Rooted in God’s Love 1

God’s Love: The Root of it All What kind of a love is it? The Psalmists tell us – It is UNFAILING (16 psalms) Constant, unflagging Everlasting, inexhaustible Infallible, sure – It is GREAT (9 psalms) – It endures forever (106, 107, 118, 136), it is wonderful (31:21); it is better than life (63:3), it stands firm forever (89:2), it is from everlasting to everlasting (103:17) 2

Ephesians 3:17-19 “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” 3

We often cannot grasp the love of God. We lack passion, live in fear, are anxious. We often find ourselves lost, depressed, lonely, succumbing to our weaknesses. 4

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Experiencing God’s Love More We need to be rooted in God’s love. Being “rooted” – Having as the origin or source, foundation – Having as the essential core, firm Being rooted in God’s love – Having it as the foundation of our lives – Being able to draw life from it – Making it the basis of everything we do 6

Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 7

4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 8

Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 9

Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 10

A tree... Deep roots – Stability and capacity to withstand the elements Growth and time – from a long-term, established relationship with the soil Fruitfulness – Food, shade, shelter 11

...planted by streams of water Very close to the source of nourishment and refreshment Automatically able to draw from the source through its roots 12

One rooted in God’s love... …delights in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2) 13

His Word, commands, decrees, statutes, precepts, ordinances God’s law The Father’s love letter to us 14

From the Arabic which means “to be mindful of, attentive to”, “keep, protect”. When something delights us, we become preoccupied with it and we tend to protect and guard it. The study of God’s Word is to be one of the key purposes and affairs in our life in which we delight and to which we give careful attention. Not an “optional extra” To delight 15

To meditate The study and application of the Word to one’s life. It means thinking about what Scripture means and how, when, and where it should be applied. Reading, hearing, study, and memorizing so that one can accurately think about Scripture and apply it. 16

Day and night An idiom that means constantly, consistently and regularly; being occupied with God’s Word. In one’s mind and heart at all times in every situation and area of life 2 Cor 10:4-5 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 17

Day and night An idiom that means constantly, consistently and regularly; being occupied with God’s Word. In one’s mind and heart at all times in every situation and area of life 2 Cor 10:4-5 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 18

The Blessings... Fruitfulness – “yields its fruit in due season” Fruit is a proof of the root Categories of fruit: the character of Jesus Christ (Gal 5:22-25) and service – exercising our spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:3f) and evangelization (Jn 15:16) At the proper, suitable time 19

Vitality – “whose leaf does not wither” The capacity to live and develop; the power of enduring Stays healthy despite bad conditions; solidity, toughness, endurance, impregnability, strength 20

Phil 4: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 21

Phil 4: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 22

Prosperity/Success – “and in whatever he does, he prospers” Within the framework of God’s will, according to God’s value and purposes; in the sphere of God’s enablement, supply and direction There will be adversity or failure – God can use failure as an instrument of growth God’s kind of prosperity – spiritual prosperity, discernment and godly character Not physical wealth or health but spiritual growth and capacity for life with people and in service to God 23

Being rooted in other things Instability – “like chaff which the wind drives away” – Chaff: the seed covering and debris separated from the grain or seed in threshing – Worthless, of no value – Blown and tossed about 24

Being rooted in other things... 2.Inability – “will not stand judgment” 3.Perishability – “will perish” – Live primarily for this life 25

SINKING OUR ROOTS DEEPER 26

Being immersed in the Word of God vision, passion, hope 27

Living a life of prayer peace, faith, silence 28

Faithfulness to our commitments community, stability, reliability 29

Service bulwark-building: ministry and mission 30

How deeply rooted are you? Are we rooted deeply enough in God’s love to withstand the buffeting of storms? God sustains us: His love is great, unfailing and it endures forever Lamentations 3: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 31

Psalm 42:8 “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” 32