Rooted and Grounded in Love Ephesians 3:17-19
Introduction:
Today, we delve into a profound passage from Ephesians that speaks to the very heart of our Christian faith: being rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. Our key text will be Ephesians 3:17-19. As we explore this Scripture, we will uncover the depth and breadth of Christ's love and how it transforms our lives.
Ephesians 3:17-19 (NLT):
"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
Point 1: The Indwelling of Christ
Paul's prayer for the Ephesians is that Christ will make His home in their hearts. The Greek word used for "make his home" is "?at?????" (katoikeo), which implies a permanent dwelling. This isn't a temporary visit; it's a continual, abiding presence.
The indwelling of Christ in our hearts is the foundation of our faith. It speaks of an intimate relationship where Jesus is not just a guest but the very centre of our lives. Colossians 1:27 echoes this sentiment: "For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory."
As believers, we must continually open our hearts to Jesus, allowing Him to dwell richly within us. This is achieved through trust, faith, and surrender. When Christ is at home in our hearts, our lives reflect His presence. Reflect on how you can make more room for Jesus in your daily life.
Point 2: Rooted and Grounded in Love
Paul uses agricultural and architectural metaphors to describe our relationship with God's love: rooted and grounded. The Greek word for "rooted" is "?????" (rhizoo), meaning firmly planted, and "grounded" is "?eµe????" (themelioo), meaning securely established.
Being rooted in God's love means our faith is nourished and sustained by His love. Being grounded indicates a stable foundation that can withstand life's challenges. Psalm 1:3 provides a beautiful illustration: "They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
To be rooted and grounded in love, we must immerse ourselves in God's Word and remain connected to Him through prayer and fellowship. When our roots grow deep into God's love, we draw strength, stability, and nourishment from Him. Evaluate how deeply your life is rooted in God's love and seek ways to strengthen this connection.
Point 3: Comprehending the Dimensions of Christ’s Love
Paul prays that the Ephesians may grasp the vastness of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge. The dimensions—width, length, height, and depth—illustrate the limitless nature of His love.
Christ's love is wide enough to embrace the whole world, long enough to last forever, high enough to lift us to heaven, and deep enough to reach the lowest sinner. Romans 8:38-39 emphasizes this: "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love."
Understanding the dimensions of Christ’s love fills us with His fullness and transforms our lives. This love empowers us to love others selflessly and live out our faith boldly. Spend time meditating on the vastness of Christ's love and let it overflow into your relationships and actions.
Point 4: Consecration Through Communion
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT): "For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.' For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again."
Paul recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing remembrance and proclamation. The Greek word for "remembrance" is "???µ??s??" (anamnesis), meaning a recollection or memorial.
Communion is not merely a ritual but a profound act of consecration. It reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and our unity with Him. By partaking in the bread and the cup, we reaffirm our commitment to live consecrated lives.
Application:
As we prepare for Communion, let's reflect on our dedication to God. Are there areas of our lives that need realignment with His will? Communion is an opportunity to renew our consecration, remembering Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and our call to live for Him.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Encouraging Application:
Today, we have explored the profound truths of being rooted and grounded in Christ's love. We have seen how His indwelling presence, the deep roots of His love, and the vast dimensions of His love transform our lives. As we approach Communion, let us renew our commitment to live consecrated lives, fully dedicated to Him.
Call to Action:
I encourage you to spend time this week reflecting on the depth of Christ's love for you. Allow this love to fill your heart, transform your mind, and guide your actions. Let us pray for the strength to live out this love in our daily lives, honouring God in all we do.
Amen.
