Rooted and Established in Love
A Love That Surpasses Knowledge: Rooted and Established in Love
This past Sunday, we continued our sermon series A Love That Surpasses Knowledge, diving into Ephesians 3:14-21. We explored the vastness of God's love and how being rooted and established in love transforms our faith and lives.
The Bag of Chips: A Simple but Profound Illustration
We began with an illustration—a bag of chips. It looks full at first glance, but when opened, we see it’s mostly air. This reflects how we can sometimes be puffed up with knowledge, pride, or accomplishments, yet lack true substance. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 8:1, “Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
God calls us to be built up in love, not just filled with empty distractions.
Ephesians 3:14-21 – Grasping the Dimensions of God’s Love
Paul’s prayer is that we would comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ:
How High is God’s Love? (Psalm 103:11) – As high as the heavens stretch beyond the earth, that’s how great His love is.
How Wide is God’s Love? (Isaiah 59:1, 15b-16) – Wide enough to embrace us all, as seen in Jesus' outstretched arms on the cross.
How Deep is God’s Love? (Psalm 139:8) – Even in our darkest places, His love reaches us.
How Long is God’s Love? (Psalm 136) – It lasts forever; it is eternal and unfailing.
What Are You Rooted In?
We often root ourselves in things like tradition, theology, programs, or even fear. But Paul tells us that without love, even the greatest achievements are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). When we are rooted in God's love:
Our traditions become meaningful.
Our theology fosters unity.
Our programs build relationships.
Our engagement leads to justice and grace.
Our church thrives in an atmosphere of peace and freedom.
Living a Life Rooted in Love
When love is our foundation, it changes how we respond:
Your first thought may not always be love, but your second thought and first action can be.
God does immeasurably more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). His love is abundant and overflowing.
The Final Challenge: Are You Truly Filled?
Like the bag of chips, are we puffed up with distractions or truly filled with God's love?
What are you rooted in?
Will you allow God to re-root you in His love this week?
May we all embrace a love that surpasses knowledge and experience its fullness in every part of our lives. Amen!