Week thirty-seven, 2017
DEEP ROOTS
Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful. – Col. 2:7
Recently I saw a display of Bonsai trees for sale. I stood there and was amazed how mature these trees looked, though they were less than a foot tall. They are grown in a restricted environment and their roots are continually pruned. That way they mature, but never reach their intended potential. They remain miniature trees, but trees were not meant to grow in containers that stunt their growth. Their potential is to grow and reach for the sky.
There is a scriptural parallel here. Satan wants us to be in a controlled environment (the world) and he is in the root trimming business. Just as we advance in our faith walk, he is there to trim our roots and stunt our spiritual growth.
Paul, writing to the church at Colossae admonishes believers to put their roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation for their life. How often does the world get in the way of our spiritual growth?
We were not created to live in such a restricted environment. But when we focus on the world and get caught up in its pleasures, it can build a spiritual wall around us to keep us focused on Satan’s kingdom and not get beyond that restricted environment and reach for glory.
See the danger of enticing words; how many are ruined by the false disguises and fair appearances of evil principles and wicked practices! Be aware and afraid of those who would entice you to any evil, for they aim to spoil you. We cannot be built up in Christ, or grow in Him, unless we are first rooted in Him, or founded upon Him. As a tree strikes its roots deep in the earth, so our faith should strike deep into Jesus and the Bible should be our firm foundation.
What is it in the world that prunes your spiritual roots and stunts your faith walk?
Sometimes True Stories
Here are 7 reasons to consider for memorizing scripture:
(1) It’s another way to be like Jesus. The Gospel accounts record Jesus quoted the Old Testament scripture 180 times from 24 different books. Jesus respected the Scriptures as authoritative. And He often quoted it. His example is well worth emulating.
(2) It allows Christ to dwell in us. The Bible commands “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Col 3:16). Since Christ dwells in our hearts through faith (Eph. 3:17), and faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Rom. 10:17), committing Scripture to memory is a means to build our relationship with the Lord.
(3) Memorizing the Bible Guards against Satan’s temptations. David, a man after God’s own heart, wrote, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Ps 119:11). The Word is metaphorically called “The Sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17). It is our only offensive weapon in our battle against the devil. Three times Jesus wielded this Sword by quoting Scripture when the devil tempted Him in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). By doing so, He caused the devil to flee.
(4) When we have Bible verses committed to memory, it allows us to immediately share the Word with others. We’re commanded in 1 Peter 3:15 to be ready to give a defense of our hope in Christ. Opportunities may arise when we don’t have a Bible available. But a few well-memorized verses can impart the gospel message to someone who is sincerely seeking.
(5) Internalizing the Scripture helps maintain moral purity. The Psalmist raises the question, “How can a young man cleanse his way?” His answer: “By taking heed according to Your word” (Ps. 119:9). When we know the Word. When we commit the Word to memory, it keeps it fresh on our minds and helps us continue on the right path.
(6) The Word transforms our lives. Paul admonished, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). When I commit the Scripture to memory, it has the potential to renew my mind and bring about a dramatic change in my life.
(7) Memorizing the Bible increases our knowledge and gives us wisdom. Both Peter and Paul stressed the value of wisdom and knowledge. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17)
Quotes You Can Use
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©2017 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618