Over the next few months we will be digging deep into God’s Word to learn more about key biblical truths that are foundational to our Christian faith. My goal is not just to give information, but rather information that will change the way we live our life. I am calling these truths the Roots of the Faith.
INTRO
- Why this topic?
- Jeremiah 17:7-8
- Psalm 1:1-6
- Part of our on-going discipleship ministry at TAB
- Why Roots?
- Tree Analogy
- Support
- Nourishment
- Fruit
Our roots determine our spiritual health and our fruits
- Our Theology Drives our Methodology
- Our beliefs impact our thinking. Our thinking impacts our behavior
- Our actions are an indication of our mind and heart
- Our desires lead to choices (our will to do something)
Romans 8:4–8 - [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. [8] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (ESV)
With Strong Roots:
We will be people who stand firm in the faith
- Make a stand. I know I am saved
- Continuing in the faith
2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 - [13] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. [14] To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [15] So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. [16] Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, [17] comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (ESV)
We will be people who are not be taken captive
- Falling prey to the thinking of the world
- If I know what is right… I can recognize what is wrong
Colossians 2:6–9 - [6] Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, [7] rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. [9] For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, (ESV)
We will be people of fruitful perseverance
- Finishing faithful
- Bearing fruit
- Wise decisions in life.
- the dangers of mounting bad decisions
- the joys of the foundation of good decisions
2 Peter 1:3–11 - [3] His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [4] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [6] and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, [7] and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. [8] For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [11] For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (ESV)
We will be people of truth
- We shall not be shaken
- On solid ground, unwavering.
1 Timothy 3:14–15 - [14] I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, [15] if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (ESV)
Psalm 62:1–2
[1] For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
[2] He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. (ESV)