In this week's video I highlight four truths that flourish deep roots, briefly discuss how Jesus' earthly ministry relates to being planted and why Jude changed his mind in a letter to the church. (Subscribers, click here to view video.)
The outcome of being planted isn't solely about us. Standing firm, rooted, unshakeable, and immovable first and foremost glorifies God. What do Isaiah 60:21 and John 15:8 confirm about those planted by God?
One more powerful description of being firmly planted is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9.
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Do any of those adjectives describe your life situation right now? What does the Holy Spirit want you to know by faith in reading this passage?
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-17
What areas of your heart, mind, or soul need renewal? What prayer focus aligns with this need? Spend time today going to the throne room of God, asking for strength and replenishment.
CARRIED BY THE WINDS
To articulate what it means to be planted, the Holy Spirit inspired Jeremiah and David to contrast the righteous with the unrighteous in Jeremiah 17:5-8 and Psalm 1. Jesus, not being one to mince words, said, “You are either for me or are against me.” (Matthew 12:30). Scripture gives clear warnings of false teachers and exhortations to not walk in the path of those who continually live in darkness.
Another writer compared the rooted and uprooted, the fruitful and the fruitless, the godly and the ungodly.
Initially desiring to send a letter of “kumbaya” to his brothers and sisters in the Lord, Jude contended earnestly for faith in the face of false teachers. Like David and Jeremiah, he compares and contrasts those in the faith and those who are not.
First, Jude earnestly wanted believers to know who they were in Christ. In reading the chapter long letter, you’ll see He leaves no doubt in the readers mind about their position in Christ. This letter is for believers who are beloved, called by God and kept.
Believers who are planted in an abundance of mercy, peace and love.
Believers who are planted and preserved, carefully watched over and guarded by God.
Then Jude contends, releasing a vigorous battle cry of faith. Read the reason for Jude’s letter in Jude 1:3-4. What did he warnbelievers about? Why did he write the letter?
Sometimes being planted is standing up for truth on the battlefield of faith.
Jude 1: 12-13 give vivid depictions of those endangering the church. False teachers are carried by the winds, not having any ground or root. They can also depicts dead autumn trees, which are
- Without fruit
- Doubly dead
- Uprooted
Matthew 7:16 tells us, “You shall know them by their fruit,” and ultimately these trees looked planted, but they were dead and lifeless inside during the harvest season. Satan’s tactics are subtle, but he scatters his seed and his danger grows like weeds.
Ultimately, Jude wanted his believers to have discernment. If any of Jude’s readers, including us, follow after false teaching, they would also face the discipline of God. This was evident in the letter to the church in Thyatira in Revelation 2:18-29.
One tactic of false teachers is appealing to the senses. In Jude 1:19, it states they are devoid of the Spirit. The King James Version says, “sensual, having not the Spirit.” The flesh is enamored with senses and follows after its lusts and desires. The Greek word for sensual is derived from the root word for “soul or natural man.” In essence it means, what is natural and apart from God’s interworking of faith.
Because false teachers do not have the Spirit of God, they must rely on their own “soul power”. The only way to discern between what is spirit-led and soul-led is by using the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12), which is able to divide soul and spirit and by paying close attention to the Holy Spirit in us (Romans 8:16). A soul-led spirit magnifies man and merely manufactures ministry. It is only by the Spirit of God that we can grow and bear much fruit. *
GROUNDED IN LOVE AND TRUTH
What does John 13:35 indicate sets disciples apart?
The evident difference between false teachers and apostles was LOVE. False teachers are self-seeking in their pursuits and have no Life or fruit to give, only “shepherding” themselves.
How are we to respond to false teachings? We remain planted, abiding in Him.
Read Jude 1:17-23. Jude provides clear and concrete instructions for standing firm:*
- Remember God’s Word (Jude 1:17-19)
- Build Your Christian Life (Jude 1:20-21)
- Exercise Spiritual Discernment (Jude 1:22-23)
- Commit yourself to Jesus (Jude 1:24-25)
You’ll explore more aspects of discernment in Session 2 Study Guide.
Just as Jude opened His letter, imparting the truth and power of God in the lives of believers, he closes with the same vigor.
“Now, to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory and majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:25
The more we understand and believe in the greatness of Jesus Christ, the more we can stand firm against false teaching.
May we be so caught up in the glories of Christ that we never want Satan’s substitute!
Discussion: Share a comment about the study. What aspect(s) of being firmly planted do you need to cultivate most (Surrender, Trust in God, Delight in Word, Planted in Prayer, Wisdom in Discernment, Knowing Christ’s Love)? OR Share an experience of standing firm in trials or standing up for truth.
PLANTED is a 4-week Bible Study. View an overview of weekly lessons. // Begin week 1, Sowing Seeds // Subscribe now to receive posts via email or rss feeder
*Quoted/Paraphrased from The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren Wiersbe.
