"rooted To Rise: Flourishing In The Christian Life" Series

Title: "Rooted to Rise: Flourishing in the Christian Life"

Text: Psalm 92:12-14 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."

Introduction: "Christian flourishing begins with a heart that is captivated by God's love, a mind immersed in His Word, and a life surrendered to His purpose. It is the beautiful dance of faith, hope, and love that leads us to a life of abundance and eternal significance." - John Ortberg

Flourishing as a Christian is not merely about survival but embracing a life that thrives and bears fruit in every aspect. As followers of Christ, we are called to a journey of transformation and growth, seeking to align our lives with God's purposes and principles.

I. The Key Elements That Can Help You Flourish:

1. Cultivating a Deep Relationship with God: The foundation of Christian flourishing lies in cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God. Regular prayer, meditation on His Word, and a heart receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance are crucial to fostering spiritual growth. As we abide in Christ, we experience the richness of His presence, drawing strength and wisdom from the divine source.

2. Embracing God's Grace and Forgiveness: To flourish as a Christian, it is essential to understand and embrace God's grace and forgiveness. Recognizing our need for God's mercy and accepting the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ frees us from guilt and shame, allowing us to live with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

3. Engaging in Worship and Fellowship: Active participation in worship and fellowship with other believers is essential for Christian flourishing. Corporate worship uplifts the spirit, nurtures gratitude, and fosters a sense of belonging within the body of Christ. Engaging in meaningful relationships with fellow believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability.

4. Living a Life of Purpose and Service: Christian flourishing involves living a life of purpose and service. Discovering and utilizing our God-given talents and gifts to serve others not only brings fulfillment but also aligns us with God's mission for our lives. Engaging in acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness reflects the love of Christ to the world around us.

5. Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude: Gratitude is a transformative attitude that contributes to Christian flourishing. By cultivating a heart of thankfulness for God's blessings, both big and small, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have been given. Gratitude fosters contentment, joy, and a positive outlook on life.

Summary: Christian flourishing is not an endpoint but an ongoing journey of growth and transformation. As we cultivate a deep relationship with God, embrace His grace, engage in worship and fellowship, and live with a sense of purpose and service, we will experience a life that thrives in abundance. Nurturing gratitude, emotional well-being, and a commitment to learning and discipleship further contribute to our flourishing as Christians. In embracing these principles, we not only experience personal fulfillment but also become instruments of God's love and grace, positively impacting the world around us.

II. There Will Always Be a Battle Between Flourishing and Languishing:

The battle between flourishing and languishing can be understood as the tension between thriving in God’s purpose for our lives and the experience of feeling stagnant, aimless, or spiritually dry. The Bible provides wisdom on both sides of this struggle, offering guidance on how to flourish in faith and warning against the dangers of languishing.

A. Flourishing: Living Abundantly in God’s Purpose

Flourishing is living in alignment with God’s will, bearing spiritual fruit, and experiencing joy, peace, and growth. Scripture calls us to flourish in our relationship with God and others:

1. Rooted in Christ:

o “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Flourishing requires staying connected to Christ, who is the source of spiritual life and nourishment.

2. Delighting in God’s Word:

o “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” (Psalm 1:2-3)

A life anchored in God’s Word leads to steady growth and spiritual vitality.

3. Experiencing Abundance:

o “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Jesus promises abundant life to those who follow Him, a life characterized by flourishing in faith, purpose, and joy.