Paul chose his words very carefully, even much more than the casual reader would initially realize. There is also no question that the depth of wisdom in Paul's writing suggests a source far greater than mere human understanding. Words are important, and Paul's words are very important because they were divinely inspired and guided by the leading of the Holy Spirit. In today's short devotional, we want to highlight four of them from today's passage which reveal the care Paul took in constructing his letter which would be read and studied for thousands of years. The common English translations of these four words are Kneel, Rooted, Grounded, and Dwell. Simple enough words; but if we dig deeper, the true meaning and significance can lead to a moment of inspiration and revelation that can leave the reader changed forever. Paul begins this portion of his letter by making a seemingly insignificant statement about the posture of his body. He says that he kneels before the Lord. Paul prayed in the posture of bowing down on his knees, not before the emperor, but before his Father in heaven. This is far more significant than we would think because the position of kneeling was of the utmost humility and in stark contrast to the more normal posture of prayer in that culture, even Jewish culture, which was to pray standing with hands raised up. The position of humility came when he considered God’s great eternal plan, his place in that plan, and how God’s work was unstoppable even when Paul was imprisoned. Paul realized that others also had long before him. Solomon prayed on his knees (1 Kings 8:54). Ezra prayed on his knees (Ezra 9:5). The Psalmist called us to kneel (Psalm 95:6). Daniel prayed on his knees (Daniel 6:10). People came to Jesus kneeling (Matthew 17:14, Matthew 20:20, and Mark 1:40). Stephen prayed on his knees (Acts 7:60). Peter prayed on his knees (Acts 9:40), and other early Christians prayed on their knees (Acts 21:5). Most importantly, Jesus prayed on His knees (Luke 22:41). The Bible has enough prayer not on the knees to show us that it isn’t required, but also enough prayer on the knees to show us that it is significant and meaningful.

Paul then uses two expressions to describe Christian spiritual maturity; Rooted and Grounded, not just one or the other, but both together. A root provides stability, but roots also draw nutrients. The word grounded (also translated as established) refers to a foundation, on which everything is built on top of. The roots grow down from the surface, and from the foundations, we grow up. True spiritual growth is both downward growth (rooted) and upward growth (grounded). Simply put, Paul is saying that from below the surface to the very top, in all that you do and in who you are, let it all be for Christ and in Christ. Let us even today be both rooted and grounded in Christ. Many people have this so out of order in their lives. Being rooted and established in love is a distant thought, a hopeful dream for some distant point later in life. We mistakenly desire the future things now and the foundational things at some point in the future. But scripture declares that that should be our starting point; don’t do anything else until the roots are there. That is where strength comes from to do anything else that is meaningful. The truth is, any plan that does not start with God will ultimately fail no matter how good the plan sounds. Without God as the foundation, it is worthless and always temporary. How many of us look to the future to build something; to grow a business, a career, or a family, but we look to grow it on the foundation of our own talents, skill, knowledge, money, and hard work, and not on God? All of these poorly laid plans, hopes, dreams, and desires will fail. It might take a year or ten, but they will all eventually crumble. Everything not built on the rock (but on sinking sand) will crumble when the storms of life come. The idea behind the phrase “…to the measure of all the fullness of God”, which is found in this passage contains a very powerful idea. It is talking about growing in spiritual maturity and strength and becoming more like Christ, and how this is the fullness of God. There is nothing more full or higher than becoming more like Christ. God has no greater plans for you than that. To be more like Christ should be our New Year's resolution and every day's desire. You don't need to add anything else. When we seek God first, there is always more that will follow and all these things will be added to you. God can do so much more than we could even imagine or more than we ask. We should never want to shortchange or insult God by asking for or expecting little. God is waiting to pour out his blessing and favor on your life, but if your roots aren’t strong and secure, and if the foundation isn't right, even God's blessing will overwhelm you.


And finally, two ancient Greek words convey the idea of "to live in.” One has the idea of living in a place as a stranger, and the other has the idea of settling down in a place to make it your permanent home. Dwell uses the ancient Greek word for a permanent home. Jesus wants to settle permanently in your heart, not just visit as a stranger!