Take Root

Introduction

Pottawatomie Oak

A tree that knows how to survive the storm.

Tree imagery in the Bible.

Both for surviving and thriving.

Our motto:

Take Root * Bear Fruit

Imagery we will explore over the next two weeks.

Where Is Your Root?

Jer. 17:7; Col. 2:6a.

One day I’ll figure out how to keep mums going strong. Always too hot and too dry.

The effect of environment on living things.

Growing up with alfalfa fields for hay. Fertilizer, insecticide, and water.

Fields with dead patches in them because of the soil the root resides.

Much like the description in Jeremiah 17:5-6. Cursed! Dry! Parched! Nothing good comes!

But, the opposite - Blessed (v. 7)!

What makes the difference?

Consider the focus and substance of faith.

Trusts in the LORD and trust is the LORD.

What does it mean to trust? to have faith?

Three levels of faith: Knowledge, Affirmation, and Commitment

All of this towards a singular person.

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Colossians 2:6 ESV

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

The singular object of faith - by personal commitment.

Why Does It Matter?

Jer. 17:8; Col. 2:6

Western Oklahoma. When the dust bowl came through, devastating.

Eventually planted tree rows to prevent erosion.

Before that, the only places you found trees was along the rivers and creeks.

It matters to that tree how close it is to water and good soil.

Faith has effects.

Classic Hebrew poetry.

Jeremiah 17:8 ESV

He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

We shall always be in danger as long as we are here.

Charles Spurgeon

Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger.

Anonymous

Danger does not affect true faith.

This is the fruit of authentic faith.

Colossians 2:6 ESV

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

So walk / live in him.

What Challenges You?

Jer. 16:9; Col. 2:7

Kid in youth group - Performed their wedding - within a matter of months, he called me in tears.

As I spoke to her on the phone, her justification was that she just had to follow her heart.

And as she followed hers, it broke mine. And this verse echoed in my mind.

Jeremiah 17:5 ESV

Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.

This is the natural posture of man.

Romans 5:10 ESV

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Making hospital visits - trained to wash your hands going in and wash your hands going out.

Sickness is all around - it’s a hospital!

Being vigilant against illness.

Be spiritually vigilant.

Know your heart, know your weaknesses.

Unlike a tree planted in parched ground, you have freewill to choose your influences.

Colossians 2:7 ESV

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Choose to reject the sinful heart and instead establish yourself in the faith.

When Does Faith Flourish?

Jer. 17:10; Col. 2:7

People who are abounding in thanksgiving.

People with an unconquerable spirit.

Not just forcing a smile, and not just an easy life.

This is what scriptural thanksgiving looks like.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This question of flourishing faith is the essence of v. 10a. What does God find when He tests you?

Faith flourishes immediately and eternally.

Quality and Quantity of life.

While rejection of God’s gift of salvation leads to death.

Colossians 2:7 ESV

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Move your root.

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Lord

Raised from dead = the sacrifice of Jesus.

Justified = declared innocent.

Confession is commitment.