Passages Matthew 13:1-6, 20-21
The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Who do you know that endured trouble and/or persecution that comes because of their faith in Jesus?
Have you ever had active or passive trouble come your way because you are a Christ Follower?
(if so, explain)
In terms of the rootedness scale below where would you rate your faith in Jesus?
Totally Conditional
(As long as Jesus meets my expectations, answers my prayers and keeps me and those in my family out of harms way, I’ll continue in the faith)
Totally Unconditional
(I’m in even if everything falls apart, for better, for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or in whatever trouble this world might throw at me.)
How did God know Job would not lose his faith in Him, even if Satan attacked Job? Read Job 1
If you had to explain to a newish believer on how to grow deeper roots in Christ what three would you guide them to do?
Summary:
We deepen our rootedness in Christ as we choose to draw near to Him in the midst of all the troubles and difficulties we face. When we go Him in faith as Job did when his wealth and family were taken from him, fully expressing his grief, yet in the posture of humility before the Sovereign Lord worshipping Him with a heart that knowing HIS REDEEMER LIVES, deeper roots grow. Deeper experiences of God glory are experienced and deepened love for God established.
Bonus Material
Now Beauty feared that she had caused his death. She ran throughout the palace, sobbing loudly. After searching everywhere, she recalled her dream and ran into the garden toward the canal, where she had seen him in her sleep. There she found the poor Beast stretched out unconscious. She thought he was dead. Without concern for his horrifying looks, she threw herself on his body and felt his heart beating. So she fetched some water from the canal and threw it on his face.
Beast opened his eyes and said, “You forgot your promise, Beauty. The grief I felt upon having lost you made me decide to fast to death. But I shall die content since I have the pleasure of seeing you one more time.”
“No, my dear Beast, you shall not die,” said Beauty. “You will live to become my husband. I give you my hand, and I swear that I belong only to you from this moment on. Alas! I thought that I only felt friendship for you, but the moment I am feeling makes me realize that I cannot live without you.”
Beauty had scarcely utter these words when the candle radiated with light. Fireworks and music announced a feast. These attractions did not hold her attention, though. She returned her gaze to her dear Beast, whose dangerous condition made her tremble. How great was her surprise when she discovered that the Beast had disappeared, and at her feet was a prince more handsome that Eros himself, who thanked her for putting an end to his enchantment.
from Beauty and the Beast written by Jeannie-Marie Leprince de Beaumont.
