Why do some people seem to grow spiritually no matter what life throws at them, while others wither under the weight of it all?
In this message, we look beneath the surface of spiritual growth to what Jesus called the only way fruit actually grows – staying connected to Him. Using the metaphor of roots and trees, we explore what it really means to be planted in the Spirit instead of striving in your own strength. This isn’t about trying harder or doing more – it’s about letting the Holy Spirit do the deep work no one else sees. Because when God begins to heal you from the inside out, the change will always last longer than anything you tried to force on your own.
The message kicks off our summer series, Grounded: Roots Before Fruit, where we’ll spend 13 weeks getting grounded in the parts of faith that actually hold us together. If you’ve ever felt stuck, dry, or frustrated that your growth doesn’t match your desire, this series will meet you there and help you go deeper.
If you missed the live service or want to reflect further, you can watch the full message above anytime after. We’ve also included discussion questions to dig deeper into the message and a handout with fill-ins to guide your reflection. You can find the handout by clicking the “Download” button above. Whether you watch this on your own or share it with your small group, we hope this message encourages you.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to be “planted in the Spirit” instead of striving in your own strength? How can you tell the difference in your own life?
- How have you seen the Holy Spirit do “root work” in you in the past? What fruit eventually came out of that?
- Isaiah 61 describes healing, freedom, and restoration. Which part of that passage do you most long to see in your own life right now?
- The message mentioned that your roots grow into what you trust. Where are your roots currently finding stability – and is it a solid foundation?
- Why do you think it’s so easy to value visible fruit more than invisible formation?
- Psalm 1 says the tree “bears fruit at the right time.” How do you respond when the timing of your growth feels delayed?
- The message challenged us to create space for the Spirit to do underground work. What practices in your life are currently making room for that?
- How does the Holy Spirit bring healing to places in us that behavior change can’t fix?
- In what ways can a Christian look spiritually healthy on the outside while being dry or tangled at the root level?
- What does it practically look like to say, “Holy Spirit, grow what you want in me – even if it’s not what I would’ve chosen”?
