Rooted in God's Word: The Path to True Blessing
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into Jeremiah 17, focusing on the metaphor of a tree planted by the water. This tree symbolizes a person who trusts in the Lord, drawing sustenance and strength from God's Word, much like a tree draws water from a nearby stream. The Hebrew word "ashray," often translated as "blessed," was explored in depth. Unlike our modern understanding of "blessed" as merely having good fortune, "ashray" implies being set up for success by God. This setup is not just about material blessings but about being deeply rooted in the character and promises of God.
We discussed the characteristics of a tree planted by the water: it receives the nutrients it needs, both known and unknown, and remains steadfast regardless of external conditions like drought or heat. This resilience comes from being deeply rooted in the Word of God. The sermon emphasized the importance of immersing oneself in Scripture, not just for personal edification but also to be a source of life and encouragement to others.
We also touched on the idea that true peace, or "shalom," is more than just the absence of conflict; it is a state of wholeness and well-being that comes from a strong relationship with God. This peace is contagious and can profoundly impact those around us. The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to plant themselves by the living water of God's Word, to seek Him earnestly, and to let His Word flow through them to bless others.
### Key Takeaways
1. The True Meaning of "Blessed" (Ashray):
The Hebrew word "ashray" means more than just being fortunate; it signifies being set up for success by God. This setup involves being deeply rooted in God's character and promises, which provides a foundation that withstands life's challenges. Trusting in the Lord transforms our understanding of blessings from mere material gains to a profound spiritual alignment with God's will. [03:13]
2. Resilience Through God's Word:
A tree planted by the water remains steadfast regardless of external conditions like drought or heat. This resilience is a metaphor for a life deeply rooted in Scripture. When we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we receive the spiritual nutrients we need, even those we didn't know we needed, enabling us to stand firm in the face of adversity. [06:23]
3. The Contagious Nature of True Peace (Shalom):
True peace, or "shalom," is a state of wholeness and well-being that comes from a strong relationship with God. This peace is not just for personal comfort but is meant to be shared. When we are filled with God's peace, it naturally overflows to those around us, making us beacons of light in a troubled world. [25:20]
4. The Perpetual Journey of Spiritual Growth:
Being planted by the living water means we are on a continuous journey of spiritual growth. This journey involves discovering new insights and receiving fresh words from the Lord. It is a dynamic process that keeps us spiritually vibrant and effective in our ministry to others. [29:19]
5. The Importance of Scripture Absorption:
Regular engagement with Scripture is crucial for spiritual health. Studies show that reading the Bible at least four times a week significantly impacts our mood, reduces depression, and increases confidence. This consistent intake of God's Word equips us to face life's challenges with peace and strength. [18:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction to Jeremiah 17
[01:40] - The Deceitful Heart
[02:24] - The Tree Planted by the Water
[03:13] - Understanding "Ashray"
[04:43] - The Blessing of Trusting in the Lord
[06:23] - Characteristics of the Tree
[08:05] - Receiving Nutrients from God's Word
[10:19] - The Importance of Being Planted by the Water
[11:47] - Five Tips for Scripture Absorption
[13:28] - Consecration and Cleanliness
[16:13] - The Healing Power of Scripture
[18:01] - The Impact of Regular Bible Reading
[25:20] - Understanding True Peace (Shalom)
[29:19] - The Perpetual Journey of Spiritual Growth
[34:57] - Ask, Seek, Knock
[38:18] - The Call to Action
[45:21] - Personal Testimony
[55:11] - Are You in the Picture?
[56:25] - Closing and Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 17:7-8: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the metaphor of a tree planted by the water represent in Jeremiah 17:7-8?
2. According to the sermon, what is the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word "ashray" translated as "blessed"? ([03:13])
3. How does the tree planted by the water respond to external conditions like drought or heat, according to the sermon? ([06:23])
4. What are some of the benefits mentioned in the sermon of regularly engaging with Scripture? ([18:01])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "ashray" challenge our modern understanding of being "blessed"? ([03:13])
2. In what ways does being deeply rooted in God's Word provide resilience during difficult times? ([06:23])
3. How does the sermon describe the contagious nature of true peace, or "shalom"? ([25:20])
4. What does it mean to be on a perpetual journey of spiritual growth, as described in the sermon? ([29:19])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of being "blessed." How does the deeper meaning of "ashray" change your perspective on your own life circumstances? ([03:13])
2. Can you identify a time when being deeply rooted in Scripture helped you withstand a difficult situation? How did it impact you? ([06:23])
3. True peace, or "shalom," is described as being contagious. How can you actively share this peace with those around you this week? ([25:20])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of regular Scripture reading. What practical steps can you take to ensure you engage with the Bible at least four times a week? ([18:01])
5. Think about a specific area in your life where you need resilience. How can immersing yourself in God's Word help you in that area? ([06:23])
6. The sermon mentions that spiritual growth is a continuous journey. What new insights or fresh words from the Lord have you received recently, and how are you applying them? ([29:19])
7. How can you be a source of life and encouragement to others by sharing the spiritual nutrients you receive from God's Word? ([06:23])
Devotional
### Day 1: Understanding "Ashray" - True Blessing
The Hebrew word "ashray" means more than just being fortunate; it signifies being set up for success by God. This setup involves being deeply rooted in God's character and promises, which provides a foundation that withstands life's challenges. Trusting in the Lord transforms our understanding of blessings from mere material gains to a profound spiritual alignment with God's will. [03:13]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been seeking material blessings. How can you shift your focus to seek spiritual alignment with God's will instead?
### Day 2: Resilience Through God's Word
A tree planted by the water remains steadfast regardless of external conditions like drought or heat. This resilience is a metaphor for a life deeply rooted in Scripture. When we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we receive the spiritual nutrients we need, even those we didn't know we needed, enabling us to stand firm in the face of adversity. [06:23]
Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "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. In all that he does, he prospers."
Reflection: Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can immersing yourself in Scripture help you find the strength and resilience to overcome it?
### Day 3: The Contagious Nature of True Peace (Shalom)
True peace, or "shalom," is a state of wholeness and well-being that comes from a strong relationship with God. This peace is not just for personal comfort but is meant to be shared. When we are filled with God's peace, it naturally overflows to those around us, making us beacons of light in a troubled world. [25:20]
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling with anxiety or unrest. How can you share the peace of God with them today?
### Day 4: The Perpetual Journey of Spiritual Growth
Being planted by the living water means we are on a continuous journey of spiritual growth. This journey involves discovering new insights and receiving fresh words from the Lord. It is a dynamic process that keeps us spiritually vibrant and effective in our ministry to others. [29:19]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent spiritual insight or lesson you have learned. How can you apply this new understanding to your daily walk with God?
### Day 5: The Importance of Scripture Absorption
Regular engagement with Scripture is crucial for spiritual health. Studies show that reading the Bible at least four times a week significantly impacts our mood, reduces depression, and increases confidence. This consistent intake of God's Word equips us to face life's challenges with peace and strength. [18:01]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: Commit to a specific time each day this week to read and meditate on Scripture. How do you anticipate this practice will impact your daily life and spiritual well-being?
Quotes
1. "Blessed or ashray is a Hebrew word that means something other than what we would think blessed means. When we say I'm blessed, pretty much we're saying, oh, I'm having a good day, or I got food in my belly or something like that, but it means something maybe a little more. Ashray in Hebrew, the idea is similar to a setup. Ashray is a setup. It's because I have food in my pantry and a roof over my head and gas in my gas tank." [03:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The tree that's planted by the water receives nutrients both that it wants and that it doesn't even know it needs. There are some things in this word here that I didn't even know I needed, but a Shray or blessed was I when I read it and gained the wisdom that's given so freely from the Lord, right? Set me up for success, especially when I found out that it's better for a man. build a pallet on the corner of a house than to sit at home with a quarrelsome woman." [08:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Trees that are planted farther away from the stream may believe in the stream. Hear me out here. Trees that are planted far away from the stream may believe that there is a stream over there. But here's the kicker. Might not have the stream inside of them. There are some good people outside these four walls. That know about heard about maybe even experienced a little love. Might even say or admit that they believe in the stream of living water. living water is not found in them." [10:19] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Studies show that you are in charge of how much of this flows into you and flows out from you. This results in fatigue and fogginess, sick feelings, and disease. Have you heard from your doctor lately you need more magnesium or more iron or maybe some of you need more of this or more of that? All these minerals that by and large humanity is deficient in. Well, I come to suggest to you that the same is true in Christianity today or in the church today. Listen, we are scripture deficient." [18:01] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to be so focused on Jesus that I can't even notice the enemy is close. I want to be so focused on what God is telling me in this moment that it drowns out the very sound that surrounds me. For a lot of us, it's hard to hear the Lord. A lot of the commotion that we live on, amongst today, it drowns out the sound of the Holy Spirit. I want to be so focused and so in tune with the Holy Spirit through me being planted in God's Word enough that it actually does the drowning out." [21:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The tree that's planted by the living water inhales and exhales peace. Did you know trees inhale and they exhale? They breathe in CO2. We're in science class. We're here now. And they breathe out oxygen. We breathe in oxygen and they breathe out, or we breathe out CO2. Praise the Lord for how he has designed and created this marvelous, wonderful earth and creation. Amen? Don't tell me there's not a God when I can look at the very things that display his glory." [24:01] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "True peace is contagious. It's contagious. True peace is absolutely contagious. It rubs off on people. When a peaceful person walks in the room, when a person who's been going through hell but walking in heaven walks up in this room, it's contagious. It speaks volumes as testimony to you and I." [28:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I want you to know that maybe you got it in you or the devil has convinced you that he cannot use you in the way that you think you want to be used by God. Come on, can I talk to somebody in here? Maybe you feel unworthy for God to use you. I want you to know that in the same way it happened in the beginning of the book it could happen right here at the end. What the enemy meant for evil God will use for good. There is no distance too far. There is no chasm too wide. There is no cavity too deep." [30:53] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Ask and it will be given to you. Somebody needs to hear this. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives and the one who seeks finds and the one who knocks it will be opened. Jesus said these words and if he said it it's good for me. I'm going to tell you that. I trust Jesus when he speaks." [34:57] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Listening to a Sunday sermon on its own is incompetent for whole life transformation. Just reading the Bible from time to time is not enough. It's enough to understand maybe the grand story, but it's not enough to change your story. Number two, the tree that's planted by the living water inhales and exhales peace." [23:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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