The Tap Root Christian

THE TAP ROOT CHRISTIAN

Colossians 2:7 – “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

 

1. INTRODUCTION:

TAP ROOT: - the central, largest root structure of a plant. It is important for stability and nutrient transport

-a "Tap Root Christian" – a believer who is deeply rooted in Christ, immovable in faith, and spiritually nourished.

-Importance of having deep spiritual roots to withstand trials and grow in faith.

 

2. The Nature of a Tap Root Christian

-Deeply Anchored in Christ – A Christian with strong roots does not waver.

Ephesians 3:17 – “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”

-Constant Spiritual Nourishment – Staying connected to the source of life.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord… he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river.”

-Unshakable in Trials – A taproot Christian stands firm in storms.

Psalms 1:3 – “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.”

 

3. Characteristics of a Tap Root Christian

-Faithfulness to God – Consistently trusting and obeying God’s Word.

Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.”

-Firm in Doctrine – Not easily swayed by false teachings.

2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.”

-Abundant in Fruit – Producing spiritual growth and impacting others.

John 15:5 – “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.”

-Resilient in Persecution – Enduring hardships for Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed… cast down, but not destroyed.”

 

4. How to Become a Tap Root Christian

-Daily Devotion and Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”

-Meditating on God’s Word

Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth.”

-Fellowship with Other Believers

Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.”

-Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 – “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

 

The Need to Stay Rooted

-A weak-rooted Christian is easily uprooted by trials and temptations.

-A taproot Christian draws strength directly from God and remains firm in faith.

 

B. THE SOWER AND THE SEED – Our response and attitude to the word of God determine how deep-rooted our faith is.

- The seed potent and organic

- Our duty is to occupy and spread the word

- Reception and reaction should never stop us from sowing the seed

 

1. THE WAYSIDE HEARERS

Way Side Hearers (Mark 4:4)

Be careful where you pitch your tent (wayside streets)

Wayside: Lifestyle, plans, decisions, actions, reactions, team/group, relationships

There is yet hope for wayside dwellers (if they would respond positively)

Wayside tactics/excuses?

- Essentials/basics things of life

- Prioritizing our needs/wants over God

 

The Danger of Being Distracted: Those who hear the Word without understanding are susceptible to distractions that can snatch away the message. 

- Hearing without comprehension can lead to spiritual blindness; we must seek to understand the truth of God's Word. 

Proverbs 4:7 - "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

- Satan actively seeks to steal the Word from our hearts can prompt us to guard our faith more diligently. 

- Preparation and receptivity of our hearts are crucial for retaining the teachings of Christ. 

  Reference: Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

- The environment in which we find ourselves can greatly affect our ability to hear and understand God's Word; choosing our company is vital. 

1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."

- The Importance of Meditation on the Word: Rather than being passive hearers, we should meditate on what we hear to gain a deeper understanding. 

Joshua 1:8 - "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein..."

 

2. THE STONY GROUND HEARERS

 

- People who hear the message of God's word but do not allow it to take root in their hearts,

-essentially meaning they listen without truly considering or acting upon the message, often because their minds are distracted by worldly concerns, making them vulnerable to the "birds of the air" (representing temptation) who quickly snatch away the seed (the word) from their hearts; 

-they are like the seed that falls on the hard path and is easily taken away. 

Stony ground: Be careful where you pitch your tent (stony ground streets)

Stony ground: Lifestyle, plans, decisions, actions, reactions, team/group, relationships

-There is yet hope for stony ground dwellers (if they would respond positively)

 

Stony ground tactics/excuses?

Identity:

- Some people ascribe a hard-hearted personality to themselves

- Pride is the undertone factor

Warning: Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

 

Recognizing Shallow Foundations 

- Faith without depth will struggle to endure challenges; true faith requires a strong foundation built on understanding and commitment. 

The Perils of Emotional Responses:

-  Receiving the Word with joy is not enough; emotions must be coupled with genuine commitment and understanding. 

Endurance in Trials:

-  Challenges and tribulations can reveal the true nature of our faith; we must prepare to endure hardships in our spiritual journey. 

Cultivating Depth in Our Faith:

 - We are called to deepen our understanding of God's Word, fostering roots that sustain us spiritually amidst difficulties. 

Colossians 2:6-7 - "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith..."

Awareness of Spiritual Compromise:

 - Be cautious of the gradual encroachment of compromise that may dull our spiritual sensitivity and weaken our faith. 

Perseverance is Key to Spiritual Growth:

-  Our growth in faith requires perseverance; the promise of eventual fruitfulness should encourage us to press on even during difficulties. 

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

 

3. THE THORNY GROUND HEARERS

 

There is longing only God can fill

There is a raging tempest only God can still

 

The Dangers of Worldly Distractions: Cares of this world can choke spiritual growth; we must prioritize our relationship with God above earthly concerns. 

 

Evaluating Our Priorities: Assess what occupies your heart and mind; are they drawing you closer to God or diverting you from His purpose? 

Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

 

Understanding the Deceitfulness of Riches: Wealth can easily lead to false security and spiritual complacency; true riches are found in a relationship with Christ. 

The Importance of Intentionality in Faith: Being passive in our spiritual lives can lead to unfruitfulness; we must actively cultivate our faith and relationship with God. 

Philippians 2:12 - "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

 

Being Mindful of Our Influence: Our environments and relationships can either nourish our faith or drown it in distractions; surround yourself with uplifting influences. 

Proverbs 13:20 - "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

 

Developing Spiritual Discernment:  Learn to discern which pursuits are truly beneficial, cultivating a focus that aligns with God’s Kingdom. 

 

Commitment to a Fruitful Life:

 - We are called not only to hear the Word but to bear fruit in our lives; this requires vigilance against distractions. 

 

4. THE GOOD GROUND

A good ground is a prepared ground (it does not just happen by mere wishing)

Maintaining and sustaining a good ground requires deliberate and consistent efforts

Weeding and pruning strategy is crucial

 

The Importance of a Receptive Heart:  A heart that is open and prepared to receive God's Word will lead to spiritual growth and fruitfulness. 

 

Active Engagement with God’s Word:  Merely hearing the Word is not enough; we must actively receive, study, and meditate upon it for transformation. 

Psalm 1:2 - "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

 

Expecting Spiritual Growth:  When we cultivate our faith, we can expect to see results; God desires to produce an abundant harvest in our lives. 

John 15:5 - "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

 

Commitment to Perseverance: Fruitfulness requires time and perseverance; we must remain committed to our spiritual journey despite challenges. 

Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

 

Joy in Bearing Fruit for God's Kingdom:  The fruit we bear glorifies God and serves others, demonstrating the impact of His Word in our lives. 

Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

 

Recognition of Varying Degrees of Fruitfulness: God may produce different levels of fruit in each of us; our responsibility is faithful stewardship of what He has given. 

 

Challenge: Will your anchor hold? What type of ground are you? There is yet hope.