Know Your Roots

Last night I saw a shirt that had the words "KNOW YOUR ROOTS" in large letters. I assume this shirt referred to ethnic roots, but the word "roots" immediately reminded me of what God has been revealing to me concerning my "struggles" and what causes them. It has become clear to me that struggles with anger, rage, negative thoughts, addictions and all habitual sinful behavior is only there because those fruits are being fed by a root that lies underground in a dark place (i.e. kept a secret).

Roots gain power in the dark - and they die when exposed to the light. After a root dies, the fruit eventually dissapears - everytime!  So, once our sin is exposed to the light, the struggles dissapear as well. Confession precedes repentance and is accomplished in community that is rooted in the Gospel.  May we all be challenged to consistently uproot and expose evil in our lives rather than try to manage sin.  As we draw near to God may the light expose the disease that feeds our symptoms...

1Timothy 6:11: For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith.

Below is a Word study on the Greek work for "root" (from preceptaustin.org):

Root (4491) (rhiza) is used to describe a literal root

Rhiza is used as a negative metaphor here in 1Ti 6:10 and again in Hebrews 12:15-note., where it is a "root of bitterness." The NT uses rhiza as a metaphorical description of the Messiah three times (Ro 15:12-note, Rev 5:5-note, Rev 22:16-note).

A root - Most of our English translations place "root" later in the passage, whereas Paul placed it first in the Greek text for emphasis! The "root" is vitally important! One cannot help but think of weeds like crabgrass that begin to grow in our beautiful manicured lawns and which is extremely difficult to eradicate. Furthermore, the root is that part of the plant that is unseen, laying under the grown where it functions as the plant's organ of adsorption, aeration, food supply, anchorage and support! Remember that the root differs from the stem, the buds and the fruit, all of which are intimately dependent on the integrity of the root. Now parlay that picture into this passage by Paul for a powerful picture!

Rhiza - 17x in 16v in the NT and always translated "root" or "roots."

Matthew 3:10 "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Matthew 13:6 "But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Comment: Used metaphorically of the seed that brings salvation. No root. No fruit. No salvation!

Matthew 13:21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but (contrast) is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word (Dearly reader, have you ever been persecuted because of your stand on the Word of God? Beloved of God, rejoice because [1] it is evidence of genuine salvation and [2] be glad [agalliao = jump for joy!] for your reward will be great [Mt 5:11, 12-note]), immediately he falls away (Ed: Compare "falls away" to "wandered away" here in 1Ti 6:10).

Mark 4:6 "And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

Mark 4:17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

Mark 11:20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up.

Luke 3:9 "Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

Luke 8:13 "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.

Romans 11:16-note If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. (For one of the best discussions of Romans 9-11 see Dr Anthony Garland's in depth answer to the question What Will Happen to Israel?)

Romans 15:12-note Again Isaiah says, "THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE."

Comment: Paul is quoting from Isaiah 11:1-note and Isaiah 11:10-note!

Lenski writes that: Rhiza refers to a live root that sends up a sprout, hence “the root-sprout,” the article designates the one person referred to. Jesse was David’s father; in Rev. 5:5, and 22:16 we have “root-sprout of David.” The royal house that sprang from Jesse was cut down; from the root Jesse (appositional genitive) only a tender young sprout would grow up, so tiny and apparently so weak compared with the old royal tree.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Hebrews 12:15-note See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

Revelation 5:5-note and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

Revelation 22:16-note "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the Root and the Descendant of David, the bright morning Star."