God wants you to experience the joy of fruitfulness. How can we be fruitful?
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SERMON NOTES:
Embrace the work of the Father as He molds your heart. (1-3)
See Proverbs 3:11-12
See Hebrews 12:11
Connect deeply with Christ. (4a, 9-10)
Recognize you can’t be fruitful on your own. (4b-6)
Immerse yourself in God’s Word. (7)
See Hebrews 4:12
What does fruitfulness look like?
A love for others that mirrors the grace-filled, sacrificial and humble love of Jesus. (12-15)
study questions:
1.Read verses 1-3. What are the three key objects/examples in this illustration, and who does each object represent? What is the desire and goal of the vinedresser? What does this illustration teach us about how God involves himself in our lives? Do you like or appreciate how God involves himself in your life? Why or why not? How can you see the fingerprints of God’s involvement in your life?
2.Read verses 4-8. What is the command given in verse 4? According to verses 4-5 why is it important to follow this command? What do the results of following this command look like in everyday life (see also Galatians 5:22-23)? What does it look like in real life, in both action and attitude, to follow this command?
3.Read verses 9-11. According to verses 9-10, what does God want for us? According to verse 11, what does God want for us? How does what God wants for you make you feel?
4.Read verses 12-17. What is the command given in verses 12-15? How does John illustrate and explain what fulfilling this command should look like? According to verses 16-17 what is the goal(s) of God’s sovereign choice for each of us to follow Him?
5.So what? What have you learned or been reminded about God that encourages you in your relationship with Him? What is God teaching you about your attitude and your actions as a Christ-follower?