The Missional Fruit of Inward Devotion John 15:1-17; Isaiah 43; Philippians 3
Jesus Came to Give Us Life Jesus came to resolve the tension created by the sinfulness of humanity to remove separation Jesus came to redeem our lives to return them to their intended purpose He is the exact representation of God (IMAGE OF GOD) We are called to be his apprentices in the school of abundant life IF YOU WOULD FOLLOW ME (overlay young ruler) Deny self (sell all that you own) Pick up your cross daily (distribute it to the poor) Follow me
Gracious Invitation of Jesus in John 15 Key phrase in John s gospel is Jesus affirmation that he can do nothing apart from the Father (choice) Statements in John 15 are not religious Jesus wants to rescue and redeem our lives, every aspect of them. We are a part of God s creative plan KEY TO LIFE? Be connected to the vine! (1-4) WHO IS YOUR HERO? If other than Jesus, C.S. Lewis is right our problem is not that we want so much, it is that we are satisfied with so little! Lives connected to Jesus bear much fruit (5) Apart from him we can do nothing!
How connected are we to the vine? Is what you want most what God wants most? Problem with idolatry we become that which we pursue (another word for pursue worship) Jesus continually calls us to obedience pursuing what he pursues, trusting as he trusts, loving as he loves THIS IS GOD S MISSION. The church does not have a mission. THE CHURCH IS GOD S MISSION FOR THE WORLD MISSIO DEI THE KEY TO BEING GOD S MISSIONAL PEOPLE? ABIDE!
Meaning of ABIDE (meno) Sometimes translated remain. Too passive Very intense word. Intentional in every way When we abide in something, it demands every aspect of our life and we remain loyal until death If we abide in Christ, no other story invades our loyalties. Abiding is where we spend our passions Where does your mind abide? Where does it go for pleasure? Where our mind abides is our true second order story This is Paul s walking with the Spirit of Romans 8
How did Jesus do this? Surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (especially Luke s gospel, but also John) Intent I can do nothing apart from my Father. The words that I speak are from my Father. Spiritual disciplines as centering experience of his life: Dedication to the study of Scripture Prayer Meditation and contemplation Fasting Living death leading to suffering death RULE OF LIFE How do I intentionally ABIDE in Jesus?
This is Jesus Invitation to you Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you ll recover your life. I ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you ll learn how to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
Faithful Witness Isaiah 43 Question of identity: Isaiah 43:1 Life of protection, but danger. 2-3 Court room scene. 9 Israel s purpose? To bear witness that only God is Savior. 10-13 Life is for the purpose of knowing God and then proclaiming him as the only reason for living New beginning 19-21 Forgiven not for our sake 25 Water bringing life 44:3-4. We are the water. Faithful witness of Luke 24; Acts 1
Philippians 3: A biblical example of spiritual deepening Paul could win the earthly achievement award All that he had was nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus All he now wants is to be more like Jesus. Enemies of the cross? A changed identity: all I want is to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus