The author of the book of Job says that “God spoke to Job out of the whirlwind.” God spoke to Job in person, out of a whirlwind. What would that look like? What would it be like to speak personally with God in the midst of a whirlwind? What would it be like to be so grounded in the love of Christ that when the nastiest of storms hit my life, I seek the presence of God until he shows up and speaks to me?
Paul knew what it was like to talk to God in the midst of a whirlwind. He faced suffering. He battled his own sin. He struggled with fear and weakness. He wrestled with anxiety. He faced death on multiple occasions. He lost friends. He faced down enemies. He was beaten with whips and rods because of his faith in Christ. And now he’s in prison waiting for the executioner because he preached the gospel.
In Ephesians 3:16 – 17 Paul prays that “the Holy Spirit would strengthen us so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith as our hearts are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ.” What does it means to be grounded in the love of Christ? Last week we learned that if we are grounded in the love of Christ, we will build our lives on the love of Christ. We will Praise God for who he is and for what he’s done. We will be secure in his presence. (Lk. 6:46-49; Ps. 103:1-13; Jn. 17:20-26) This week we learned…
1: If you are grounded in the love of Christ, you will stay focused on the hope of Heaven
Colossians 3:1 – 4 teaches us that we share in the resurrection of Christ. We share in Christ’s victory over Satan, sin and death. Christ is firmly seated next to the Father. Therefore you share the same presence of the Father that Jesus enjoys. You are dead to your sin. You are hidden from the power of Satan, sin and the grave. When Christ returns in glory you will be completely perfected once and for all. Stay focused on the hope of Heaven.
2: If you are grounded in the love of Christ, you can be assured that God will finish what he started
Philippians 1:6 teaches us that Paul was sure of this truth. He was certain. He didn’t question it. He trusted that when God begins a work in someone he finishes it. Paul didn’t believe that God began little side projects in his kingdom only to let them go to waste. It’s a good work that God began in you. You are not a mistaken work. You are not God’s side project. You are not a forgotten work. You are not a frustrating work. You are a good work that God began and God doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t do things halfway. God finishes what he starts.
3: If you are grounded in the love of Christ, you have the assurance that you are built to last
Ephesians 2:19 – 22 teaches us that we are not a strangers to God. We are not alienated from him like someone from a foreign country. We have papers of citizenship in the kingdom of God that have been signed in the blood of Christ. God’s signature on your adoption papers cannot be revoked and it cannot be erased. You are a saint who has been perfected by the work of the cross. Your perfection has been completed. You will persevere if you are truly grounded in the love of Christ. You are a member of God’s family. Your membership dues have been paid in full. Your membership will not expire or run out. The Word of God, which is perfect and lasting and true, is building you into the home of God with other believers. The love of Christ is the everlasting glue that holds you together. Not one brick in the home of God will be lost, replaced or left undone. The promises of God are right and true and they don’t depend upon you. You are built to last.
Application Questions and Prayer…
- Share some phrases, principles or truths that caught your attention in this study.
- Describe some areas of unbelief and sin that this study revealed inside you.
- Discuss what kind of assurance you have in Christ’s love. How are you assured that you won’t fall away from his love? What keeps you grounded in his love?
- Describe how what you believe here affects your spiritual life? Your physical life? Your relationships? Your habits?
- Spend some time praying for each other in response to this study.