Abiding in Christ: Intentional Spiritual Growth and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of being in God's presence and aligning our lives with His will. We began by acknowledging that there is no one like Jesus and that nothing compares to being in His presence. We prayed for the lost and the prodigals, asking God to use us to bring them back to Him. We also prayed for our hearts to be fully attentive to God and for His voice to be clear in our lives.
The core of our discussion centered around the concept of a "rule of life," a set of spiritual disciplines or habits that help us make space for God in our daily lives. Drawing inspiration from the monastic movement, we explored how these practices—such as prayer, fasting, Sabbath, solitude, generosity, scripture, community, service, and witness—can shape us into the image of Christ. We emphasized that these are not just optional activities but essential habits that Jesus Himself practiced.
We delved into John 15, where Jesus speaks about abiding in Him as the vine and us as the branches. This passage underscores the necessity of remaining connected to Jesus to bear fruit. Without this connection, we can do nothing. We also discussed the importance of intentionality in our spiritual growth. If we do not shape our lives around Christ, the world will shape them for us.
We acknowledged that living in today's culture can feel like being in exile, but this can be an opportunity for us to take ownership of our faith and grow stronger in our walk with Christ. We must be intentional about forming our lives around abiding in Christ, as passivity can lead us away from Him. We also touched on the practical aspects of building a rule of life, such as identifying what hinders our spiritual growth and making intentional changes to our daily routines.
In conclusion, we encouraged everyone to be realistic and intentional in their spiritual practices, to take ownership of their faith, and to build a support structure that helps them grow closer to Jesus. We provided resources to help with this journey and invited everyone to seek God's grace and empowerment as they implement these practices in their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Abiding in Christ: John 15 teaches us that we must remain connected to Jesus, the true vine, to bear fruit. Without this connection, we can do nothing. This underscores the necessity of a rule of life that helps us stay rooted in Christ. [01:09:28]
2. Intentional Spiritual Formation: We are always being formed, either by Christ or by the world. By intentionally adopting the habits of Jesus—such as prayer, fasting, and Sabbath—we can ensure that we are being shaped into His image rather than conforming to the world. [01:12:06]
3. Living in Exile: As believers, we are living away from our true home, which is in heaven. This cultural exile can be an opportunity for us to take ownership of our faith and grow stronger in our walk with Christ. We must embrace this unique opportunity and be active in our faith. [01:14:53]
4. Practical Steps for a Rule of Life: Building a rule of life involves identifying what hinders our spiritual growth and making intentional changes to our daily routines. This could include setting aside time for prayer, fasting, and community, and being intentional about how we spend our time and resources. [01:21:52]
5. The Role of Community and Family: Spiritual growth is not just an individual journey but also involves our families and communities. Men are encouraged to lead their families in spiritual practices, and everyone is encouraged to be part of a smaller circle of committed followers of Jesus. [01:26:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01:29] - Praying for the Lost and Prodigals
[01:02:58] - The Importance of God's Presence
[01:04:46] - Introduction to Rule of Life
[01:05:59] - Spiritual Disciplines and Habits of Jesus
[01:07:23] - The Concept of a Trellis
[01:09:28] - John 15: Abiding in Christ
[01:12:06] - Intentional Spiritual Formation
[01:14:53] - Living in Exile
[01:17:46] - Practical Steps for a Rule of Life
[01:21:52] - Identifying Hindrances
[01:23:17] - Examples of Spiritual Practices
[01:26:00] - Role of Community and Family
[01:27:18] - Recap and Resources
[01:28:57] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:1-11
2. Romans 12:2
3. 1 Peter 2:11
### Observation Questions
1. In John 15:1-11, what does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the vine; you are the branches"? How does this imagery help us understand our relationship with Him?
2. According to Romans 12:2, what are believers instructed not to conform to, and what are they encouraged to be transformed by?
3. In 1 Peter 2:11, what does Peter urge believers to abstain from, and why does he describe them as "sojourners and exiles"?
4. What are some of the spiritual disciplines or habits mentioned in the sermon that help us make space for God in our daily lives? [01:05:59]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of abiding in Christ, as described in John 15, relate to the idea of a "rule of life" mentioned in the sermon? [01:09:28]
2. Romans 12:2 talks about not conforming to the pattern of this world. How can adopting the habits of Jesus help us resist this conformity? [01:04:46]
3. The sermon mentions that living in today's culture can feel like being in exile. How can this perspective help us take ownership of our faith and grow stronger in our walk with Christ? [01:14:53]
4. What practical steps can we take to identify and remove hindrances to our spiritual growth, as suggested in the sermon? [01:21:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on John 15:1-11, what are some specific ways you can ensure you are abiding in Christ daily? Are there any habits you need to adopt or strengthen? [01:09:28]
2. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. What are some practical ways you can renew your mind daily to align more closely with Christ's teachings? [01:04:46]
3. Considering the idea of living in exile, how can you embrace this unique opportunity to take ownership of your faith? What steps can you take to be more active in your spiritual growth? [01:14:53]
4. Identify one or two things that currently hinder your spiritual growth. What intentional changes can you make to your daily routine to address these hindrances? [01:21:52]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and family in spiritual growth. How can you involve your family or close friends in your spiritual practices to build a stronger support structure? [01:26:00]
6. Think about the spiritual disciplines mentioned in the sermon (prayer, fasting, Sabbath, etc.). Which one do you feel most drawn to incorporate into your life, and how will you start doing so this week? [01:05:59]
7. Reflect on the idea that we are always being formed, either by Christ or by the world. What specific steps can you take to ensure that you are being formed more by Christ than by worldly influences? [01:12:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Abiding in Christ
To bear fruit in our lives, we must remain connected to Jesus, the true vine. John 15 emphasizes the necessity of this connection, stating that without it, we can do nothing. This abiding is not a passive state but an active, intentional practice of staying rooted in Christ through spiritual disciplines. These practices, such as prayer, scripture reading, and worship, help us maintain our connection to Jesus and allow His life to flow through us, producing spiritual fruit.
Jesus' metaphor of the vine and branches illustrates the vital relationship between Him and His followers. Just as branches cannot bear fruit unless they remain attached to the vine, we cannot produce spiritual fruit unless we remain in Christ. This connection is essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom. By abiding in Jesus, we draw strength, wisdom, and nourishment from Him, enabling us to live out our faith in a way that glorifies God. [01:09:28]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure you are abiding in Christ? Consider setting aside dedicated time for prayer or scripture reading.
Day 2: Intentional Spiritual Formation
We are constantly being formed, either by Christ or by the world. To ensure that we are being shaped into the image of Jesus, we must intentionally adopt the habits and practices that He modeled. These include prayer, fasting, Sabbath, and other spiritual disciplines. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we create space for God to work in us and transform us into His likeness.
Intentional spiritual formation requires a deliberate effort to prioritize our relationship with God. It involves making conscious choices to engage in activities that draw us closer to Him and help us grow in our faith. Without this intentionality, we risk being shaped by the values and influences of the world, which can lead us away from God's purposes for our lives. By following Jesus' example and adopting His habits, we can ensure that our lives are being formed by His truth and love. [01:12:06]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What worldly influences are currently shaping your life? How can you replace them with intentional spiritual practices that align with Jesus' example?
Day 3: Living in Exile
As believers, we are living in a cultural exile, away from our true home in heaven. This sense of exile can be an opportunity for us to take ownership of our faith and grow stronger in our walk with Christ. Instead of being passive, we must actively engage in our faith and embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living in a world that is not our home.
Living in exile means recognizing that our values and priorities may differ from those of the surrounding culture. It requires us to be intentional about living out our faith and not conforming to the patterns of this world. By embracing our identity as citizens of heaven, we can find strength and purpose in our journey, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. This perspective helps us navigate the challenges of this life with hope and confidence in God's promises. [01:14:53]
1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: How can you actively live out your faith in a way that reflects your identity as a citizen of heaven? What specific actions can you take today to demonstrate your commitment to Christ?
Day 4: Practical Steps for a Rule of Life
Building a rule of life involves identifying what hinders our spiritual growth and making intentional changes to our daily routines. This could include setting aside time for prayer, fasting, and community, and being intentional about how we spend our time and resources. By creating a structured plan for our spiritual practices, we can ensure that we are making space for God in our lives and growing in our relationship with Him.
A rule of life is a set of spiritual disciplines or habits that help us stay rooted in Christ and grow in our faith. It provides a framework for our daily lives, guiding us in our pursuit of God and helping us prioritize our relationship with Him. By identifying the obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth and making intentional changes, we can create a rule of life that supports our journey with Christ and helps us bear fruit for His kingdom. [01:21:52]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What are the specific hindrances to your spiritual growth? How can you create a rule of life that addresses these obstacles and helps you stay rooted in Christ?
Day 5: The Role of Community and Family
Spiritual growth is not just an individual journey but also involves our families and communities. Men are encouraged to lead their families in spiritual practices, and everyone is encouraged to be part of a smaller circle of committed followers of Jesus. By engaging in spiritual practices together, we can support and encourage one another in our walk with Christ.
Community and family play a vital role in our spiritual formation. By surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who are committed to following Jesus, we can find support, accountability, and encouragement in our faith journey. Leading our families in spiritual practices helps create a strong foundation for their faith and fosters a sense of unity and purpose. Together, we can grow closer to God and to one another, building a community that reflects the love and grace of Christ. [01:26:00]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you involve your family and community in your spiritual practices? What steps can you take to lead and encourage others in their walk with Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God, we cannot change hearts, but we know you can, Lord, because you did it to us, Lord. You changed our hearts. So, Lord, we pray, Father, for every prodigal God, the brothers and sisters, God, we pray, Father, a blessing over them this morning. God, we thank you that you are not bound to the walls of a church, God. So, Holy Spirit, would you awaken hearts this morning in this city?" [01:01:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need something to lean on. And I don't know about you, but when I have a value for something, like when I have a heart for something, I need to make space for that in my calendar. I need to be intentional on bridging the gap between what I say I value and my actual calendar. Because if we're being honest, a good example of doing what we truly value is doing a little audit of what fills our time." [01:20:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We all have the same amount of time, but we need to show, a rule of life shows us how to redeem our time. It shows us how to take back and actually create boundaries, perhaps with our phones and technology and other things that are taking our time and then spend it where Jesus spent it." [01:22:52] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If a vine doesn't have a trellis, it will die. If your life with Jesus doesn't have some kind of structure to facilitate health and growth, it will wither away. So I think we're starting to get the picture here. We need something to lean on." [01:19:04] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now, all throughout church history, Christians have always been on the hunt to try to find ways for us to live in the world but not be changed by it, to not be conformed to it. But we could think of maybe Romans 12 verse 2, which says to not be conformed to the pattern of this world." [01:04:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The most radical pursuit that I can think of, of a group of people being totally committed to being formed into the image of Christ is found in the monastic movement. When they had a set of rhythms that they were committed to and they would go and live in monasteries and they would dedicate themselves to a life of prayer, studying the scriptures, and they would serve depending on what order they were a part of." [01:05:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "One of the greatest gifts, the monastic movement gifted us today, and that can still be implemented today in our context, is what they called a rule of life. Now, a rule of life essentially is the big and little ways that we make space for God to show up in our lives. It's the habits of Jesus being adapted into our own lives." [01:05:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We cannot tell ourselves that we can just go after the fruit, and that we can just go after the abundant life, without taking on his lifestyle. Because when we start forming, and when we're intentional about forming our trellis of habit, then we have something to lean on when the going gets tough." [01:17:46] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "One of the most foolish lies that I know we can often tell ourselves, is that we can experience the life of Jesus, and the fruit of Jesus, and all the good things that Jesus promised us, without taking on his lifestyle. In his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, author and teacher John Mark Comer said it this way, if you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus." [01:16:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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