Where Are Your Roots?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being rooted in God's teachings and turning back to Him for nourishment and strength, leading to a life of fruitfulness and obedience.
John Wesley emphasizes the importance of being rooted in God, drawing from Isaiah's message to the king of Judah about the blessings that come from turning back to the Lord. He highlights three key aspects: a solid foundation, divine provision, and the ability to do good for others. Wesley uses the metaphor of fruit-bearing trees to illustrate how our spiritual nourishment affects our lives and the lives of those around us. He encourages listeners to reflect on what they are rooted in and to seek strength from Jesus' teachings. Ultimately, he invites everyone to partake in the goodness of God and experience transformation through faith.
Text
Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. 2 Kings 19:30 These are wonderfully gracious words spoken by the Lord through the prophet Isaiah to the king of Judah during one of that wayward nation's returns to the Lord. It reminds us of our Lord's deep desire to bless His people when they turn back towards Him and look to Him. Commenting on this verse in his "Notes on the Old Testament" John Wesley suggests three things: firstly, such a people will be well and solidly foundationed; secondly, they will be provided for; and thirdly, they will then do good to others.
These words are for you and for me as well. Are these three things desires of your heart? Outside my study window there is an evergreen lemon tree and a little way behind it a very similar looking lime tree. I'm not always sure which is which until I taste the fruit. Folk in my office often comment on the trees and ask for some fruit which I gladly offer but I always feel obliged to tell them that the trees straddle the septic tank and French drain which have serviced the home for the last twenty five years..........and sometimes the request for fruit is subsequently forgotten.
People today, more than ever before, want to know what has gone into the food they eat because they believe it can affect them. What are you "rooted" in? Where do you look for nourishment? What is the source of your strength? Jesus claims that the Sermon on the Mount is a rock solid foundation for your life. Spend some time committing yourself to turning back to His way, feeding off His teaching and looking forward to the possibility of new fruit in your life. Come, and partake the gospel feast, Be saved from sin, in Jesus rest O taste the goodness of your God And eat his flesh, and drink his blood. (2)
Sermon Outline
- I. The Lord's Desire to Bless His People
- A. When they turn back towards Him
- B. When they look to Him for nourishment
- II. The Three Things of a Rooted People
- A. Well and solidly foundationed
- B. Provided for
- C. Doing good to others
- III. The Importance of Knowing What We Are Rooted In
- A. Our source of strength
- B. Our nourishment
Key Quotes
“Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.” — John Wesley
“Come, and partake the gospel feast, Be saved from sin, in Jesus rest O taste the goodness of your God And eat his flesh, and drink his blood.” — John Wesley
Application Points
- We should examine our thoughts, actions, and priorities to see if they align with God's teachings.
- We can find true strength and nourishment by turning to God's word and trusting in His goodness.
- We should partake of the gospel feast by turning to Jesus and trusting in His love and salvation.