"Deep Rooted Faith"

For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard, and how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Let your roots grow down into him,

Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger; being strengthened and established in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7) Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. (Ephesians 3:17)

So, then, brothers and sisters, don't let anyone move you off the foundation [of your faith]. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, and do not let your hands be slack; for your work will be rewarded. (2 Corinthians 15:7) Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. (Hebrews 10:35) We want each of you to prove that you're working hard so that you will remain confident until the end,

but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them.(Hebrews 6:11-12) Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].

And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. (James 1:3-4) For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding),

and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness,

and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit]. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Do not lack diligence in zeal;

never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord;

constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength]. (Romans 12:11-12) So that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],

the word of life holding forth, for rejoicing to me in regard to a day of Christ, that not in vain did I run, nor in vain did I labour. (Philippians 2:15-16) Walking in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]. Being strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy.

Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light. (Colossians 1:10-12)