Active Abiding: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Summary
In our journey as disciples of Christ, we must understand that spiritual growth is not a passive experience but an active pursuit, a combination of resting in Jesus and disciplined action. We must abide in Christ, allowing His life to flow into us, and simultaneously, we must build a trellis—a rule of life—that supports and guides our growth in Him.
To abide in Jesus means to dwell in His love, to make our home in Him, and to let His Spirit transform us from the inside out. It is in this abiding that we find the secret to Christian living, as Hudson Taylor discovered: "Not I, but Christ in me." This profound truth shifts our focus from striving in our own strength to yielding to the life of Christ within us.
As we consider the practical aspects of our spiritual walk, we must evaluate our daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms. Are they designed to draw us closer to Jesus? Do they reflect our deepest values and priorities? A well-structured rule of life turns our aspirations into reality, aligns our schedules with our values, and fosters inner peace.
In this sermon, I have outlined five identities that shape our lives as disciples: worshipper, family member, servant, steward, and witness. Each identity comes with action steps to help us grow. For instance, as worshippers, we must establish a daily quiet time and engage in weekly corporate worship. As family members, we should commit to a local church and small group. As servants, volunteering in ministry and participating in mission trips are vital. As stewards, we begin with tithing, giving the first 10% of our income to God's work. As witnesses, we identify someone to reach out to and share Christ with, and we consider going on a mission trip.
Committing to these action steps for a set period, such as three months, allows us to experience the long obedience in the same direction that leads to real change. We must be vigilant, like painters on the Golden Gate Bridge, constantly applying the gospel to our lives to prevent corrosion by sin.
In summary, Christian growth is an active pursuit of resting in Jesus and a disciplined life that opens us to His transforming power. It is not about what we do for Jesus, but about Christ living in us, producing fruit that glorifies the Father.
Key Takeaways:
- Abiding in Jesus is the foundation of spiritual growth. It is not about our efforts but about resting in His love and allowing His life to flow into us. This abiding is both a position of rest and an active pursuit, requiring us to create space in our lives to connect with Him. [49:13]
- A rule of life is essential for guiding our spiritual growth. It acts as a trellis, providing structure and support for our connection to Christ. By intentionally shaping our daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms around our relationship with Jesus, we ensure that our lives bear the fruit of His presence. [01:03:02]
- The five identities of a disciple—worshipper, family member, servant, steward, and witness—provide a framework for action steps that lead to growth. Engaging in these practices helps us to embody the life of Christ and to make tangible progress in our spiritual journey. [01:11:39]
- Commitment to spiritual disciplines for a defined period allows us to experience the transformative power of consistency. Real change occurs through a long obedience in the same direction, not through sporadic efforts. [01:17:05]
- The secret to Christian living is the realization that it is not about us working for Christ, but Christ living in us. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-effort and invites us to a life of freedom and victory in Him. [54:55]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 15:1-8
- Galatians 2:20
- Jeremiah 17:5-8
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 15:1-8, what analogy does Jesus use to describe the relationship between Himself, the Father, and His disciples?
2. According to John 15:2, what does the Father do to branches that bear fruit, and why?
3. What does the term "abide" mean in the context of John 15:4-5, and how is it essential for bearing fruit?
4. How does the sermon describe the process of pruning in a believer's life? ([36:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "abide in Jesus" according to John 15:4-5, and how does this concept relate to spiritual growth? ([39:49])
2. How does Galatians 2:20 ("I have been crucified with Christ...") complement the idea of Christ living in us as discussed in the sermon? ([54:55])
3. In Jeremiah 17:5-8, what are the consequences of trusting in man versus trusting in the Lord, and how does this passage reinforce the sermon’s message about spiritual growth? ([57:37])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of a "rule of life" for spiritual growth. How does this concept help in abiding in Jesus and bearing fruit? ([01:03:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms. Are they designed to draw you closer to Jesus? What specific changes can you make to better align your schedule with your spiritual values? ([01:04:50])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of abiding in Jesus' love. How can you create space in your daily life to rest in His love and let His life flow into you? ([49:13])
3. Consider the five identities of a disciple: worshipper, family member, servant, steward, and witness. Which identity do you feel needs the most attention in your life, and what specific action step can you take to grow in that area? ([01:11:39])
4. The sermon suggests committing to spiritual disciplines for a set period, such as three months. What specific discipline will you commit to, and how will you ensure consistency in this practice? ([01:17:05])
5. The concept of "long obedience in the same direction" is crucial for real change. What long-term spiritual goal do you have, and what small, consistent steps can you take to move towards that goal? ([01:17:05])
6. The sermon discusses the idea of pruning and suffering as part of spiritual growth. Can you identify a recent challenge or hardship that God might be using to prune you? How can you respond to this pruning process in a way that fosters growth? ([36:38])
7. Reflect on the statement, "It is not about what we do for Jesus, but about Christ living in us." How does this truth change your perspective on your daily actions and spiritual efforts? ([54:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Restful Abiding in Christ
In the Christian life, abiding in Jesus is not merely a passive state but an active pursuit of intimacy with Him. To abide means to dwell within His love, to make a home in His presence, and to allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It is a position of rest where one ceases from self-effort and begins to live out the reality of Hudson Taylor's revelation: "Not I, but Christ in me." This abiding is about creating space in one's life to connect with Jesus, to listen to His voice, and to let His life flow into and through us. It is a daily commitment to seek His face, to meditate on His word, and to let His love saturate every aspect of our being. [49:13]
"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." - John 15:4 ESV
Reflection: What specific time of day can you set aside to practice abiding in Christ through prayer and meditation on His Word?
Day 2: Cultivating a Life-Giving Rule
A rule of life serves as a trellis that supports the vine of one's relationship with Christ. It is a deliberate structure that guides and nurtures spiritual growth. By intentionally shaping daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms around our relationship with Jesus, we ensure that our lives bear the fruit of His presence. This rule of life is not about rigid legalism but about creating a rhythm that aligns our schedules with our deepest values and priorities, fostering inner peace and spiritual vitality. It is a commitment to practices that draw us closer to Jesus and reflect our identity in Him. [01:03:02]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV
Reflection: What is one practice you can integrate into your daily routine that will help you stay connected to Jesus?
Day 3: Living Out Our Disciple Identities
As disciples of Christ, we embody multiple identities that shape our spiritual journey: worshipper, family member, servant, steward, and witness. Each identity comes with specific action steps that foster growth and allow us to live out the life of Christ. For example, as worshippers, we are called to establish a daily quiet time and engage in weekly corporate worship. As family members, we commit to a local church and small group. These practices are not mere activities but expressions of our love for God and our desire to grow in Him. They are tangible ways in which we can embody the transformative power of Christ in our lives. [01:11:39]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42 ESV
Reflection: Which of the five disciple identities do you feel you need to develop more, and what is one step you can take this week to grow in that area?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Consistency
Commitment to spiritual disciplines over a defined period is crucial for experiencing the transformative power of consistency. Real change in the Christian life comes through a long obedience in the same direction, not through sporadic efforts. Like painters on the Golden Gate Bridge, we must be vigilant in applying the gospel to our lives to prevent corrosion by sin. This commitment involves setting aside time for spiritual practices and sticking to them, allowing the Holy Spirit to work deeply within us over time. [01:17:05]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 ESV
Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline you can commit to for the next three months to cultivate long-term obedience in your walk with God?
Day 5: Christ Living Through Us
The essence of Christian living is the realization that it is not about our efforts for Christ, but about Christ living through us. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-effort and invites us into a life of freedom and victory in Him. As we yield to the life of Christ within us, we produce fruit that glorifies the Father. Our role is to remain open to His work in us, to surrender our will to His, and to trust that He is actively working in and through our lives for His glory. [54:55]
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you yield more fully to Christ's life within you, allowing Him to work through you in your everyday interactions?
Quotes
1) "A rule of life is the trellis along which your life can produce maximum fruit. It's your rhythms of life so to speak." [01:03:39] (Download) 2) "Abiding in that grace-based gift love is what produces spiritual life in you. God's love is not the reward for you having worked up spiritual fruit in yourself." [50:23] (Download) 3) "The only way spiritual life grows in you is for you to realize that you can never produce it yourself and letting him do it." [51:30] (Download) 4) "Spiritual fruit comes only from intimacy with Jesus, only by swimming in his love, resting in his love will spiritual fruit ever grow in you." [50:58] (Download) 5) "Christian growth is a combination of resting in Jesus and a disciplined active pursuit of him. It takes work to rest in Jesus." [01:16:30] (Download) 6) "A good rule of life will turn aspirations into reality... It's never the dreams you dream, it's always the decisions you make." [01:06:33] (Download) 7) "A good rule of life will help us experience peace... we achieve inner peace when our schedule is aligned with our values." [01:08:55] (Download) 8) "To grow as a Christian, yes, take classes, but just as importantly, build into your life the rhythms that'll teach you the language of the Kingdom of Heaven." [01:19:20] (Download) 9) "The secret of the Christian Life... not I for Christ, but Christ in me... instead of bondage, Liberty; instead of failure, quiet victories." [54:55] (Download) 10) "The irony of the Christian Life is that the only ones who ever bear spiritual fruit are those who realize that their acceptance by Jesus has nothing to do with how much fruit they bear." [51:30] (Download)
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