Seattle, April 27, 2005.
52. RESULTS OF CHRIST DWELLING WITHIN. One thing is certain, regardless of how good a person may be, it is impossible to live the Christ life without Christ within. Were a person capable of living precisely according to the demands of the Law. They would still come short of the righteousness that is in Christ. The dwelling presence of Christ will develop the following.
ROOTS. Roots speak to us of stability. The tree depends on its roots to withstand the storms. Those who are truly in Christ will establish a strong root system and become rooted and established in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Col. 2:7 The fruitfulness of the tree depends on the ability of the roots to establish a deep root system. Isa. 37:31 Roots are used as a sign of an established dynasty and in this case an eternal kingdom. Jesus, the Messiah, is that root that had its beginnings in Jesse. Because of its well developed and strong root system it became more than something hidden in the earth and unseen. It became an ensign that attracted the people to the tree, the Lord Jesus. Isa. 11:10 The Root of David reigns in prevailing strength and is capable of opening the seven seals when none other could. Rev. 5:5 Jesus is both the root and the offspring of David. Leading as a King and at the same time maintaining and sustaining His very own people. Rev. 22:16 Righteous roots abide in excellent strength and are not plucked up, for they cannot be moved. Prov. 12:3
ROOTS. The roots of a tree are one of the three main parts of a tree, the leaves, the trunk and the roots. There are so many things in the creation of the Lord that show us His divine nature. He has interjected Himself in all that He has created. The roots are the source of nourishment for the tree. They absorb water and minerals to feed and maintain the life of the tree. They also store nourishment during the winter months when the tree is not producing sap. A good healthy tree is like the righteous man, established and yielding fruit. Prov. 12:12 Not only are we rooted in love but we are to have a ˜working love. A love which is established and fruitful. Gal. 5:6 Salvation is assured as long as we continue in the faith, grounded and settled. Col. 1:24 A well established root system is an assurance of the proper growth of the tree. Rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus we grow up and become established in the faith of Christ. Col. 2:7
GROUNDED. Settled and established. Possessing a good foundation. Jesus used the parable of the two men building houses one on the sand and the other digging down until he found solid rock and then building. Floods showed the strength and weakness of the two choices. Though all the strength of the flood waters were beating on the well founded house it could not be moved. Luke 6:48-49 The difference was that one followed normal procedure while the other did his own thing. The one had hearing ears the other was deaf to any suggestions. So very much like the nature of mankind, even today. Hear the WORD, its instructions lead to eternal life.