Abiding in Christ: The Path to True Joy

Summary

Today, we gathered to give God glory and to recognize the incredible privilege we have to worship Him freely—a privilege that has come at a great cost. We are reminded that our freedom to worship is not a guarantee, but a blessing that many have sacrificed for. In the midst of our daily struggles and complaints, it’s important to pause and realize just how blessed we truly are.

Turning to John 15, we see Jesus’ invitation: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” This is not a promise for everyone, but for those who truly abide in Him and let His words shape their lives. The evidence of this abiding is fruitfulness—bearing much fruit, not just a little. God is glorified when our lives overflow with spiritual fruit, and this abundance is the mark of true discipleship.

We explored what it means to be a disciple: not just a follower in name, but one who is disciplined, obedient, and willing to lay down their own desires. True love, as Jesus modeled, is sacrificial and unconditional. The world’s version of love is self-serving, but God’s love is about what we give, not what we get. Our relationships, whether with God or others, find their deepest fulfillment when we serve and sacrifice, not when we demand or expect.

Abiding in Jesus’ love is found in obedience. When we keep His commandments, we rest in His love—a place of total security, protection, and provision. Outside of this, we are left with anxiety, fear, and scarcity. But in His love, every need is supplied, and every prayer is heard. The joy Jesus offers is not based on circumstances, but on the unshakeable foundation of doing God’s will. Happiness is fleeting and tied to external events, but joy is rooted in our relationship with God and our obedience to Him.

We are called to rejoice, not in results or circumstances, but in the fact that our names are written in heaven. The kingdom of God is not about material pleasures, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Heaven itself is defined by the presence and glory of God. The invitation is simple: die to your own will, surrender at the altar, and abide in His love through obedience. In this place, you will find fullness of joy, peace, and security that the world cannot offer.

Key Takeaways

- Abiding in Christ Produces True Fruitfulness
The promise of answered prayer and spiritual abundance is reserved for those who abide in Christ and let His words shape their lives. Fruitfulness is not measured by a single act or occasional goodness, but by a life overflowing with spiritual fruit that blesses others. God is glorified when our lives are so fruitful that everyone around us can partake. This abundance is the true evidence of discipleship, not mere association or profession. [44:38]

- Sacrificial Love is the Foundation of Fulfillment
The world’s definition of love is transactional and self-centered, but God’s love is sacrificial and unconditional. True fulfillment in relationships comes not from what we receive, but from what we give and how we serve others. When we love as Christ loved—laying down our own desires for the good of others—we experience a depth of joy and satisfaction that cannot be found in self-seeking pursuits. [48:55]

- Obedience is the Doorway to Security and Joy
Abiding in God’s love is inseparable from obedience to His commandments. In this place of obedience, we find total security, emotional protection, and provision for every need. Disobedience leads to anxiety, fear, and a sense of lack, but obedience brings us into the safety and fullness of God’s love, where joy is made complete. [54:05]

- Joy is Rooted in Relationship, Not Circumstance
Happiness is fleeting and dependent on external events, but joy is a deep, abiding reality that comes from our relationship with God and our obedience to His will. Even in suffering or loss, like Job, we can bless God and remain steadfast because our joy is anchored in Him, not in what happens around us. This is the mark of Christian maturity—serving God regardless of feelings or outcomes. [01:04:30]

- The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost
The true riches of God’s kingdom are not material or physical pleasures, but the experience of righteousness (doing God’s will), peace (the assurance of His presence), and joy (the strength that comes from obedience). Heaven is defined by the presence and glory of God, and the invitation is to enter into this joy now by surrendering our will and abiding in His love through daily obedience. [01:11:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:22] - Praising God for His Presence
[42:23] - The Cost and Privilege of Freedom
[43:31] - The Promise of Abiding in Christ
[44:38] - Fruitfulness and Discipleship
[46:23] - What It Means to Be a Disciple
[48:55] - The True Nature of Love
[54:05] - Abiding in Love Through Obedience
[56:46] - Security and Protection in God’s Love
[01:02:30] - The Difference Between Joy and Happiness
[01:04:30] - Joy in Suffering: The Example of Job
[01:07:52] - Rejoicing in Relationship, Not Results
[01:11:23] - The Kingdom of God: Righteousness, Peace, and Joy
[01:13:07] - The Glory and Reality of Heaven
[01:14:38] - The Simplicity of Obedience
[01:18:53] - The Altar: Surrendering Our Will
[01:20:52] - Testimony of Obedience and Transformation
[01:22:51] - Daily Dying to Self
[01:23:50] - Repentance and Receiving God’s Joy
[01:33:15] - Closing and Invitation to Surrender

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Abiding in Christ, Sacrificial Love, and True Joy

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### Bible Reading

- John 15:7-12
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.”

- Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to John 15, what is the condition Jesus gives for answered prayer? What does it mean for His words to “abide in you”?
[[43:31]]

2. In the sermon, what is described as the evidence of true discipleship? How does Jesus say the Father is glorified?
[[44:38]]

3. What is the difference between the world’s version of love and the love Jesus commands us to have?
[[48:55]]

4. What does Jesus say will be the result of keeping His commandments and abiding in His love?
[[54:05]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that fruitfulness is not just about a single act, but a life “overflowing with spiritual fruit.” What might this look like in someone’s daily life?
[[44:38]]

2. The pastor talked about sacrificial love being the foundation of fulfillment, not just in marriage but in all relationships. Why do you think serving and sacrificing for others leads to deeper joy?
[[48:55]]

3. The message draws a line between happiness (based on circumstances) and joy (rooted in relationship with God). Why is it important for Christians to understand this difference, especially during hard times?
[[01:04:30]]

4. The sermon says, “Obedience is the doorway to security and joy.” How does obedience to God’s commands bring a sense of security and peace, even when life is uncertain?
[[54:05]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” Is there an area of your life where you need to let God’s word shape your desires and prayers? What would it look like to let His words “abide” in you this week?
[[43:31]]

2. Think about your closest relationships (family, friends, spouse). Are there ways you have been more focused on what you receive rather than what you give? What is one specific act of sacrificial love you could do for someone this week?
[[48:55]]

3. The sermon described abiding in God’s love as a place of “total security, emotional protection, and provision for every need.” Are you currently living with anxiety, fear, or a sense of lack? What step of obedience could you take to move into that place of security in God’s love?
[[56:46]]

4. When was the last time you found yourself chasing happiness through circumstances or things, only to be disappointed? How can you shift your focus from seeking happiness to seeking joy in your relationship with God?
[[01:04:30]]

5. The pastor challenged everyone to “die to your own will, surrender at the altar, and abide in His love through obedience.” Is there a specific area where you need to surrender your will to God? What is holding you back from full surrender?
[[01:18:53]]

6. The message said, “The kingdom of God is not about material pleasures, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” What is one practical way you can seek God’s kingdom first in your daily routine this week?
[[01:11:23]]

7. The pastor led the church in a prayer of repentance and surrender. Is there something you need to repent of or let go of so you can experience the fullness of God’s joy? How can the group support you in this step?
[[01:23:50]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a deeper desire to abide in Christ, to love sacrificially, and to find joy and security in obedience to God’s will. Encourage each person to surrender any area where they are struggling to trust or obey.

Devotional

Day 1: Abiding in Christ Produces Fruitfulness and Glorifies God
When you choose to abide in Jesus and let His words abide in you, your life becomes fruitful in ways that bring glory to God. This fruitfulness is not just about personal blessings, but about living in such a way that others can see and experience the goodness of God through you. True discipleship is marked by an abundance of spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more—that overflows to those around you. God is glorified when your life is a testimony of His transforming power, and this abundance is available to all who remain connected to Him. [43:31]

John 15:7-8 (ESV)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can intentionally abide in Christ today, allowing His words to shape your actions so that others might see God’s goodness through you?


Day 2: Obedience Is the Key to Abiding in God’s Love
Abiding in the love of God is not a passive experience; it is rooted in obedience to His commandments. When you keep His words and follow His instructions, you find yourself in a place of security, protection, and peace that the world cannot offer. Obedience is not about earning God’s love, but about positioning yourself to experience the fullness of His love and the benefits that come with it. In His love, there is no fear, no anxiety, and no lack—only the assurance that God is with you and for you. [54:05]

John 15:10 (ESV)
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

Reflection: Is there a specific command of Jesus you have been hesitant to obey? What step can you take today to trust Him and walk in obedience, knowing it leads to abiding in His love?


Day 3: Joy Comes from Doing God’s Will, Not Circumstances
True joy is not dependent on external circumstances or fleeting happiness, but is found in doing the will of God and abiding in His presence. Even in the midst of trials or disappointment, you can experience a deep, sustaining joy that comes from knowing you are walking in obedience and relationship with God. This joy is your strength, and it remains even when happiness fades. Seek joy that is rooted in Christ, not in the ups and downs of life. [01:03:52]

John 15:11 (ESV)
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Reflection: Where have you been seeking happiness from circumstances instead of the lasting joy that comes from doing God’s will? How can you shift your focus today?


Day 4: Sacrificial Love Is the Mark of True Discipleship
The highest form of love is sacrificial, laying down your own desires for the good of others, just as Jesus laid down His life for us. This kind of love is not based on what you receive, but on what you give, and it is the evidence of genuine discipleship. When you love others unconditionally and serve them selflessly, you reflect the heart of Christ and fulfill His command to love as He has loved you. [01:05:47]

John 15:12-13 (ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Reflection: Who is God calling you to love sacrificially today, even if it costs you comfort or convenience? What practical act of love can you offer them?


Day 5: Daily Surrender and Obedience Lead to Lasting Peace and Fulfillment
Lasting peace, security, and fulfillment are found when you daily surrender your own will and choose to obey God. This is not a one-time decision, but a continual act of dying to self and living for Christ. As you make obedience a daily practice, you experience the benefits of God’s presence—righteousness, peace, and joy that the world cannot take away. The altar is not just a place of prayer, but a place where your will is laid down and God’s will is embraced, leading to a life of true contentment and strength. [01:18:53]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your will to God today? How can you make obedience a daily habit, trusting that His way leads to peace and fulfillment?

Quotes

Love is sacrificial. It's very quiet in here it's okay you start talking about real stuff as people just got get quiet think about it the world is promoting a version of love that has no sacrifice it's all give me what I want love no commitment no commitment no willing to die for it just make me feel good or you don't love me is that love last time we checked when we read the scriptures love was all about what we give not what we take. [00:51:16] (00:00:40 seconds) Edit Clip

I'd rather live in the discomfort of obedience than live in the comforts of sin there's no life in sin there's no future in sin except a devil's hell but there is a future in God there is a joy in God there is a contentment in God that the world can't give to you. [01:00:58] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

The difference between joy and happiness is that happiness is about happenings and external events. So, so when, when you get a new Rubik's cube, you're happy. When your brother breaks it, so long happiness... Happiness is about external circumstances. And some people are just seeking happiness. I just want to be happy. I deserve to be happy. You should make me happy. And since you don't make me happy so long, get out of my life. Let me tell you, that's a real short -term goal. Don't seek happiness. Seek joy. Happiness comes from the outside. Joy comes from the inside. Joy is not based on external circumstances. [01:02:50] (00:01:09 seconds) Edit Clip

When you reach the lowest point of your life, it's not time to give up on the only thing that matters. Come on. God's been good to you when it was bad. God's been good to you while it was good. Amen. It doesn't matter what you're going through. Your relationship with God doesn't change. God, I'm going to give you glory anyhow. I'm going to give you praise even if I don't feel like it. [01:04:58] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

Somebody needs to get a revelation today. You can bless him when things are going bad. You can bless him when things are going good. You can bless him in any circumstance and situation. Why? Because my relationship with God is not determined by my circumstances. This is Christian maturity. Don't let your circumstances dictate how you worship God. [01:05:23] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

If you only focus on results, you're going to be a roller coaster in your walk with God. If you only serve God because you feel good on Sunday, what are you doing Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday? You got to learn how to get up every day and say, this is your day, Jesus. I'm going to do the will of God today. I'm going to abide in your love. There is no fear in love. I'm not getting up afraid. I'm getting up with confidence because my God is going to supply my every need. [01:08:40] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

When we serve God hard, it's easy. But if we try to serve God really easy, it becomes very hard. Because our flesh is constantly at war with the will of God. Our will is fighting against God's will. And that's why he said, if you want to follow me and be my disciple, deny yourself. Take up your cross, follow me. If you want to be my disciple, you got to be willing to die. [01:18:10] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip