DIE AS A SEED, GET ROOTED DEEPLY, HOLD FIRM

John 12:24–26 - 24 "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives." 25 "Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternity." 26 "Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me."_

Wheat

Why did Jesus use wheat instead of any other seed? Because it is used to make bread. It refers to those who have already received the Word—to Christians, not to unbelievers.

Left alone, a kernel will eventually spoil and become useless. Likewise, if a person lives only for themselves, their life is wasted because they are not sowing for anything eternal. If the purpose of my life is only myself and my family, how am I different from any other worldly person?

A seed is most effective when it is planted in the ground. The ground can be any place God has placed us. Are we being fruitful?

Death

Death is giving up your own desires and passions. Submit yourself to God and pray: "Lord, do whatever You want to do with me."

Alone

A sown grain will feel separated and lonely.

Where do you belong? Are you too comfortable with those who belong to the world? If so, there is a problem. It is not possible to walk deeply with Christ and still be completely comfortable with the world.

Do people find you strange? Well done! That is a good kind of separation.

Isolate yourself in God.

Harvest

After some time, the seed begins to grow and develops shallow roots. The danger is making the first fruit our god instead of continuing to grow deeper roots.

Are your roots shallow, or are they growing deeper into the Rock? The deeper your roots grow, the stronger your life becomes. Trials and tribulations come because of the Word. Through them, the harvest becomes richer.

In every situation, the fruit of the Spirit will be produced.

Loves, Hates

How do you hate something that your heart loves?

The only way is to spend time with Someone who hates it too. As you fall in love with Jesus, you will begin to hate the sinful passions that once attracted you.

Eternal

Philippians 1:9–10 "...that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best..."

Both physical bread and the spiritual Word are important, but which is more important?

We become more effective when we focus on God's Word and seek His Kingdom first. When we are concerned about His Kingdom, He will take care of our physical needs.

The eternal is more important than the temporary.

Many people are unable to grow financially because all their plans revolve around themselves. First, give to God. Do not set your heart on yourself. Always seek to bless and encourage others with what God has blessed you with.

Die to yourself now, while you are young, and live for God's work.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 "But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought."

The Church is like a river where the Holy Spirit flows. Be connected to it.

Follow

Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV) "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Luke 5:4 (NLT) "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.'"

HOLD FIRM

2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NLT)"With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter."

When drawing water from a well, we pull the rope, hold it firmly, and then pull again. If we let the rope slip every time we pull, we will never succeed in drawing any water.

Our prayer life should be the same. Pull, hold firmly to what you have learned, and then pull again. Only then will there be movement and progress.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord was not in vain