowledge to feel superior, but about living in a way that honors God and serves others. Humility opens our hearts to receive God’s wisdom and grace.
Conclusion: Growing in Christ
The secret to wisdom and knowledge is not found in worldly philosophies or self-help techniques—it’s found in Christ, living in you. As you abide in Him, walk by the Spirit, die to self, renew your mind, live in community, and embrace humility, you will grow in the fullness of Christ’s wisdom and knowledge.
The treasures of wisdom are not locked away for only a select few to find. They are available to every believer who seeks Christ and allows Him to live through them. The more we embrace this divine mystery, the more we experience the fullness of life that Christ offers.
Christ in you—this is the secret to a life of wisdom, power, and purpose. Now, walk in it.
