Go Yee to all Nations! Mattew 28:19
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Go Yee to all Nations! Mattew 28:19
To be rooted in Christ’s love is to draw our nourishment, strength, and identity from Him. Just as a tree’s roots provide stability and sustenance, being deeply rooted in Christ’s love gives us the foundation we need to withstand life’s storms and flourish in our faith
Introduction:
In the midst of life’s storms, just as trees are tested by ice storms, our faith is tested by trials and tribulations. The question is, do we have a root system strong enough to withstand these storms? In Colossians 2:1-7, Paul paints a vivid picture of being rooted in Christ as the foundation for a healthy and thriving Christian life, both individually and as a church.
I. The Struggle for Spiritual Growth (Colossians 2:1):
Paul emphasizes the struggle for spiritual maturity, reminding us that there is a spiritual battle raging against the church. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that seek to discourage, divide, and deceive us. Yet, we are not left alone in this struggle.
"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally"
II. The Weapons of Our Warfare (Colossians 4:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5):
Paul’s primary weapons are prayer and the Word of God. Prayer is a struggle, but a powerful one, as it aligns us with God’s purposes and opens us to His guidance and strength. The Word of God, when studied and applied, demolishes false arguments and equips us with the truth.
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured"
III. The Goal of Spiritual Growth (Colossians 1:9-12):
Paul’s ultimate goal is to see the church become more like Christ. This includes growing in knowledge of God’s will, living a life pleasing to Him, bearing fruit, and persevering through trials.
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,[a] 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[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
IV. A Healthy Church’s Root System (Colossians 2:2-7):
A healthy church, like a healthy tree, is rooted in Christ and exhibits certain characteristics:
Strengthened through Prayer Prayer is our lifeline to God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God and promises that His peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Through prayer, we deepen our intimacy with God and find the strength to face life’s challenges.
Grounded in Fellowship Ephesians 3:17-19 speaks of being rooted and established in love, having power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Being rooted in Christ’s love means being part of a community of believers who support, encourage, and hold each other accountable.
Living Out His Love 1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love because He first loved us.” Rooted in Christ’s love, we are called to reflect His love to the world. This means loving our neighbors, serving those in need, and being a light in the darkness. Our actions should testify to the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the storms of life, may we be deeply rooted in Christ, drawing strength from His Word and prayer. May we be united in love, growing in understanding, and living in obedience to Him. In this way, we will not only weather the storms but also bear abundant fruit for God’s glory.
One Response
Great word