0244. "ROOTED"

"ROOTED"

Col_2:7.

Introduction.

1. At Harvest Thanksgiving time we are, as a rule, taken up with fruit, forgetting the importance of the root.

2. We have lost sight of it, because it is hidden.

3. In Eph_3:17 we read of being "rooted in love;" in Col_2:7, of being rooted in Christ: "Be like trees fast-rooted."

4. Have you the root of the matter within you?

5. One of the saddest fruits of the Great War was the discovery by so many that they had no real root of godli-ness in them.

6. Pray, note, Harvest follows a good rootage.

I. Its Necessity. It is essential for

1. Life.

a. No life without root.

b. What is fruit but the overflowing of the life of tree.

2. Rest.

a. No roving about.

b. Fixity of character, result of being rooted. More even in temper, in mood, in disposition.

3. Endurance. A well-rooted tree stands the fiercest storm.

II. How to be Rooted.

1. Separation. Cut off from the world, i.e., parent stem.

a. The Gardener must do this.

b. The plant is unable to do this for itself.

2. Life Received. "Received" comes first. Would a walking stick planted take root? No. Why? No life. We are dead, and must first receive life from Him.

3. Planted. In Christ. Christ in the soul.

4. Heat. The heat of the Holy Spirit causing us to grow.

5. Moisture. The dew of His grace.

6. Darkness. Darkness of trial and sorrow will cause us to strike a deeper root.

7. Protection from worm and from frost. He will keep us.

Autor: James Smith