Deep Roots
Background Story: Paul wrote the book of Ephesians as a letter to the church of Ephesus teaching them important truths about Jesus and living as disciple.
Read Ephesians 3:16-19
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Big Idea: The Christian walk is rooted in Christ’s love and grace.
The roots of a plant have a few jobs. The first job is to provide an anchor that allows the plant to stand. The second is to absorb water and food to keep the plant growing, alive, and producing.
Like a plant, our faith is rooted and anchored in Christ’s sacrifice and grace. We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again, and through grace and faith, we receive forgiveness, salvation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. These foundational truths are essential and the structure that our lives and identity are built upon.
But often after receiving the gift of salvation, we try to grow, change, and produce fruit through our own power and strength. And then we’re surprised when we feel exhausted and defeated. Jesus said in John 15 that He is the vine and we are the branches, and that “apart from Him we can do nothing.” To see growth, change, or fruit, we must live in increasing dependence on the Holy Spirit. When temptation comes, we cry out for help and receive the power we need to stand against it. When fear and anxious thoughts assault our mind, we pray for peace and receive it. Faced with decisions, we cry out for wisdom and receive instruction. Sharing our faith, we ask for the words to speak and say them. Moment by moment, in all situations and at all times, we remain rooted, tapped in, and connected to Him.
The most mature believer isn’t the one who can quote the most verses or has been attending church the longest. It’s the person who has learned to live in complete dependence on God.
Takeaway Verse:
Song for Today:
Looking for More?
Dig Deeper: Romans 5:1-5, Ephesians 2:1-8, Zechariah 4:6, Philippians 2:13, Romans 15:13, Ephesians 1:17, John 14:15-17, John 14:26-27, 2 Timothy 1:14, Romans 8:5-14, Galatians 3:3, Galatians 5:16-25, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 2 Timothy 1:7
Similar Devotions: Running the Race, For Every Need, What’s Growing?, Just Enough for Today, The Door Is Already Open, My Identity, Because He Lives, Equipped, I Know, Victorious Life
Devotions4Teens Video: Thirsting For God, Where is God in my Trials and Pain?, Sneaky Sin, Becoming More Like Jesus, 3 Tips to Help You Grow Closer to God!, The Gospel- 3 Minute Presentation, I Want to See
