Rooted in the Word of God

Introduction

We continue our series on church values today. Previously, we explored Vibrant Worship & Prayer and Loving People through Authentic Relationships. Today, we focus on being Rooted in the Word of God.

The foundational belief for this value is:

Engaging and meditating on the Word of God opens the door to encounter Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. His living and powerful Word penetrates our hearts and minds, bringing correction, teaching us how to live a life that pleases God, and glorifying Him as He transforms us through the renewing of our minds.

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Blessed, there it is, another beatitude! A blessing for those who delight in the Word. Do you delight in God’s Word? Let’s explore what it means to be rooted in the Word of God through four key aspects.

1. Encountering God through the Study of His Word

What and how you think about God impacts how you live for Him. Paul calls this the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Transformation happens through the renewing of your mind. This renewal isn’t just about gaining knowledge but surrendering to Scripture in obedience.

Colossians 1:9-10

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

When we spend time in the Bible with a willing heart and obedience, the Holy Spirit works in us—redeeming, changing, and equipping us for great works.

2. Established, Growing & Thriving in Relationship with God

God’s Word always points us back to a relationship with Him because it is alive and active.

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

We must come honestly to the Word, willing to be changed rather than making it fit our desires.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Being a servant of God is a calling. Jesus Himself became a servant so that we could be healed. Will you accept the call to serve?

3. Living Lives that Produce Fruit

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

To produce fruit, we must be fertile ground. Jesus explains this in the Parable of the Sower:

Matthew 13:3-9

A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some fell on rocky places where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly but withered because it had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.

A personal story: My brother realized he was rocky soil—excited about God but fading away quickly. After committing to a discipleship relationship, his life changed. Now, his test is producing fruit.

Matthew 7:16-20

By their fruit, you will recognize them. Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

We will be judged by the fruit we produce. Are we spending time with God in prayer and His Word to cultivate fertile soil?

4. Discipling & Equipping Believers

Faith grows through hearing and sharing the Word.

Romans 10:17

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

We must pass on what we learn:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Impress these commandments on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up.

Paul echoes this call:

Ephesians 4:11-16

Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and become mature.

The Power of Scripture vs. Popular Teaching

Many ask why I preach from Scripture rather than just topical messages. While some topical messages highlight Scripture, others rely on modern psychology. But if they are not based on Scripture, can they claim the power of life change that Scripture promises?

The Bible doesn’t always make us feel comfortable—it reveals our sin. But it also reveals God’s love and the remedy for sin.

Benefits of Scripture:

• Direction
• Strengthened faith
• Instruction & correction
• Freedom & wisdom
• Hope & endurance
• Resistance to temptation
• The revelation of God’s will

Preaching Scripture isn’t about making you feel good—it’s about equipping you to build the Kingdom and be transformed into the image of Christ.

Conclusion: Do You Delight in God’s Word?

If you do, you’re on the right path. If not, maybe the soil of your faith needs changing.

Just as I challenged my brother, I challenge you today:

Commit to being in God’s Word daily.

You were given a tool to track your Scripture reading—use it. There are other resources in the lobby—find one that helps you on your journey to becoming a person of the Book.