1 WE ARE GOD S PLANTING Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry
Scripture for This Lesson 2 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! Isaiah 61:3 - To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. 1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. (Amplified Version)
Identity Issues 3 The greatest problem among Christians is grossly linked to a lack of identity or an assumed identity apart from what we are identified with Christ Remember these scriptures: Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. What does these scriptures mean to you today? If the above scriptures are true (and they are), then why are Christians adopting an image, and identity apart from their identity and connection with Christ?
Points of Emphasis 4 If people do not see the genuineness of the gospel lived out in God s servants, then they won t be able to recognize the counterfeit. I believe that many times as Christians we forget who is supposed to be glorified by our actions.that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16) While this world is full of deception in the church, focused on bringing disunity, confusion, and rebellion, the world still needs to know what true Christianity is
True Religion 5 James 1:27 - Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. "Superstition," according to that philosopher, "had its name from the custom of those who offered daily prayers and sacrifices, that their children might Survive Them; Hence they were called superstitiosi, superstitious. On the other hand, religion, religio, had its name from those who, not satisfied with what was commonly spoken concerning the nature and worship of the gods, searched into the whole matter, and perused the writings of past times; hence they were called religiosi, meaning, I read. (Adam Clarke Commentary) (Acts 17:11)
True Religion 6 Implies that there is a False Religion True religion is that which is sincere and genuine, and free from adulteration and hypocrisy: Approved by God and not by man There is a great deal of pure and undefiled religion in the sight of man that is not pure and undefiled religion before God. True religion helps the needy and keeps itself unstained from the world's corruption True religion is active towards ministering, recovering and relieving others Too many people are sitting in a church or do not even go to church and believe that they are operating in a true religion. If your religion is only self-focused then it is not true religion If anyone among you thinks he is religious: James just explained that real religion is not shown by hearing the word only, but by doing it. This one's religion is useless: Your walk with God is useless if it does not translate into the way you live and the way you treat others
He Has Shown Thee 7 Micah 6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? God has identified what is good and what is required of man To do justly; to give to all their due. To serve God and serve your neighbor, never doing harm to him. To do what God asks by walking in His ways in soberness, purity, avoiding all excesses and honoring Him. It also means to act in a just way towards others. Show mercy towards others as you would want God to show towards you Walk humbly with thy God in your motives, devotions, in His Word, when under trials, and when you are struggling spiritually
True Religion 8 To keep oneself unspotted from the world is to conduct one s earthly life in such a way that one will not be ashamed to face the Lord Many times when people are out of fellowship it is for a reason. While they may blame others, there must be a period of self introspection (examining one s own soul thoughts feelings, and behaviors). One of the reasons is due to something they are going through or something that they want to do Bringing Romans 12:2 into reality: Romans 12:2(a) - Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], (Amplified) The world is an ordered system that is under Satan s control and opposed to God s purpose (2 Cor 4:4). Which system are you operating under is what separates Christians, followers, disciples, and sinners? Under Satan s system, unbelievers minds are blinded so that they cannot discern the truth. Believers are deceived so that they may turn away from the truth (read 2 Cor 4:4)
Blindness and Deception Revealed 9 Propagation of Lies from world leaders and the media Willful blindness as described in Ephesians 4:17-19 Distractors such as racism, hatred, lewdness, fear, and unbelief Increase in Spiritual Sensationalism, Eastern Mysticism, Seeker Mentality Increase in False Prophets and Deceivers of the truth serving a Consumer Christianity Mindset Gold dust from heaven Complacency & Compromise prevents the desire to know the truth
Empty Religion Characteristics 10 An uncontrolled or unbridled tongue and a deceived heart are companions of an empty religion One area of discernment lies in the words that people speak Eve was deceived by twisted words. James speaks of an evil tongue (James 3:5,6) James 1:26 - If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. Be careful and not allow your words to deceive your heart ( Yeah God has said ) Flattering lips and a double heart Psalms 12:2 Beware of those who speak words (telling you what you want to hear) and yet conceal one s real purpose of design This is why so much effort has been made (by even well meaning Christians) to change the words in the bible and to develop a new language for Christianity i.e. Reset instead of Revivial Radical change instead of repentance Error in judgment instead of sin
Flattering Lips 11 There are many such talkers today, even within the church; those who know the right answer for every occasion, but speak with no honesty or transparency of heart. They constantly speak what people hope to hear or what is assumed to be proper instead of their true thoughts, feelings, and deeds (Guzik) Destructive talkers were also known for their arrogance and pride and their words never stop (Psalms 12:3). They usually have disrespect for authority and are self-willed and unaccountable behavior resulting in the oppression of others (backbiting, slander, dividing, lying, etc.) Double Heart reflects an inconsistent mind; double minded men who are not to be dependent upon; They have a heart to speak fair words, yet the other heart to invent mischief Lips may look good but not reveal the true person Judging the fruit of their lips
They Draw Near Me With Their Lips 12 Matthew 15:8 - This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (Isaiah 29:13) True religion is not within traditional ceremonies, and keeping of the law outwardly. God requires a heart submitted to Him Today we see people appearing to draw near to God, but are they doing so with their heart? Later in verse, 11, he begins speaking of words from the mouth that defileth a man True Religion is not found in positive confessions or mindsets, but in a heart that is truly obedient to God to the point that it wants no connection to the world and to worldly things. It is a heart that is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Psalms 112:7 - He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed (rooted and grounded), trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord. (or trusting in the Word of the Lord )
Characteristics of True Religion 13 What are you saying about your faith? How are you living your faith? What do others say about your faith? How are you planted? Who do you glorify? Are you a servant? And To Whom?
Blessed is the Man 14 Psalms 1: 1-3: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. True Christians, Disciples of Christ, bear fruit. As a matter of fact we are to be known by our fruit. That brings forth its fruit in its season: The righteous man bears fruit, such as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). The fruit should come naturally in our lives, because we are planted in the rivers of waters (God s life giving Spirit) His/Her work will not fade or wither, but come to maturity
Consider Where You Walk 15 Psalms 1 reminds us to consider where we walk and where we stand idly or inactive. The man who does not follow the counsel of ungodly people following their advice, their plans and purposes without considering what they are saying. This does not mean that you can t learn or take advice from your boss or mentor, but don t ask ungodly people for spiritual advice or relating to spiritual matters Nor stands in the paths of sinners Being inactive and submissive in the places where sinners gather and travel in the same path or direction as sinners Nor sits in the seat of the scornful Finding yourself criticizing and putting down God s people openly
Trees of Righteousness 16 Distinguished by their relationship with God and are under his care and culture The Nature of Trees Jeremiah 17:8: He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. A tree stays connected to the source (Colossians 2:7: Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith ) The Holy Spirit is represented as living water A tree bears fruit in its seasons - Psalms 1:3 - He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. John 15:8 - Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:4 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. Fruit also has a season
Trees of Righteousness 17 Psalms 1:3: He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. God delights in fruit bearing Christians (Galatians 5:22,23). What farmer plants, waters, and cultivates and doesn t expect fruit Proverbs 11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. Standard Religion produces works but True Religion produces fruit. What is this fruit? Disciples evangelizing and instructing others to become disciplined followers of God Deliverance restoring and recovering people for the kingdom of God Devoted Acts- ministering to those who are in need, support, counseling, and love Fruit is developed and sustained by abiding in Christ, the ministry of God s Spirit, God s Word, and obedience Just as fruit identifies its plant, our fruit identifies us. Jesus said bearing much fruit (which happens when we abide in Him) shows we are His disciples (John 15:8)
R.I.P.E. Fruit 18 Who wants to eat fruit that is unripen? As a matter of fact it is not even good for you We know that fruit must grow to maturity. We do not plant an apple tree expecting ripened fruit to appear the next day. Spiritual fruit also takes time to develop and mature. Fruit is for the benefit of others not just to the fruit. As believers we are called to fellowship and encourage one another, bearing spiritual fruit for the benefit of all.
Becoming R.I.P.E. Christians 19 Christians are best used for God s glory when they are R.I.P.E. Renounce the works of darkness and Reprove them (Ephesians 5:11) Imitate - Be ye imitators Pattern - a pattern of good works Exhort, Edify, and Enlighten others R.I.P.E. Christians need good soil Luke 8:15 - But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just ( noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience. It does matter where you are planted and to be planted in a place where you can grow and mature spiritually
Renounce: To Give Up 20 Keeping Oneself Unspotted Avoiding contamination From the book of Genesis, Lot is an example of a man who was spotted by the world. He started living towards Sodom, disregarding the spiritual climate of the area because of the prosperity of the area. Eventually he moved to the wicked city and became a part of the city's leadership. Although he may have hated the sin in that area, he was contaminated by his association with them. You can t come out of the world physically, but you can reject the world s system 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them. (means call sin for what it is) 2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Imitate Be True to the Model 21 Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; (read vs 2-5) 1 Corinthians 11:1 - PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). We must make God our example and model; we are not to compare ourselves among men We must have an accurate and spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus to understand how we are to imitate them. Christ gave us an example during his life here on earth. God is revealed throughout the scriptures To imitate God means to be like him. For example, in Leviticus 11:45 God said, "Be holy, for I am holy. Are you a imitator of Christ or a Jesus impersonator? Imitate Christ, but do not be an Imitation
Pattern 22 Titus 2:7 - In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, The definition of a pattern is someone or something used as a model to make a copy, a design, or an expected action. A person or thing considered worthy of imitation or copying; a predictable or prescribed route, movement, etc To be effective as a teacher, one must be an example Paul was encouraging Titus to be an example, to show doctrinal stability and integrity Can someone look at your spiritual life today and express an interest or desire to pattern themselves after you?
Exhort, Edify, and Enlighten Others 23 1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Have you taken any time to edify or exhort someone lately? Edify means to build up Exhort means to encourage men to perform their duties
Final Note 24 As you continue to grow in grace and be an imitator or Christ, showing forth a pattern of good works, and be an example for others to follow, try not to overestimate yourself.
Practical Living Ministry 25 Practical Living Ministry exists to assist individuals, groups, and organizations to operate to their full God-given ability by sharing life changing principles for spiritual growth and development. If this message touched you, please let me hear from you. If you would like to encourage us financially to keep sharing these kind of messages, please go to our donation section on our website at www.practicallivingministry.org If you would like to contact Dr. Jones for a speaking engagement at your church or event concerning biblical leadership, mentoring, and Christian culture. Please contact Pastor Kenneth Jones at kenjones@practicallivingministry.org