This is a wonderful rule for Christian living. We cannot perfect in the flesh what was begun in the Spirit; therefore just as you received Jesus, walk in Him in the same way. The simple things of the Christian life provide continual and reliable spiritual fuel for growth. We always have to be reminded of the things we have been taught.

– You received Jesus by simple faith in who He is and what He did for you on the cross – so keep walking that way.
– You received Jesus by grace, through faith – so keep walking that way.
– You received Jesus humbly knowing you were a sinner who needs to be rescued – so keep walking that way.
– You received Jesus believing His word is true – so keep walking that way.
– You received Jesus because the Holy Spirit did something wonderful in you; keep open to the Spirit’s wonderful work.

Notice that Paul used a curious combination of metaphors: So walk in Him, rooted and built up. As Christians, we walk, but we are also rooted, and we are also built up. The metaphors are somewhat mixed, but the message is clear: be established and keep growing.

– You are a person on a journey, so keep walking on the right path.
– You are like a tree that should bear good fruit, so keep rooted.
– You are like a beautiful temple for God’s presence, so keep building.

The word-pictures are mixed, but the message isn’t. You started well in your Christian life; keep growing in the truth faith. A good start isn’t enough, and the more dangerous the days are, the more important it is for us to keep walking, to stay rooted, and to continue building.