Week 1 Guide
Rooted in Christ
THE BIG IDEA
Fruit does not happen by accident. It is the natural result of being connected to the right source.
Just as trees rely on strong roots for life, stability, and growth, our lives depend on being rooted in Christ.
Where we are rooted determines what we produce.
Your root determines your fruit.
KEY TRUTH TO REFLECT ON
Jesus does not call us to produce fruit through effort - He calls us to remain connected to Him.
A healthy spiritual life flows from relationship, not religion.
Behavior change can be imitated. Life change can only be cultivated through connection to Christ.
Apart from Him, we can do nothing—but connected to Him, much fruit is produced.
HEART-LEVEL QUESTIONS
Take time with these questions.
Be honest. Fruit never lies.
What am I truly rooted in right now?
(John 15:5)What kind of fruit has consistently shown up in my life lately?
(Galatians 5:19–21; Galatians 5:22–23)Have I confused being rooted in religion with being rooted in Christ?
(John 15:1; Colossians 2:6)What voices, influences, or habits may be competing for my roots?
(Colossians 2:7)If someone examined the fruit of my life, what would it reveal about my root?
(John 15:8)
PRACTICAL
ACTION STEPS
1. Identify Your Root System
Roots are hidden, but their effects are visible.
This week, honestly evaluate:
What shapes how you think?
What influences your decisions?
What do you turn to for identity, security, or fulfillment?
Anything other than Christ may produce fruit—but it will never produce lasting fruit.
2. Eliminate
Competing Roots
Jesus contrasts being rooted in Him with being rooted in:
Religion without relationship
Culture
Politics
Success
Comfort
This week, choose one competing root to intentionally loosen:
Limit exposure
Reduce dependency
Replace it with time in God’s presence
Healthy roots require intentional pruning.
3. Establish Daily Root-Strengthening Rhythms
Fruitfulness continues through spiritual rhythms.
Choose at least one simple daily practice:
Prayer
Scripture reading
Worship
Silence
Gratitude
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Roots grow deep before fruit grows visible.
4. Trust the Process
of Growth
Fruit takes time.
Saplings often take years before producing visible fruit.
Spiritual maturity develops the same way.
Do not rush the process.
Remain faithful.
Stay connected.
God is more committed to your growth than you are.
5. End Each Day With This Reflection
Each evening, reflect honestly:
Where did I stay connected to Christ today?
Where did I drift toward another root?
What fruit did I notice—in thoughts, words, or actions?
Write one sentence:
“Today, my connection to Christ produced…”
PRAYER
FOR THE WEEK
Jesus,
You are the true vine.
I confess the ways I’ve rooted myself in lesser things.
Re-center my life in You.
Strengthen my roots so Your life can flow through mine.
Produce in me fruit that reflects You and lasts.
Amen.
ROOTED PRINCIPLE (TAKEAWAY)
Fruit is the visible evidence of an invisible connection.
You don’t have to strive to produce fruit—
you simply have to remain rooted in Christ.
When Christ is your root,
His life will increasingly show up in your life.
