The Church is the body of Christ, and every believer has a purpose. In this teaching, we will learn why unity does not mean we all must be the same, and why God’s design includes many parts working together as one. If you have ever felt like you do not belong, this message will encourage your faith.

Video

https://youtu.be/114-31gFJ7U

Audio

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Table of contentsVideoAudioDownloads & LinksIntroductionScripture Reading1 Corinthians 12:12–27God Designed the Body of Christ on PurposeUnity Does Not Require SamenessQuestionEvery Part Has a Role in Strengthening the ChurchReflectionThis WeekClosing EncouragementNext WeekLeader Notes & Small Group Discussion QuestionsScripture Focus:Leader NotesThis Week

Downloads & Links

2026-02-01 - One Body Many Parts Notes

2026-02-01 - One Body Many Parts Notes

Watch the video of this teaching on our YouTube channel or above.

Introduction

God did not save you only to forgive you. He saved you to build you into something bigger than yourself. He placed you in the body of Christ on purpose. You matter. Your presence matters. Your faith matters. The Church is not complete without you.

This week we are beginning a new teaching series called Built Together – Why the Church Still Matters. In this series, we are going to learn what Scripture teaches about the body of Christ, and why Christian community is still essential today.

Today’s teaching is called One Body, Many Parts. We are going to talk about unity in the Church, and why every believer matters.

Scripture Reading

Let us begin by reading from 1 Corinthians 12:12–27.

1 Corinthians 12:12–27

(12) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  (13) For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.  (14) Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.  (15) Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  (16) And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  (17) If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  (18) But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  (19) If they were all one part, where would the body be?  (20) As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  (21) The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"  (22) On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,  (23) and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,  (24) while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,  (25) so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  (26) If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  (27) Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

The apostle Paul writes that the body is one, but it has many parts. He explains that the human body has many members, but they work together as one. Then he says something powerful. He says, “So it is with Christ.”

Paul teaches us that the Church is like a living body. It is not just a group. It is not just an organization. It is not just a place people go on a Sunday. The Church is the body of Christ. And if you are a follower of Jesus, you are a part of that body.

Paul also says something that many believers need to hear today. Every part matters. The body needs every part. No part can say, “I do not belong.” And no part can say, “I do not need you.”

This is the foundation for Week 1 of this series.

God Designed the Body of Christ on Purpose

One of the first truths we learn from 1 Corinthians 12 is this: God designed the body of Christ on purpose.

The Church is not an accident. Your place in the Church is not random. Your gifts, your personality, your background, your story, and even your struggles can be used by God for His purposes.

Some believers feel like they are on the outside. They feel like they do not fit in. They feel like they are not spiritual enough. They feel like they are not important enough.

But Scripture does not support that thinking.

Paul says that God arranged the members of the body, each one of them, as He chose. That means God did not only choose to save you. He also chose to place you.

You might not feel like you have much to offer. You might feel weak. You might feel tired. You might feel like you have failed too many times. But God is not looking for perfect people. He is building His people together.

The body of Christ needs faithful believers who will walk with Jesus day by day.

Sometimes we think our value is based on what we can do. We think our value is based on how visible our role is. We think our value is based on whether people notice us. But in the body of Christ, value is not based on attention. Value is based on God’s design.

Paul makes it clear that there are parts of the human body that people do not see. But those parts are essential. Without them, nothing works.

In the same way, some of the most important work in the Church happens quietly.

Prayer happens quietly.Encouragement happens quietly.Faithfulness happens quietly.Hospitality happens quietly.Serving happens quietly.Caring for someone who is hurting often happens quietly.

But the body of Christ cannot function without those faithful parts.

If you have ever wondered if you matter in the Church, we want to answer that today with truth.

Yes. You matter.

You are not an extra part. You are not a backup plan. You are not a burden. You are part of the body of Christ, and God placed you where you are for a reason.

Unity Does Not Require Sameness

The second truth we learn today is this: Unity does not require sameness.

This is one of the most important lessons for the Church right now.

Many people think unity means everyone must think the same way about everything. They think unity means everyone must have the same personality. They think unity means everyone must prefer the same style of worship. They think unity means everyone must serve the same way.

But that is not what Paul teaches.

Paul says the body has many parts, but it is one body. A body is unified, but it is not identical. The hand is not the foot. The eye is not the ear. They are different, but they belong to the same body.

In the body of Christ, God brings together many kinds of people.

Some people are bold. Some people are quiet. Some people are leaders. Some people serve behind the scenes. Some people teach. Some people build. Some people give. Some people encourage. Some people pray.

God does not call us to erase our differences. He calls us to bring our differences under the lordship of Jesus Christ. That is how unity works.

Unity is not sameness. Unity is agreement in what matters most.

We agree that Jesus is Lord. We agree that He died for our sins. We agree that He rose again. We agree that salvation is by grace through faith. We agree that the Word of God is truth. We agree that we are called to love one another.

That is the foundation of unity.

Paul also says that we are baptized by one Spirit into one body. That means the Holy Spirit creates unity in the body of Christ. It is spiritual unity, not human agreement on every detail.

Unity looks like humility. Unity looks like patience. Unity looks like listening. Unity looks like forgiveness. Unity looks like refusing to tear down other believers. Unity looks like serving together even when we are different.

Unity does not mean we will always see everything the same way. But it does mean we will choose love over division. We will choose peace over pride. We will choose to build, not break.

This series is called Built Together, and that matters. The Church will not be built through competition. The Church will not be built through criticism. The body of Christ is built through love, truth, and shared devotion to Jesus Christ.

Question

Let me ask you a question, and we would love for you to answer it in the comments:

Where do you see God using your gifts to strengthen the body of Christ?

Your answer might encourage someone else who is still trying to figure out where they belong.

Every Part Has a Role in Strengthening the Church

The third truth we learn today is this: Every part has a role in strengthening the Church.

Paul teaches that the body works best when every part is doing what it is meant to do. This does not mean everyone has the same role. It means everyone has a role.

And one of the dangers in the Church is comparison.

Some believers compare themselves to others and feel small. They think, “I do not preach like that person. I do not sing like that person. I do not lead like that person. I do not know the Bible like that person. I must not be important.”

But that is not how the body works.

Your calling is not supposed to match someone else’s calling. Your gift is not supposed to match someone else’s gift.

Your role might be something simple, but it can still be powerful.

You might be someone who notices people. You might be someone who welcomes newcomers. You might be someone who checks on those who are sick. You might be someone who shares Scripture with a friend who is struggling.

This teaching explains what it means to abide in Christ and remain connected to Jesus each day. When we stay close to Him, spiritual growth becomes steady and God produces lasting fruit in our lives.

Video

https://youtu.be/zPOBonB6qGA

Audio

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Table of contentsVideoAudioDownloads and LinksIntroductionScripture ReadingJohn 15:1-8Abiding Means Staying Connected to JesusReflectionFruit Comes from Relationship, Not StrivingPruning and GrowthShare and Encourage OthersAbiding Through God’s Word and PrayerA Simple Abiding Daily DevotionConclusionThis WeekLooking AheadFor Leaders and Small GroupsMain TruthKey ScriptureDiscussion QuestionsSuggested Practice

Downloads and Links

2026-01-25 - Abiding That Produces Fruit Notes

2026-01-25 - Abiding That Produces Fruit Notes

Watch the video of this teaching on our YouTube channel or above.

Introduction

Today we are concluding our January teaching series, Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ.

In Week 1, we talked about being firmly rooted in Christ and building our lives on a strong spiritual foundation.In Week 2, we talked about being secure in who God says we are.In Week 3, we talked about belonging and living as people who are adopted into God’s family.

Today we close this series by talking about how this identity continues to shape our daily lives.

We are talking about abiding in Christ.

Abiding is not about trying harder.Abiding is about staying connected.Abiding is about living from relationship, not effort.

When we remain connected to Jesus, our lives grow stronger, our faith grows deeper, and we begin to produce spiritual fruit that lasts.

Scripture Reading

John 15:1-8

(1)  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  (2)  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  (3)  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  (4)  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  (5)  "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  (6)  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  (7)  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  (8)  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Abiding Means Staying Connected to Jesus

Jesus uses a very simple picture. He says He is the vine, and we are the branches. A branch has one job. A branch must remain connected to the vine.

If the branch stays connected, life flows into it. The branch grows. The branch produces fruit.If the branch disconnects, it dries up. It becomes weak. It cannot produce anything.

Jesus teaches us the same truth about our spiritual lives.

We do not grow strong by trying harder.We grow strong by staying connected to Jesus.

Abiding means we live close to Him. We remain with Him. We depend on Him.

Many people think discipleship is mainly about doing more, trying harder, and pushing forward. But Jesus shows us a different path.

A healthy Christian life grows from connection, not pressure.

Reflection

Ask yourself:Have I been trying to live the Christian life without staying closely connected to Jesus?Have I been depending on my own strength instead of His?

Fruit Comes from Relationship, Not Striving

Jesus says something very direct: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”

That is a humbling statement, but it is also a freeing statement.

Jesus is not saying that we cannot do anything at all in life. We can work, plan, and accomplish many things. But without Him, we cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit.

We cannot manufacture love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control through effort alone. These qualities grow as we remain with Jesus.

Fruit is the overflow of a life connected to Christ.

Many believers feel discouraged because they want to change, but they keep struggling.

They try to be more patient, but frustration continues.They try to overcome fear, but anxiety returns.They want to forgive, but the pain remains.

When that happens, the answer is not always more pressure. Often, the answer is deeper connection.

Abiding does not remove all struggle, but it changes the source of strength.

Pruning and Growth

Jesus also talks about pruning. Pruning is part of growth. Pruning is not punishment.

A gardener prunes a healthy plant so it becomes more fruitful. Sometimes God removes things from our lives. Sometimes He reshapes our priorities. Sometimes He changes our direction.

Pruning can feel uncomfortable, but it is not a sign that God has left you. It can be a sign that God is growing you.

If you are in a season of change or stretching, stay connected to Jesus. Trust Him in the pruning. God grows fruit in every season.

Share and Encourage Others

If you are comfortable, we invite you to share in the comments below.

What helps you stay connected to Jesus in your daily life?

Your response may encourage someone who is trying to remain faithful in a busy or difficult season.

Abiding Through God’s Word and Prayer

Jesus teaches that abiding includes His words remaining in us. This means we do not only visit Scripture occasionally. We allow Scripture to shape us.

When we read God’s Word, we are not simply gathering information. We are staying connected to the heart of God.

The Word of God renews our minds, strengthens our faith, corrects our direction, and comforts our hearts.

Jesus also connects abiding with prayer. When we remain with Him, our desires begin to change. Our prayers become more aligned with His will.

Prayer is not a performance. Prayer is relationship.

Abiding means we keep turning toward Jesus throughout the day.

We talk to Him.We listen.We repent.We thank Him.We trust Him.

And slowly, over time, fruit grows.

A Simple Abiding Daily Devotion

Here is a simple daily devotion that helps many believers:

Read a short passage of Scripture

Ask God what He is showing you

Pray one honest prayer in response

Obey one small step of faith

Small steps of abiding produce lasting spiritual growth.

Conclusion

As we close this January series, let us remember what we have learned.

Being firmly rooted in Christ gives us a strong foundation.Knowing our identity in Christ gives us confidence and peace.Belonging to God’s family reminds us we are adopted, not abandoned.

Now we take the next step.

We learn to abide.

We stay connected to Jesus.We depend on His strength.We allow His Word to shape us.We pray with trust.We grow slowly and faithfully.

Fruit does not appear overnight. Fruit grows over time.

If you feel discouraged, do not give up.

Stay connected to Jesus.Remain in Him.Trust God to grow what is needed in your life.

This Week

This week, we encourage you to practice abiding in a simple way.

Read John 15:1–8 each day

Choose one verse that stands out to you

Pray and ask Jesus to help you remain connected to Him

Take one small step of obedience in response

As you remain connected to Christ, God will grow fruit in your life.

Looking Ahead

This concludes our January series, Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ.

Thank you for joining us. We are grateful you are part of our global Cell Life Church family. We look forward to continuing this journey of faith together.

Explore the full Firmly Rooted series:Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ

For Leaders and Small Groups

Main Truth

Abiding in Christ produces lasting fruit because spiritual growth comes from connection, not striving.

Key Scripture

John 15:1–8

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to abide in Christ in everyday life?

What are some signs that someone is striving instead of abiding?

How does God’s Word help you stay connected to Jesus?

What does prayer look like when it is relational instead of performance-based?

What is one small step of abiding you can practice this week?

Suggested Practice

Invite each person to commit to reading John 15:1–8 daily this week and to practice the four-step daily devotion. Encourage them to share what they learn and what changes as they stay connected to Jesus.

This teaching explores what it means to live as people who are adopted into God’s family and no longer abandoned or alone. When we understand our belonging in Christ, fear loses its power and confidence, hope, and trust begin to grow.

Video

https://youtu.be/WVklkUjFUew

Audio

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Table of contentsVideoAudioDownloads and LinksIntroductionScripture ReadingRomans 8:14-17God Does Not Lead Us by FearGod Adopted Us as His ChildrenShare and Encourage OthersGod Gives Us Confidence and Hope Through BelongingThis WeekLooking AheadFor Leaders and Small GroupsMain TruthKey ScriptureDiscussion QuestionsSuggested Practice

Downloads and Links

2026-01-18 - Adopted Not Abandoned Notes

2026-01-18 - Adopted Not Abandoned Notes

Watch the video of this teaching on our YouTube channel or above.

Introduction

Today we continue our series, Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ.

In Week 1, we talked about being firmly rooted in Christ and building our lives on a strong spiritual foundation. In Week 2, we talked about identity and learning to be secure in who God says we are. Today, we move one step deeper and talk about belonging.

Many people live with a deep fear of abandonment. Some have experienced rejection from family, friends, or authority figures. Others carry quiet fears of being unwanted, unseen, or alone. Even believers can struggle with these fears.

Scripture gives us a powerful truth:In Christ, we are not abandoned.In Christ, we are adopted.

Scripture Reading

Our Scripture today comes from Romans 8:14-17:

Romans 8:14-17

(14)  For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. (15)  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ (16)  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (17)  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”

These verses speak directly to fear, belonging, and identity.

God Does Not Lead Us by Fear

The Apostle Paul reminds us that believers are not led by fear, but by the Spirit of God. Fear tells us that we are alone, that we do not belong, and that we must protect ourselves. But God does not lead His children through fear.

For many believers, fear does not appear dramatic. It appears quietly. It sounds like thoughts such as, “What if I disappoint God?” or “What if I am not doing enough?” Some people believe God loves them, but they never feel at ease in His presence.

That kind of fear does not come from God.

God does not motivate His children through anxiety or threat. He leads us through love, patience, and relationship. He treats us like children who belong, not servants who might be dismissed.

Think about the difference between a visitor and a family member. A visitor feels careful and uncertain. A family member feels free and welcome. God invites us to live as family, not as visitors.

Reflection:Where has fear shaped how you relate to God?Do you live as someone who belongs, or as someone who feels guarded and uncertain?

God Adopted Us as His Children

Paul tells us that the Spirit we received brought about our adoption. Adoption is intentional. Adoption is permanent. Adoption is rooted in love.

When God adopted us, He did not bring us into His family reluctantly. He welcomed us with purpose and joy.

Many believers understand forgiveness, but still struggle with belonging. They believe God forgives them, but they continue to live as if they must earn their place. They live carefully, as though one mistake could change God’s mind.

This is the difference between living like a guest and living like a child.

A guest worries about saying the wrong thing.A guest wonders if they are staying too long.A guest feels pressure to behave perfectly.

A child belongs.A child knows where they stand.A child rests in the relationship.

God did not adopt us so we would live on probation. He adopted us so we could live in security.

Reflection:Do you live as someone who knows they belong to God’s family, or as someone still trying to earn acceptance?

Share and Encourage Others

If you are comfortable, we invite you to share in the comments below.

What truth helps you remember that you belong to God’s family?

Your words may encourage someone who is struggling with fear, uncertainty, or loneliness.

God Gives Us Confidence and Hope Through Belonging

Paul continues by saying that if we are children, then we are heirs. This means we are not only accepted, but included in God’s promises.

Belonging gives us confidence.Belonging gives us hope.Belonging gives us strength to endure difficult seasons.

Life still brings hardship. Faith does not remove challenges. But belonging reminds us that we never face hardship alone.

For some people, this truth is difficult to trust. If you have experienced abandonment or broken relationships, the idea of belonging may feel uncertain. God understands that struggle.

He does not ask you to believe this truth instantly.He invites you to learn it slowly.He proves His faithfulness over time.

Even when feelings waver, God’s commitment does not. Belonging in Christ is not fragile. It is anchored in God’s promise.

Take this truth to heart:You are not abandoned.You are not forgotten.You are not unseen.

You are a child of God.

This Week

This week, we encourage you to:

Read Romans 8:14–17 each day

Thank God for adopting you into His family

Ask God to replace fear with confidence and trust

Allow the truth of belonging to move from your mind into your heart.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we will conclude this series by talking about abiding in Christ and learning how staying connected to Him produces spiritual fruit in our lives.

Explore the full Firmly Rooted series:Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ

For Leaders and Small Groups

Main Truth

Belonging in God’s family replaces fear with confidence and hope.

Key Scripture

Romans 8:14–17

Discussion Questions

How does fear affect the way people relate to God?

What does adoption into God’s family mean to you personally?

What helps you remember that you belong to God?

How does belonging change the way we face hardship?

Suggested Practice

Invite group members to thank God each day for adopting them into His family and to reflect on how that truth shapes their faith.

This teaching focuses on our identity in Christ and what it means to be secure in who God says we are. When we live from God’s truth instead of past mistakes or false labels, we find confidence, peace, and belonging in Christ.

Video

https://youtu.be/VD1eFpIkRsE

Audio

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Table of contentsDownload the NotesIntroductionScripture ReadingEphesians 1:3-7God Chose Us and Gave Us Identity in ChristGod Redeemed Us and Removed Our Old LabelsGrowing Through CommunityGod Adopted Us Into His Family and Gave Us BelongingConclusionThis WeekLooking AheadFor Leaders and Small GroupsMain TruthKey ScriptureDiscussion QuestionsSuggested Practice

Download the Notes

2026-01-11 - Secure in Who God Says You Are Notes

2026-01-11 - Secure in Who God Says You Are Notes

Introduction

Today we are continuing our series, Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ.

Last week we talked about being firmly rooted in Christ, and how deep spiritual roots give us strength, stability, and gratitude in every season of life. This week we are talking about something closely connected to that foundation.

We are talking about identity.

All around the world, people struggle with identity. Some people define themselves by success or failure. Some define themselves by their past, their struggles, their culture, or the expectations of others. Many people spend years trying to prove who they are, or trying to become someone they believe they must be in order to be accepted.

But God does not begin with labels. God begins with truth. God begins with identity.

Our faith does not only tell us what to believe. Our faith also tells us who we are. And when we understand who we are in Christ, we begin to live with confidence, peace, and security.

Scripture Reading

Let us read from Ephesians chapter 1:3-7.

Ephesians 1:3-7

(3)  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  (4)  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love  (5)  he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—  (6)  to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  (7)  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

These verses give us a powerful picture of who we are in Christ.

God Chose Us and Gave Us Identity in Christ

Paul tells us that God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world. This means our identity does not begin with our performance, our achievements, or our failures. Our identity begins with God.

Before we were born, God already knew us. God already loved us. God already had a purpose for our lives. Our worth does not come from what we do. Our worth comes from who we belong to.

Think about a child in a family. A child does not earn their place every day. They belong because they are part of the family. In the same way, God does not ask us to earn His acceptance. He invites us to live from the identity He has already given us in Christ.

Take a moment and reflect on this.What have you allowed to define your identity? Your past? Your reputation? Your mistakes? Your achievements? The opinions of others?

God says, “Your identity begins in Me.”

God Redeemed Us and Removed Our Old Labels

Paul also says that in Christ we have redemption and forgiveness through His blood. This means our old labels no longer define us.

The world may have called us broken, unworthy, weak, or unacceptable. Our past may have declared us guilty or ashamed. But in Christ, those labels are not our identity.

God does not define us by our worst moments. God defines us by His grace. In Christ, we are forgiven. We are redeemed. We are restored.

Many people carry invisible burdens, like a heavy backpack filled with words such as “failure,” “not good enough,” or “unlovable.” But when we come to Christ, He lifts those burdens. Our identity is no longer shaped by shame. Our identity is shaped by grace.

Take a moment and ask yourself:What false labels have I been carrying?Which voices have shaped how I see myself?

Bring those to God and allow His truth to replace those lies.

Growing Through Community

If you feel comfortable, we invite you to share a truth from Scripture that strengthens your identity in Christ in the comments below. Your story may encourage someone else in our global church family.

God Adopted Us Into His Family and Gave Us Belonging

Paul says that God adopted us as His children through Jesus Christ. Adoption means we are not outsiders. We are not distant observers of God’s kingdom. We are welcomed into God’s family.

We belong.

We do not live for acceptance. We live from acceptance. We do not live in fear of rejection. We live in the assurance of God’s love.

Adoption means we are wanted, we are valued, and we are secure in God’s family.

Take a moment and let this truth speak to your heart:

You are not abandoned.You are not forgotten.You are not unnoticed.

You are a child of God.

Let that truth settle deeply in your heart and mind.

Conclusion

Our identity in Christ gives us peace, confidence, and purpose.

We are chosen.We are redeemed.We are adopted into God’s family.

We do not need to chase identity.We do not need to prove identity.

We simply live from the identity God has already given us in Christ.

When we know who we are in Christ, we can walk in freedom, gratitude, and hope.

This Week

This week, we encourage you to:

Read Ephesians chapter 1 slowly

Write down three truths about your identity in Christ

Pray and ask God to help you live from those truths each day

Let God’s truth define who you are.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we will talk about what it means to live as people who are adopted, not abandoned, and how belonging to God changes the way we face fear, hardship, and uncertainty.

Explore the full Firmly Rooted series:Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ

For Leaders and Small Groups

Main Truth

Identity in Christ brings confidence, peace, and belonging.

Key Scripture

Ephesians 1:3–7

Discussion Questions

What voices or influences most often shape how people see their identity?

Which identity truth in Ephesians 1 speaks most deeply to you?

What false labels has God helped you let go of?

How does adoption into God’s family bring security and hope?

Suggested Practice

Invite group members to write one identity truth from Scripture and speak it in prayer each day this week.

This teaching explores what it means to build a strong spiritual foundation by being firmly rooted in Christ. When our lives grow from our identity in Christ, we find strength, stability, and gratitude in every season of life.

Video

https://youtu.be/-eTHgS-An_g

Audio

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Table of contentsDownload the NotesIntroductionGrowing TogetherScripture ReadingColossians 2:6-7Christ Is the Foundation of Our LifeDeep Roots Produce a Strong LifeGrowing Through CommunityGratitude Is Evidence of Healthy RootsConclusionThis WeekLooking AheadFor Leaders and Small Groups

Download the Notes

2026-01-04 - Firmly Rooted in Christ Notes

2026-01-04 - Firmly Rooted in Christ Notes

Introduction

Today we are beginning a new year together.

Around the world, people start a new year thinking about change. They think about goals, habits, and improvement. Many people ask what they should do differently this year.

But before God ever talks about what we should do, He talks about who we are. And before He talks about growth, He talks about where we are rooted.

A tree does not grow strong because of what we see above the ground. It grows strong because of what is hidden below the ground. If the roots are weak, the tree will fall. If the roots are deep, the tree will stand.

The same is true in the Christian life.

A strong faith does not begin with activity. A strong faith begins with a strong foundation. That is why we are starting this year by talking about being firmly rooted in Christ.

Growing Together

If these teachings help you grow in your faith, we invite you to stay connected with us. You are welcome to follow along each week as we continue learning and growing together as a global church family.

Scripture Reading

Let us read together from Colossians 2:6-7:

Colossians 2:6-7

(6) Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, (7) rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

These verses give us a clear picture of what a healthy Christian life looks like.

Christ Is the Foundation of Our Life

The Apostle Paul begins by reminding believers how they started their faith. He says that just as we received Christ Jesus as Lord, we must continue to live our lives in Him.

We receive Christ by faith. But we must also continue in Christ by faith.

Jesus is not only the beginning of our faith. He is the center of our faith. He is the foundation of our life.

Many people treat Jesus like a doorway. They step through the door and then try to live life on their own. But Scripture teaches something different.

Jesus is not only the door. He is the foundation that holds everything together.

When Christ is the foundation, our faith becomes stable. Our hope becomes secure. Our direction becomes clear. When Christ is not the foundation, life becomes unstable. Fear increases. Confusion grows. Faith becomes weak.

Faith is not something we visit once a week. Faith is something we live in every day.

Take a moment to reflect honestly. What is your life truly built on right now? Is it built on Christ, or is it built on comfort, success, security, or approval? Only Christ can hold the weight of your life.

Deep Roots Produce a Strong Life

Paul continues by saying that believers are to be rooted and built up in Christ.

Roots always grow before fruit appears. No plant grows strong overnight. In the same way, spiritual strength develops over time through deep roots in Christ.

Many people want visible growth without hidden depth. They want results without relationship. They want fruit without roots. But shallow roots lead to weak faith.

When trouble comes, shallow roots are exposed. When pressure increases, shallow roots fail. Deep roots, however, hold firm.

A believer with deep roots stands during hardship. A believer with deep roots trusts God during uncertainty. A believer with deep roots remains faithful during difficulty.

Deep roots grow through simple, daily faithfulness. They grow through prayer. They grow through Scripture. They grow through obedience. They grow through connection with the church family.

None of these practices are complicated. But they must be consistent.

Spiritual strength is not built in one moment. It is built in daily moments of faithfulness. Ask yourself honestly whether you are allowing your roots to grow deep in Christ, or whether you are only focused on what people can see.

Growing Through Community

We encourage you to reflect on this and, if possible, share with others what helps you grow deeper roots in Christ. Our global church grows stronger when we learn from one another.

Gratitude Is Evidence of Healthy Roots

Paul ends this passage by saying believers should be overflowing with thankfulness.

Gratitude is not just a feeling. It is a spiritual indicator. A thankful heart shows where trust is placed.

When gratitude flows easily, it shows confidence in God. When gratitude disappears, it often reveals fear or self-reliance.

Thankfulness does not mean life is easy. It means trust is strong.

A grateful believer says that God is faithful, God is present, and God is enough. Gratitude grows naturally when roots are deep.

Thankfulness also changes how we see God and how we face life. Practicing gratitude daily helps strengthen our trust in Him, even before circumstances change.

Conclusion

As we begin this new year, God is not calling us to strive harder. He is calling us to grow deeper. He is calling us to be firmly rooted in Christ.

When Christ is our foundation, faith becomes steady, hope becomes secure, and growth becomes healthy. A strong year does not begin with better effort. A strong year begins with deeper roots.

This Week

This week, we encourage you to take a few simple steps:

Read Colossians chapter 2, verses 6 and 7 each day

Ask God to show you what your life is rooted in

Pray for deeper roots in Christ

Let this year begin with a strong foundation.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we will talk about identity. We will explore what God says about who we are in Christ. When we believe His truth, we can live with confidence and peace.

Explore the full Firmly Rooted series:Firmly Rooted: Living from Identity in Christ

For Leaders and Small Groups

Main Truth:Spiritual growth begins with being firmly rooted in Christ.

Key Scripture:Colossians 2:6–7

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to be rooted in Christ?

What things compete for your trust and attention?

How do deep roots help during difficult seasons?

How does gratitude reveal spiritual health?

Suggested Practice:Encourage group members to read Colossians 2:6–7 daily this week and share one way they are intentionally growing deeper roots in Christ.