2:7Colossians 2:7

To walk in Christ means to keep living in him exactly as he was first received by faith, staying rooted and built up in him and firm in the taught faith with overflowing thanksgiving.STB 341.3–4+4 To be rooted is to have the heart fixed on Christ as soil and rock, drawing life from him by the Spirit like a plant drawing sunshine and rain, and to be built up is to build character upon him as the sure foundation unto completeness.AA 175.1–3+4 To be established is to hold unmoved to the teachings of God's Word, examined point by point and lived as a ruling principle until the life is made like Christ.RH Apr 2, 1908+4 Such rooted steadfastness guards against being spoiled by human philosophy, novel ideas, worldly practices and last-day deceptions, keeping believers from being moved from Christ in whom they are complete.ExVEGW 36.9–11+4 This life in Christ is complete in him in whom all fullness dwells, and it shows itself in continual growth, fruitful obedience and a grateful heart overflowing in blessing to others.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22+4

To be rooted is to take root in Christ as a plant takes root in soil, with the heart resting on him as its source while the Holy Spirit gives essential growth as sunshine, dew and rain do to a plant.ED 106.1 It is also to stand like a tree with deep roots against a tempest, firmly rooted in Christ and established in Bible truth so as to withstand temptation, error and trials of faith through continual renewal of strength and a firm hold on the Lord Jesus.RH Aug 31, 1905 God's Word is thus to shape the whole life and guide the doing of his will, with reliance on what Scripture says and holding fast to the faith delivered to the saints.RH Aug 31, 1905

Being rooted is like a water lily whose roots are firmly fixed in pure sand beneath dirty water, so that though living in the world and surrounded by its moral pollution, holding fast to God lifts the life into purity above surrounding evil.Ms 73, 1895, par. 8 That hold makes the believer a partaker of the divine nature and gives power to stand against the temptations of Satan.Ms 73, 1895, par. 8

To be built up is to build life on Christ as the sure foundation, the solid rock strong enough to sustain the whole world, on which Jews and Gentiles alike can rest and grow firm in the faith as taught.AA 175.1–3+1 He is the sure, living foundation, and through connection with him believers themselves become living stones in God's building.RH May 25, 1911 This walk keeps the feet on the solid rock and gives perfection of Christian character and completeness in him as head of all principality and power, by centering all in Christ and refusing to be spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after human tradition and worldly rudiments.Ms 95, 1898, par. 32–35 It refuses to gather supposed great wisdom from men and place it before the wisdom of Christ, but those rooted in him submit the intellect to the molding of the Holy Spirit, receive wisdom from above, discern that God's commandments demand obedience, walk in perfect obedience, receive Christ's righteousness, are reconciled to God through his blood, and are one with the Father through Jesus Christ.Ms 95, 1898, par. 32–35

To be rooted, grounded, stablished and built up together is to be settled and balanced by firm principle, with steadiness of purpose, firmness and decision, moral courage, independence, and conscientious duty carried out in daily life.Lt 19, 1867, par. 4–7 This enables a youth to resist the temptations connected with attending school and to go through terms at school without losing faith, whereas without it he will fail and lose his faith and perhaps his soul.Lt 19, 1867, par. 4–7 It therefore calls for new resolutions, firm purpose and high resolves, thinking more than is expressed, calm thought and prayerful consideration, and meditation and prayer in the fear of God for his glory.Lt 19, 1867, par. 4–7 It means being firmly settled upon principle and fortified by the strength that the truth gives, with power of endurance to stand in a slippery place, not moving from impulse, not weak as a child with no endurance, not easily discouraged and overcome, but prepared to endure hardness and willing to endure the contradiction of sinners as Christ did, remembering him lest weariness and faintness of mind come.2T 90.2 Since a violated conscience is greatly weakened, this steadfastness needs constant watchfulness and unceasing prayer, and it saves from making entire shipwreck, with life and death hanging on the choice.2T 90.2

It means having the truth as it is in Jesus treasured in the heart and incorporated in the being, settled and grounded so that no temptation or argument can induce leaving Christ and his wisdom out of the life.Lt 64, 1886, par. 9–10 This firm, solid experience that will stand the test of trial is gained by fitting for eternity now, fighting the battle with individual temptations and transmitted traits of character that seek supremacy, pursuing the religious life undeterred by difficulties, gaining victories over self every day, and working for the Master from principle emptied of selfishness in darkness as well as light and in gloom as well as sunshine.Lt 64, 1886, par. 9–10 It holds despite feelings and imaginings exaggerated by trivial circumstances that the enemy takes advantage of, and one so rooted cannot fail to have a masterly influence over all connected with him, leading them not to live for themselves but for him who gave his life for them, living not for this life but for the future immortal life and the eternal weight of glory.Lt 64, 1886, par. 9–10 It is to be strengthened, stablished, rooted, grounded and built upon the faith, forming a character for heaven by having a right interest and firm hold of the better world, which prepares a person to live in this world and act the part heaven has assigned.Lt 10, 1868, par. 1–2

What was spoken to the Colossians calls believers today in the same way to walk in Christ Jesus the Lord as they received him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith as taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22 This steadfast faith in Christ comforts hearts and knits them together in love unto full assurance of understanding of God the Father and Christ in whom are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22 It guards against being beguiled by enticing words and spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after human tradition and worldly rudiments, and rests in Christ in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and in whom believers are complete as head of all principality and power.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22 Disregarding this scriptural call to unity transgresses the law of God as truly as transgressing the fourth commandment.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22

As received, so walk: continue living in Christ Jesus the Lord exactly as first received, staying firmly rooted and built up in him and made steadfast in the taught faith, with life overflowing in thanksgiving.STB 341.3–4+4 This steadfast rootedness is a vital practical truth every believer in the church must heed, keeping from linking with the world, losing the knowledge of God, and departing from the faith, in contrast to being led away by human philosophy, deceit, or worldly teaching.STB 341.3–4+3 To walk in him is to become firmly grounded, growing in him and strengthened in the faith already taught.CH 630.1+2

That walk is growth upward in him, not shaped by self, old habits, or foolishness, for when Christ dwells in the heart by faith his presence is revealed in speech.Ms 74, 1897, par. 18–19 It is a path of continual advancement toward everything good and pure and noble and elevating, requiring constant progress toward perfection of character whose ideal is Christlikeness.ST Nov 5, 1896 Such a life never degrades or coarsens but refines taste, sanctifies judgment, softens the heart, and purifies and elevates thoughts into obedience to Christ.ST Nov 5, 1896

Being rooted and built up and made firm happens through faith: through faith Christ is received, through faith there is union with him, and through faith that union is kept.Lt 120, 1898, par. 5+1 The union begun at surrender continues each day for repenting, believing sinners, with Christ doing as much each day as at first surrender, holding first love alive without leaving it.Lt 120, 1898, par. 5+1 The love shown grows into increasing love in a cultivated life of faith in Christ Jesus, while self must die, though self dies hard, and self is not to be upheld, because the life of grace is always a life of faith.Lt 120a, 1898, par. 4

Fulfilling the pledge made with God at baptism means walking in Christ as received, rooted and built up and established in the taught faith, abounding with thanksgiving.Lt 151, 1903, par. 19–25+2 It is faithfully keeping the baptism vow in the pledged power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with baptism accompanying the commitment to faithful Christian life.6MR 27.1–2+1 So believers enter new life as partakers of the divine nature, living from Christ as source of power, complete in him in whom all fullness of the Godhead dwells, free from dishonest practice and worldly corruption, filled with joy for rich grace, appreciating mercies and cultivating gratitude.Lt 151, 1903, par. 19–25+1 This warns against letting worldly spirit, practices, and teachings displace Christ, after human tradition and worldly rudiments and not after Christ.6MR 27.1–2+1

Coming to Jesus and walking in him means coming out of the world and being separate, coming out fully onto the Lord's side.STB 341.3–4+1 Though in the world, the walker is not of it but a living representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, instead of linking with the world.STB 341.3–4+1

Following Christ as Pattern and walking in his footsteps roots and builds the person in him and establishes in the taught faith.FE 303.2–304.1+1 This firm faith is marked by thanksgiving growing from recognizing Christ's love and the value God has placed on them.FE 303.2–304.1 Being rooted and built up means knowing oneself not as a bondslave but as a son of God, highly favored and of great value because God made the person his own by infinite ransom for freedom, calling friend and not servant, which qualifies to fill any and every required position.Lt 11, 1893, par. 32–33 Appreciation of such wondrous love calls forth love and gratitude until the heart becomes a wellspring of joy, abounding with thanksgiving and sending up thank offerings instead of complaining.Lt 11, 1893, par. 32–33

This walk is to be studied and prayed over for God to impress it on the mind, then carried out in daily life so believers are filled with the fullness of God.Ms 48, 1904, par. 29–30 It cures faultfinding with others and makes believers one in Christ.Ms 48, 1904, par. 29–30 It keeps from searching out doctrines Christ has not taught, holds unitedly on the platform of eternal truth, and moves to preach Christ and him crucified.Ms 48, 1904, par. 29–30

To be settled in the instructed belief is to hold without shifting to what has already been taught and to keep growing in it, abounding in it with gratitude while staying close to Christ rather than being drawn away by teaching that lacks the Lord's authority.RH Apr 2, 1908+1 That taught belief is the teachings of God's Word, whose principles suit every circumstance of life, fit the soul for duty, brace it for trial, and guard against satanic delusion in the last days, including the truth of the Word and the light of the first, second, and third angels' messages.RH Apr 2, 1908+1 Becoming firmly settled comes by feeding on Bible truth, understanding the truth for the time, and separating from evil, standing firmly on the platform of truth and using the present opportunity to gain that stability.Lt 72, 1906, par. 28+1 So established and strengthened through God's Word, believers are anchored in Bible doctrine and equipped to reveal by transformed lives the sanctifying and redeeming power of Christ's love.Lt 72, 1906, par. 28+1

Being rooted in this way means not being rooted in self or after human ideas but having God's truth in His Word as a living, abiding principle set above every other influence, ruling, guiding, and controlling the life until the whole being is assimilated to the perfect Pattern and complete in Christ.Lt 70, 1894, par. 8–10 It means contemplating Christ's character with fixed purpose to imitate His life and conform character to His, showing a marked difference from the world.Lt 70, 1894, par. 8–10 That change is sanctification of the entire person, body, soul, and spirit, as the Holy Spirit implants a new nature and molds human character through Christ's grace until His image is perfected, which is true holiness expressed in heart service and thanksgiving and guarded against being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after human tradition and worldly rudiments.Lt 70, 1894, par. 8–10

Faith is made firm as its teachings are examined point by point through prayerful searching of Scripture and guidance by the Holy Spirit, giving a solid foundation and power to distinguish truth from error.Ms 19, 1888, par. 9+1 This settling is reached not by chance but by earnest, careful research of inspired words that brings mind and heart to the living oracles, to a Thus saith the Lord, producing humility, obedience, and implicit faith commanded by Christ with authority.Ms 200, 1898, par. 9+1 It requires being a close student of the Word with heart and mind enlisted, gaining intelligent knowledge in order to obey, being purified through the truth, and learning more daily through diligent search while growing in grace and knowledge.Ms 19, 1888, par. 9+1 Those so grounded can know with certainty that God is leading and teaching them, gaining a sure spiritual experience.Lt 32, 1911, par. 2 They look to God and to Jesus as center and source and fountain of all wisdom, grace, strength, power, and blessing, receiving light and knowledge directly from Him rather than taking impressions and ideas from human beings, not copying another's peculiarities of speech, spirit, ways, and manners of working, nor merely acting, talking, and thinking as others do, but remaining one's own simple self while God puts His divine impress and mold upon the character.Lt 21, 1888, par. 8–10 Such rootedness gives clear and accurate ideas of the truth of the Word so as to present these truths to other minds, thinking for oneself and seeing the force of truth for oneself, speaking every word from a heart full of love and tenderness, with the vital truths of the Bible urged upon the mind until every point is fastened upon it, believed and able to be repeated in one's own language and stated clearly to show its force and application are understood.CT 434.2 For those who embrace unpopular truths this establishment keeps them from being tossed to and fro when tests and trials come through false doctrines, and causes them to grow up into the living Head.Ms 19, 1888, par. 9

This rooted walk belongs to true higher education in Bible study, which is intensely interesting and not dark, mysterious, and incomprehensible, bringing comfort of heart, unity in love, and all riches of full assurance of understanding in knowing the Father and Christ in whom all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.Ms 58, 1898, par. 18–20 It is applied to young people earnestly taught Bible truth so they know what they believe, gain a lasting experience in divine things, and stand as reliable pillars and champions for truth in the church, rooted and grounded through earnest instruction and faithful to sacred trusts.SCE 1.1+1 Students learning the Bible need to study its teachings deeply, with the pure doctrines of the faith made central to their education, and the foundational truths that have sustained the faith taught repeatedly, concerning Jesus and salvation.SCE 1.1+1 Receiving the Word not as the word of men but as God's Word in truth makes it work effectually in believers, including receiving the message to the Laodiceans instead of doubting both message and messenger and remaining in darkness.15MR 91.1–3

Believers, especially the weak of the flock, become rooted, grounded, and established through the personal labor of the gospel minister in the binding off of the work, binding the messenger bearing the truth together with the sheep and lambs of the pasture.Lt 18, 1893, par. 5–7 This is done when the human instrument becomes a channel of light by identifying with the people for whom he labors, visiting every family in their homes, and speaking timely words that comfort and strengthen them.Lt 18, 1893, par. 5–7 Such pastoral visiting cannot be supplied by proxy nor shifted upon wives or another person, and if neglected the shepherd is unfaithful and his work is not half done, for without it places are lost to the cause.Lt 18, 1893, par. 5–7

The same settling is urged upon youthful students obtaining an education for eternity to grow in knowledge and in grace and be ever advancing by persistent effort in the Christian life to perfect a right character.Lt 11, 1893, par. 29–31 They are to examine the ground on which they stand and keep system and order instead of disorder and haphazard work and impulse and natural inclination, weighing amusements by their influence on mind, on character, on school work, and above all on religious life, whether they fit for prayer and service to God and whether earnestness and zeal for the Lord exceed zeal for games, because completeness is in Christ and it will be eternal loss to remain with a dwarfed, weakly, babyish religious experience.Lt 11, 1893, par. 29–31 Having a firm, living connection with God, such faith can sustain young people as they pursue education and, while learning, share truth with others, as the Waldenses did.Ms 132, 1901, par. 22+1 With a solid experience in the things of God they should use opportunities to enlarge their understanding of His work and learn to meet people where they are so they can share the truth, letting obstacles in presenting it deepen dependence on God and lead them to seek wisdom from above, so their conduct can help bring others to salvation.Ms 132, 1901, par. 22+1 Young workers need this strong foundation and living connection with God so they remain true while studying and serving, prepared to serve faithfully even while pursuing further education.5T 583.1+1 Strong young men so rooted and grounded and closely connected with God can safely enter higher schools, obtain a drill there, become acquainted with the theology taught there, be fitted to meet prevailing errors, and all the time remain channels of light dropping seeds of truth into other minds without being influenced or swayed from the right.Lt 44, 1887, par. 12+1

Rooted steadfastness in Christ, established in the faith as taught and overflowing with thanksgiving, is the guard against being spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after human tradition and the rudiments of the world and not after Christ.ExVEGW 36.9–11+4 That includes empty philosophy, persuasive enticing words, maxims and suppositions, interpretations that make the Word mean what God never designed, enforced oddities, and teachings without the Lord's authority.RH Jan 21, 1904+4 Continuing to walk and live in Christ as first received, growing firmly established in Him, keeps the life from being led away from Christ by such human and worldly teaching.RH Jan 21, 1904+4

The verse points out danger and requires the soldier of the cross to be always on guard so the enemy never takes him at disadvantage.Ms 30, 1902, par. 13 Those whose lives are hid with Christ in God cannot guard too carefully against worldly principles lest any spoil them.Ms 30, 1902, par. 13 Holding fast to the received faith guards against being unsettled and seeking originality by taking up novel theories and new strange ideas flattered as new truth and a new message.Ms 200, 1898, par. 5–6+1 Such ideas are only a snare to captivate minds and withdraw from the truth which is the mystery of godliness, and in the last days safety requires large faith increasing in knowledge and wisdom drawn from no other source than the treasure of knowledge in God and Jesus Christ, refusing to be quick to accept productions from human minds presented as new light.Ms 200, 1898, par. 5–6+1

Steadfast order and faith in Christ is the only security against being beguiled by enticing words and deceptive theories.Ms 30, 1902, par. 9–10 Safety requires treasuring the large rich promises of the Word instead of trusting human reasoning, and staying keen, wide awake and spiritual-minded, or the soul is imperiled by yielding to the enticements of the enemy.Ms 30, 1902, par. 9–10 Rootedness keeps believers from gathering supposed great wisdom from men and placing it before the wisdom of Christ.Ms 95, 1898, par. 32–35 Those rooted submit the intellect to the molding of the Holy Spirit, receive wisdom from above, discern that God's commandments demand obedience, walk in perfect obedience, receive Christ's righteousness, are reconciled through His blood, and are one with the Father through Jesus Christ.Ms 95, 1898, par. 32–35

The great danger is being spoiled by letting a worldly spirit and worldly practices take the place Christ should have in the life, displacing Him in whom believers are complete and in whom all fullness of the Godhead dwells.6MR 27.1–2+2 Baptism accompanies the commitment to continue walking in Him rooted and built up and established with thanksgiving, faithfully keeping the vow in the pledged power of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, entering new life as partakers of the divine nature free from dishonest practice and worldly corruption.6MR 27.1–2+1 That requires following Christ directly and making straight paths, giving honor to no finite man unless his works testify that God honors and keeps him, and breaking fellowship with self-exalting leadership that refuses counsel, dishonors God, binds up His cause and teaches error.21MR 174.3–175.1

Being rooted and built up in Christ as personal Saviour and sufficiency brings honesty and integrity with no robbery or underhand dealing, and keeps from being carried away by the science of the great deceiver unto seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.Lt 141, 1905, par. 4 Being rooted and grounded in present truth and in close harmony with Christ keeps believers from being moved by sophistries flooding the world and from Satan's strongest last-day miracle-working deceptions.6T 424.4+1 That includes apparent healings where Satan who can bring disease withdraws his power so the sick appear wonderfully healed, and where his agents appear pretending to be Christ doing His work of healing, so miracle-working cannot be depended upon as evidence marking God's people.Ms 158, 1904, par. 11–14 Neglecting opportunities and misusing privileges leaves believers weak in faith and knowledge, without spiritual sight to distinguish truth from error, and thus deceived by last-day delusions.6T 424.4

Being rooted and grounded in the truth as it is in Jesus, planted in the heart by His Holy Spirit and watered by His grace, is the only safety against Satan's scheme to beguile with amusements and the interests of this life above eternal life.ST Jan 19, 1882+1 Only that truth and wisdom from above can guide, purify, bless and sanctify when satanic agencies assail, and it is kept by looking unto Jesus, contemplating His life and character, following in His footsteps, and diligently using every power to bless others unto much fruit.Lt 12a, 1893, par. 33+1 Diligent prayerful Bible study fills the heart with God's Word giving divine strength to remain steadfast through severe prolonged assaults, and persevering prayer joins human weakness to God's power and brings victory.ST Jan 19, 1882 Those lacking firm foundation can be harmed by even a little false doctrine, while rootedness in Christ and firm establishment in present truth keeps unmovable with gratitude and trust.1MR 349.2+1 Being rooted in themselves and strengthened, stablished and settled as taught guards against envy, evil speaking and the beguiling false tongue that easily conquers the unwary, held by Christ's atonement as hope's anchor and the Word as lamp and light, so words are not of self but of Christ for this time.1MR 349.2+1

Printed books, papers and pages help keep truth continually before minds, deepen understanding, and strengthen against deceptive error.MC 8.1+1 By that means hearts are rooted and grounded in truth and established against darkness and deception.MC 8.1+1

To be rooted and built up is to rest in Christ in whom all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden, in whom all fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and in whom believers are complete because He is head of all principality and power.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22+3 This resting comforts hearts and knits them together in love unto full assurance of understanding of the Father and Christ, and to disregard this call to unity is to transgress God's law as truly as to transgress the fourth commandment.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22 It is a vital practical truth to dwell upon and to give as present truth to souls ready to perish in the darkness of error, guarding against being beguiled by enticing words and spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit after human tradition and worldly rudiments rather than Christ.Ms 56, 1898, par. 21–22+3

To be rooted and built up is to be one with Christ who, instead of moving far from guilty man, came and dwelt among men with all fullness, His divinity clothed with humanity.Ms 91, 1902, par. 5–6 To be complete in Him is to attain to perfection through His grace.Ms 91, 1902, par. 5–6 Abounding thanksgiving answers His self-sacrificing love in coming down step by step from highest excellency to depths of humiliation and paying man's ransom by a death of shame and suffering.Ms 91, 1902, par. 5–6

Christ dwelling in the heart is the position God desires, and studying and contemplating Him in whom fullness dwells and all wisdom is found leads onward and upward and transforms into His image through the Holy Spirit.Ms 39, 1907, par. 20–22+1 This growth comes through receiving Christ personally, knowing Him, and learning to remain connected with Him by faith and prayer, with truth sanctifying the receiver.Ms 39, 1907, par. 20–22+1 Resting in Christ and drawing spiritual strength from Him roots believers so that sudden temptations cannot shake them.Lt 83, 1894, par. 11–12 Stability and growth depend on Jesus and not on other people, whose failures or changing behavior need not make believers let go of Him, for those whose lives are hidden with Christ and who walk in given light remain when what can be shaken is shaken.Lt 83, 1894, par. 11–12+1

Being planted means yoking up with Jesus, putting on Christ, keeping the eyes upon Him in daily conversion, and making God the strength with life hid with Christ in God.Ms 21a, 1895, par. 11 Those so planted grow in likeness to His character and are able to bring poor ignorant souls debased by sin into new life, even the life of God, while those who do not keep their eyes upon Jesus permit iniquity to overcome them, fall into sin, make crooked paths for their feet, and accomplish little.Ms 21a, 1895, par. 11 Having root means being grounded and holding fast to immortal life, and Christ does not leave believers to fight in their own strength but gives the Holy Spirit to help them grow into His likeness, so that through His righteousness they may share the divine nature.Ms 1, 1891, par. 29–31 God wants people planted by laying aside naturally possessed unchristlike traits, placing themselves in Christ's school to learn from Him who learned from His Father and doing what Christ tells them as He did what His Father told Him, and being so rooted makes them partakers of the divine nature through overcoming worldly corruption through lust, leading at last to seeing the King in His beauty and beholding His matchless charms.Ms 60, 1904, par. 29–30

The people of God must have root in themselves because they are planted in Christ, each seeking God for himself and knowing for himself that God's truth sanctifies soul, life, and character.Ms 21a, 1894, par. 3 Being so rooted removes strife for supremacy and leads each to speak in the church what edifies, with heart filled with God's love, without sermonizing, without self-exaltation, and without questions causing dissension, presenting lessons from Christ's life and none of self but all of Jesus.Ms 21a, 1894, par. 3 Church members must have this root by striking firm root in Christ through unreserved consecration for God's service instead of depending on ministers to hover over churches in a particular territory as their special care, for God has no use for those seeking a safe and easy place.20MR 126.6+1 Those firmly rooted bear fruit to His glory and strive together as one man for the one object of saving souls, and churches that know the truth should become firmly established in it and continue to grow from a deep personal grasp rather than depending on constant feeding by ministers.20MR 126.6+2

Being rooted means being weighted with the power of truth instead of laying hold of it with the tip ends of the fingers.Ms 12, 1893, par. 24–25 It calls for seeking the Lord and searching the Scriptures as never before, dropping no discouraging word, looking to One who can save to the uttermost, putting away iniquity and sin, washing in the fountain opened, humbling self and putting away levity, bringing solid timbers into character, letting the searching Spirit cut away the fleshly tables of the heart while Christ writes His Spirit within and walks through the midst, limiting not the Holy One, and being changed from character to character and from glory to glory to make children of obedience.Ms 12, 1893, par. 24–25 God builds up those who humble themselves before Him, while accepting unwise sympathy instead of facing the full extent of wrong and humbling leaves the matter unhealed and repeats the same wrong.1T 212.2–213.1

Genuine inward work of the Spirit appears outwardly in a life of obedience and good fruit bringing glory to God, while profession without such fruit is empty.Ms 62, 1896, par. 45–48 Being firmly established in Christ, rooted and grounded in the truth as it is in Jesus as the source of joy, peace, and happiness, is shown by a fruitful life resembling His character, growing toward His full stature, and advancing the good of others.Ms 62, 1896, par. 45–48+1 Every worker must be rooted and grounded in the faith once delivered with intelligent efficiency, sanctified through the truth, so that he can present truth as it is in Jesus in a high broad sense, labor together with God, and give plain proof he is on the Lord's side.18MR 124.2+1 Without this rooting men and women are unwise, act unwisely, corrupt doctrine, and bring trials and dangers, and fewer than one third of workers in the field are thus rooted and to be trusted at a time when publications are multiplied, the world is warned, and dangers are before all, while the rooted are wise, behave judiciously, walk and work wisely, hold present doctrines without corrupting them, and when reproved do not falsify and misstate words spoken.18MR 124.2+1 The verse is a call to stand unwaveringly for the truth and resist teachings leading away from it, holding fast to precious Bible doctrines because they contain holy principles that guard the soul against corruption and spiritual defeat.11MR 214.1–215.2+1

Life in Christ is marked by abounding thanksgiving that grows from recognizing His love and the value placed on those He has ransomed at infinite cost, calling them friends and sons of God rather than bondslaves.FE 303.2–304.1+1 It means being filled with joy for rich grace, appreciating mercies, cultivating gratitude, and sending up thank offerings instead of complaining.Lt 151, 1903, par. 19–25+1 This thankful faith is fulfilled in keeping the pledge made with God at baptism, walking in Jesus as first received, rooted and built up in Him and established in the taught faith.Lt 151, 1903, par. 19–25

A grateful heart lets love and thanksgiving refresh others, overlooks little grievances, and meets larger difficulties with Christ's patience, perseverance, and forbearance.RH Feb 19, 1901+1 Taking hold of God's rich, abundant, assuring promises instead of turning from Christ to people for help brings sight of salvation and power to live, while appreciating Jesus makes believers His helping hand.17MR 39.3–40.2 Shutting out the divine Helper to look to man for guidance leaves no power, and this grateful, rooted life has long been neglected.17MR 39.3–40.2 Prayer to God for patience, perseverance, and forbearance prepares tried and tempted souls to stand when the enemy comes like a flood, with the Spirit lifting up a standard for protection.17MR 39.3–40.2+1

Abounding with thanksgiving is the thankful heart continually overflowing in blessing to others in self-denying, self-sacrificing service.17MR 43.2–3 Keeping individual holiness and consecration in view, believers through sanctification of the truth abound in works of benevolence for the uplifting of others, like a well of living water springing up within.17MR 43.2–3 Christians are designed to grow continually to the full stature of men and women in Christ, becoming stronger and more firmly rooted and grounded in the truth.CH 430.3+1 They must make steady progress every day in knowledge and spiritual strength, for to leave a trust unimproved is loss, and all who do not grow stronger are continually going backward.CH 430.3+1

A changed life takes deep root in the knowledge of God's Word, bringing thoughts and conduct into harmony with Christ's will and bearing fruit to God's glory, for conversion is not passing feeling but change of life.Ms 115, 1901, par. 6–9 God calls for stable men and women of firm purpose, rooted like the eternal hills, unswayed to right or left, moving straight onward and always found on the right side under moral obligation to give all strength to professed truth.4T 75.1 This steadiness comes by being strengthened, established, rooted, grounded, and built up in the most holy faith rather than being tossed by feelings and emotions.Lt 50, 1896, par. 6+1 It means walking in light and not in shadow and darkness, not following sparks of one's own kindling or another leader than Christ who is Light and Truth and Life, nor fluctuating like restless waves between hope and fear, which grieves His heart who has given unmistakable evidence of love.Lt 41, 1893, par. 5–6

Genuine faith works through love and purifies the soul, and while good works do not purchase salvation they are essential as its evidence.Lt 31, 1891, par. 14–15 Living faith abides in Christ and bears the fruits of righteousness, keeping believers from being weak and ineffective in God's work.Lt 31, 1891, par. 14–15+1 Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, makes believers complete in Him, with life hidden with Christ in God preserving spiritual vitality like letters known and read by others.Lt 147, 1896, par. 13 Being rooted and built up means staying in close connection with God, pressing together with every difference adjusted, refusing to brood over troubles, looking to Christ and living, and thus making healthy growth in grace.Lt 141, 1905, par. 7 The verse presses present unity, warning those who have greatly hindered God's cause, laid heavy burdens on fellow laborers, and lost their bearings that they must humble proud hearts and be converted or be moved out of the way.Ms 125, 1903, par. 9–10

The verse is given as direct instruction to physicians on how they ought to walk and to please God in sanctification and honor.STB 641.1 Believers, especially ministers, must abide in Christ by knowing God's Word and doing it, with the Word impressed on the heart by the Spirit as the standard to resist deception and meet coming tests.Ms 91, 1891, par. 53–55 Workers must be rooted deeply in God, for firm spiritual roots enable growth in character and close union with Him.Ms 91, 1891, par. 53–55+1 Firm rooting enables strong young men to stand closely connected with God, safely enter higher schools, obtain a drill there, learn the theology taught, meet prevailing errors, and remain channels of light dropping seeds of truth without being swayed.Lt 44, 1887, par. 12 The Brown family likewise needed to become wholly committed to the Lord with determined purpose, settled, rooted, and grounded in the faith.Ms 84, 1893, par. 28–30

Being rooted and grounded in love means remaining firm in the Lord and holding confidence steadfast to the end despite opposition and besetting sins, keeping Christ as pattern to advance and endure toward the crown of life.Lt 260, 1906, par. 6 God's people must be settled, rooted, and grounded in the truth so that when everything shakable is shaken under severe trial they remain firm and act from principle, or they will fall.7MR 111.3 Faithful witness and service to those who do not know the truth grows from receiving Christ and living in Him, rooted, grounded, and built up in Him.Lt 26, 1891, par. 10–13