Seen vs Unseen

INTRODUCTION

The Millennium Tower was luxury at every level

San Francisco - highest residential building

Beautiful design - elite amenities

Prime location

600 Million dollars to build

Most expensive unit sold for 13 million dollars

But in 2009 (shortly after it opened) the hotel began to sink and tilt due to the foundation being poured on unstable soil

In 2018, the sinking had increased to 18 inches (46 cm) with a lean of 14 inches (36 cm).[34] Measurements in 2022 show the tilt increased to 28 inches (71 cm), as measured from the roof.

Isn’t it interesting…

What looks strong above ground can be failing under ground

In this series, ROOTS, we will learn that:

Spiritual danger isn’t loud…it’s subtle.

You can look successful, busy, even faithful… while quietly drifting because roots were never strengthened.

TENSION — When Life Looks Fine but Feels Fragile

We live in a culture obsessed with what’s visible:

Appearances

Performance

Platforms

Results

But many people look strong on the outside while feeling unstable on the inside.

Christian Leaders Personal/Moral Failures

Bill Hybels - Willow Creek Church

Carl Lentz - Hillsong NYC

Brian Houston - Hillsong Church

Ravi Zacharias - Christian Apologist

Aaron Ivey - Austin Stone Worship Pastor

Josh Harris - Pastor & Author

James MacDonald

Tony Evans

Perry Noble - NewSpring Church

Robert Morris - Gateway Church

Philip Yancey

Have you ever wondered?

Why do some people collapse under pressure while others stand firm?

Why do storms cause some faith to grow deeper… and others to fall apart?

Why does spiritual burnout happen even to people who “do all the right things”?

The issue is rarely what’s happening above the surface—it’s what’s happening below the surface.

TRUTH

Scripture tells us the difference isn’t talent, personality, or circumstances.

Colossians 2:6–7 “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

The difference is roots

Roots are the unseen practices that build our life on Jesus

Roots Determine Stability

Think about the last time you saw the roots of a tree

it was probably after a storm

Storms don’t create weakness—they reveal it.

Paul says our lives must be rooted in Christ, not circumstances.

When roots are shallow:

Faith becomes fragile

Emotions lead decisions

Pressure leads to panic

When roots are deep:

Trials don’t topple us

Disappointment doesn’t define us

Culture doesn’t shape us

Roots Determine Nourishment

Roots are how life flows into the tree.

Jesus says, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Many believers are spiritually exhausted because they’re:

Busy but not connected

Serving but not abiding

Producing activity without intimacy

You don’t grow by trying harder—you grow by staying connected.

Roots Determine Fruit

Fruit is always the result of what’s happening underground.

God is far more interested in who you’re becoming than what you’re producing.

Before God grows fruit through you, He grows character in you.

Public fruit is the result of private formation.

APPLICATION

1. Plant Yourself in Christ (Not Comfort)

Stop chasing easy faith.

Depth requires intentionality.

Decide: Jesus is my source—not success, approval, or stability.

Practice

Daily surrender prayer (SEE BELOW)

Scripture before screens

2. Stay Connected Through Spiritual Rhythms

Roots grow slowly and quietly.

Healthy rhythms:

Prayer

Scripture

Sabbath

Community

You don’t drift into depth—you choose it.

Practice

Ask: What rhythm is missing in my life right now?

3. Commit to God’s People

Trees don’t grow alone in forests.

Community strengthens roots.

Isolation weakens faith.

Practice

Join a group

Serve consistently

Let others speak into your life

4. Think Beyond Yourself

Deep roots aren’t just for survival—they’re for legacy.

What you’re rooted in today impacts who stands tomorrow.

Practice

Invest in the next generation

Model faith at home

Give toward what outlasts you

Father God, Today, I surrender my will to Yours. I release my plans, my preferences, my fears, and my control. I acknowledge that You are God—and I am not.

Jesus, I choose to remain in You. Be the source of my strength, my wisdom, and my peace. Where I am tempted to rely on myself, teach me to trust You. Where I am hurried, help me to slow down. Where I am anxious, remind me that You are already at work.

Holy Spirit, Search my heart and shape my desires. Pull out anything that does not honor You. Grow in me love, patience, humility, courage, and obedience. Help me walk in step with You today.

I surrender my words—let them give life. I surrender my decisions—let them reflect Your truth. I surrender my time—use it for what matters most. I surrender my relationships—fill them with grace and truth.

Root my life deeply in Christ, So when pressure comes, I stand firm. When challenges rise, my faith grows stronger. And when opportunities appear, I bear fruit that lasts.

Today, I choose obedience over convenience, Faith over fear, Trust over control.

My life is Yours. My heart is open. Lead me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.