Untitled Sermon (3)

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Shark Bay, Australia, should perhaps consider a name change to Seagrass Bay, since the largest resident isn’t a great white predator, but a single seagrass meadow. After discovering that the whole bay’s worth of seagrass spread from one seed and was all part of the same plant, it instantly became the world’s largest plant—as large as 20,000 football fields. At 77 square miles, it’s three-times the size of Manhattan, and could be 4,500 years old to date.

Jane Edgeloe and colleagues took samples from several stalks from across Shark Bay. They wanted to find out how many individual plants made up the rich meadow, which spreads 110 miles throughout the giant inlet. Edelgoe said, “The answer blew us away—there was just one! That’s it, just one plant has expanded over 112 miles in Shark Bay, making it the largest known plant on Earth.”

Another of the researchers said, “It appears to be really resilient, experiencing a wide range of temperatures and extreme light conditions, which together would typically be highly stressful for most plants.” Yet through a proper root system and nutrients, this seagrass has thrived through the years.

In hearing this article, I did a little bit of a deep dive. I continued to look online of what exactly seagrass is used for, and here’s what I found…

It turns out, seagrass meadows provide habitats and food for a variety of marine life. Like shrimp, scallops, crab and cod… which if you like seafood like I do, turns out seagrass is quite useful when it comes to our fisherman’s platters.. but Seagrass also provide refuges for endangered species such as seahorses, turtles, and other marine life.. and finally, seagrass meadows provide coastal storm protection… beause their leaves absorb energy from waves as they hit the coast. They help to prevent massive storm surges, flooding and other natural catastrophes from taking place. In short, seagrass meadows are extremely important.

And here’s what’s crazy when we circle back to our story… one seed, would eventually expand into 20,000 football fields in square surface… one seed would expand to 112 miles in length!

We transition then to ourselves this morning. Perhaps you’re wondering, why in the world are we starting service with this topic of seagrass meadows… Good question…

And oddly enough, each of us has more in common with this seagrass than we realize. You see, just like the seagrass, you too have a purpose this morning… a specific purpose… Just like the seagrass, you’re designed to grow, you’re designed to bear fruit, you’re designed to be impactful in your own respective ocean floor. And despite difficulty, we see that as we are anchored to the firm foundation, good ultimately results.

If you have your bibles, turn with me to Corinthians 1. And as you’re turning there this morning. I want us to see we are 1. Rooted on the firm foundation, 2. Root to bear fruit, 3. Rooted to grow.

1. Rooted on the Faith ( Firm foundation.)

Colossians 1:1-6 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

As we start into Colossians, we find Paul writing a letter to the young church of Colossae. Now, as Paul writes, most scholars agree that he is probably at this point in time, imprisoned in Rome.

Now unlike the other 13 epistles attributed to Paul, in which several are addressed to churches that he planted… The church In Colossians was not started by Paul, in fact, scripture doesn’t even mention that Paul ever visited the city of Colossians. Instead, what we find is that a man by the name of Epaphras, was the man that God used to start the church in Colossians.

And in studying, what I found is that despite the diligent efforts of Epaphras with the Colossian church. That issues of legalism and false teachings started to threaten this young Colossian Church. That members of Essenes started to promote this gospel by works rather than by grace. And in addition, the many philosophies and religions of the day started began to impose a threat on this church.

And so Epaphras, who greatly looked up to Paul… Took a 1,000-mile Journey (roughly) from the city of Colossians, which is modern day turkey… and he traveled to Rome to meet Paul. Because Ultimately, Epaphras wanted Paul to write to this Colossian church and encourage them…

You see here’s the point… this Colossian church was in trouble… The city of Colossae was exposed to many idols, and false teachings… This word was timely in that day and age. And so, Paul writes the church, to encourage them to stay rooted in their faith, and to stay the course, to stay the way of Christ.

And so, as we go back to the text… Paul would explain 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

You see here’s the point. From the onset of this letter, Paul quickly addresses this area of Faith. He first explains in verse 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel

Notice in verse 5, it talks about the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel.

And here we see this true message of the gospel. This true message of course is in contrast to the false message of religions and philosophies in the Colossian culture. And speak to the truth of Christ. It speaks to the true message of the gospel. By the way, that word Gospel there, means good news. In a little over a month, we’ll talk about the Good News, that Causes Great Joy… in Luke 2. And of course, this Good News, is the savior, it’s Jesus.

But Here’s the key, from the start. Paul addresses the Foundation of Faith… He addresses this Faith, and love, as it says in verse 4 the: “faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.”

You see Paul is addressing this church… He takes them back to the foundation… from the start of this letter, it’s important to remember why they do what they do… Why do we do this? Why do we do that? Why are we here this morning… and Paul quickly summarizes, that it — 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel.

You see, here’s the point church. There’s a word outside, that is full of lies. In fact, the bible tells us that Satan, is the father of lies. That is his native tongue. And so, In a world that is submerged in lies, and deception and false teachings, friends… WE have to stand on the truth. Paul brings the Colossians church back to the Truth. And the truth is this, their hope is stored up in heaven. Their hope is in Christ alone.

You see Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see

You see friends, the Colossians, had hope… like a small acorn… that’s the word picture that kept coming to mind this week. And in this hope, what was to come ultimately had not been yet realized…they were still living on this year, there were still facing difficulties, and hardships, and persecution. Life for them wasn’t easy… but in this faith, in this hope that they had for what was to come… it compelled them onward towards holiness and Christlikeness.

You see Paul Calls them back to their roots. Along these lines, I’m reminded of a story I came across this week that explains:

Science writer Hope Jahren shares an interesting fact about plants, especially how a tiny seed starts to put down roots—the most essential thing for a plant's survival. She writes, No risk is more terrifying than that taken by the first root. A lucky root will eventually find water, but its first job is to anchor … Once the first root is extended, the plant will never again enjoy any hope of relocating to a place less cold, less dry, less dangerous. Indeed, it will face frost, drought, and greedy jaws without any possibility of flight.

She calls taking root a big "gamble," but if the seed takes root, it can go down twelve, thirty, forty meters. The results are powerful. The tree's roots can "swell and split bedrock, and move gallons of water daily for years, much more efficiently than any pump yet invented by man." If the root takes root, then the plant becomes all but indestructible: "Tear apart everything aboveground—everything—and most plants can still grow rebelliously back from just one intact root. More than once. More than twice."

Friends, it’s not that the seed won’t experience difficulty. In fact, this article calls putting it’s roots out a gamble… but I’m reminded of the famous quote that say: “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” Friends, are we standing on the truth this morning? That is our firm foundation.

Heb 6:19-20

19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Friends, we have hope this morning. His name is Jesus. We may face difficulties, we may face hardships, and oppressions and trials at every turn… but when we are anchored on the foundation… Friend, we are firm and secure.

2. Rooted to bear fruit

Colossians 1:5-8 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

So, Paul continues and discusses Epaphras who has shared the gospel with the church. He as we discussed earlier has been pivotal in this Colossian church.

But the main thing I want to draw our attention to is verse 6 which explains: In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

You see, here’s the point. The gospel bears fruit. Now here in this scripture, the fruit being discussed is… the gospel is not stagnant. No, the gospel is alive and active. It’s growing and bearing fruit.

In John 15,

1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. Goes on to say…

14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Friends, the gospel is designed to bear fruit as we go and testify of the love of Jesus… but there’s also this idea of fruit in our own lives. The question becomes, what comes out when life is difficult?

Galatians 5:16-25 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

We see this concept of “walking by the spirit” (vs 16.) and in verse 25, the scripture continues as we see this idea of “keeping in step with the spirit.” (vs 25.)

But here’s the point. Not only do we go and bear fruit, or do the works of the Lord. But even In our inner being, when others see us… they should see Jesus.

I came across an article entitled: Tesla Setting Lets You Drive Like a Jerk. It goes on to say: Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving software now lets you decide how much of a “jerk” you want to be on the road, says Yahoo. The Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta lets you choose from three driving “profiles” that dictate how the car will react to certain situations on the road. Each mode… “Chill,” “Average,” and “Assertive,” varies in terms of aggressiveness (and potentially safety).

In “Chill” mode, the vehicle will “have a large follow distance and perform only a few speed lane changes,” “Average” mode means the car “will have a medium follow distance and may perform rolling stops.”

In the “Assertive” model however, also known as the jerk mode… The Tesla will “have a much smaller following distance” and “perform many more speed lane changes.” The vehicle will also “not exit passing lanes” and “may perform rolling stops.” Which suggest the cars may or may not come to a full stop at stop signs.

Obviously, this is a funny example, and fortunately I don’t believe anyone here owns a tesla, so we can avoid asking you if you keep your car on Jerk mode or not… but here’s the point.

These cars have a governor which decides how each car will act. Some of these drivers have decided to drive their cars like maniacs, or jerks, but others are ok going through life on a more chilled out pace.

I use this story to encourage us to stay off of jerk mode. So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Friends, are we listening to thee governor. Are we bearing fruit in our lives, through our works… and are we allowing God, to do a work within us… so that the fruit of the spirit is what comes out Naturally?

3. Rooted to grow (fill).

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

We won’t spend a ton of time on this last point. But as Paul concludes his salutation, we find in verse 9 this continued idea of prayer, We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. And then it goes on to say

- So, that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.

- So that, you would bearing fruit in every good work,

- be strengthened with all power

- have great endurance and patience

- and giving joyful thanks to Lord

You see friends, Paul is praying here… that God would fill these saints, with knowledge, and wisdom and understanding… because the result is all these characteristics. A worthy life, bearing fruit, strength and power, endurance and patience, and joy in all circumstances.

You see, a plant needs the son to grow.

Friends, we too need the son. We need a filling of the spirit, an empowerment that only comes from Him.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Friends, we need more and more of Him in our lives.

We need to be emptied out of ourselves, and to allow the Holy Spirit, to renew and transform us in every way. Are we committed to that this morning?

I’m going to call the worship team up at this time…

And as they come forward:

1. Maybe you’re here and you would say, that you don’t feel like you’re living a life of power. You’re saved. Perhaps you’ve been saved for a long time… but you wouldn’t describe your life necessarily as empowered…

2. Maybe you’re here this morning, and when life is difficult, your fruit isn’t exactly very pleasant.

3. Difficulties of some sort. Trials, struggles, temptations…

Pray