Apprenticing Jesus: Navigating Faith in Digital Spaces

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the theme of "Apprenticing Jesus in Real Life," focusing on how we can follow Jesus in our online and digital spaces. The internet has fundamentally changed our world, creating a complex relationship that many of us would describe as "complicated." While it offers numerous benefits, it also brings significant challenges and potential harm. The key question we tackled was: How do we apprentice Jesus in our digital lives?

We delved into the metaphor of trees and fruit from Luke 6:43-45, where Jesus speaks about good trees bearing good fruit and bad trees bearing bad fruit. This metaphor is deeply rooted in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, symbolizing our relationship with God and the kind of lives we lead. To bear good fruit, we must be rooted in our relationship with God, grafted into the life of Jesus, and intentionally led by the Spirit.

The metaphor of trees and fruit is not just about behavior modification but about a deep, intrinsic transformation that comes from being connected to God. This connection is essential in both our physical and digital lives. We discussed practical ways to let the Spirit lead us in our online spaces, such as being mindful of what we consume, setting boundaries, and using technology to deepen our relationship with God.

Ultimately, the fruit of our lives—whether in physical or digital spaces—reveals the health of our inner being. Are we producing orchards of peace, love, and joy, or are we contributing to a foreboding forest of contempt, anxiety, and impatience? The Spirit of Jesus calls us to be intentional in every space we inhabit, including the digital world, to produce fruit that reflects His love and peace.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Complexity of Our Digital Lives: Our relationship with the internet and social media is complicated. While it offers many benefits, it also brings significant challenges and potential harm. We must navigate this complexity by being intentional about how we engage in digital spaces. [02:59]

2. The Deep Metaphor of Trees and Fruit: Jesus' metaphor of trees and fruit in Luke 6:43-45 is a profound illustration of our spiritual lives. To bear good fruit, we must be deeply rooted in our relationship with God, grafted into the life of Jesus, and led by the Spirit. This metaphor spans the entire Bible, emphasizing its importance. [09:41]

3. Intrinsic Transformation Over Behavior Modification: True spiritual growth and good fruit come from an intrinsic transformation rather than mere behavior modification. This transformation is achieved by being deeply connected to God, much like a tree is rooted in fertile soil and nourished by water. [14:36]

4. Practical Steps for Digital Discipleship: We can let the Spirit lead us in our online spaces by being mindful of what we consume, setting boundaries, and using technology to deepen our relationship with God. Simple actions like turning off notifications, engaging in media fasts, and using apps for prayer and scripture can make a significant difference. [32:30]

5. Evaluating the Fruit of Our Digital Lives: The fruit of our lives, whether in physical or digital spaces, reveals the health of our inner being. Are we producing orchards of peace, love, and joy, or contributing to a foreboding forest of contempt, anxiety, and impatience? Regularly evaluating the fruit of our digital lives can help us stay aligned with Jesus' teachings. [29:03]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:12] - The Internet's Impact on Our Lives
3. [02:59] - The Complicated Relationship with Digital Spaces
4. [03:58] - Apprenticing Jesus in Real Life
5. [05:44] - The Challenge of Following Jesus Online
6. [07:37] - Introduction to Luke 6:43-45
7. [09:41] - The Deep Metaphor of Trees and Fruit
8. [14:36] - Intrinsic Transformation Over Behavior Modification
9. [16:08] - The Trail of Trees in Scripture
10. [19:06] - The Fruit of the Spirit
11. [22:07] - Rooted in Relationship with God
12. [23:31] - Led by the Spirit
13. [25:17] - Technology and Spiritual Principles
14. [29:03] - Evaluating the Fruit of Our Digital Lives
15. [32:30] - Practical Steps for Digital Discipleship
16. [35:17] - Freedom from Digital Addictions
17. [36:23] - Reflecting on the Fruit of Our Lives
18. [37:22] - Speaking the Name of Jesus in All Spaces
19. [37:49] - Worship and Communion

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Luke 6:43-45: "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

2. Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

3. Psalm 1:3: "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 6:43-45, what is the relationship between a tree and its fruit? How does this metaphor apply to our lives? [09:41]
2. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? How do these fruits contrast with the negative traits mentioned in the sermon? [19:06]
3. In Psalm 1:3, what is the significance of being like a tree planted by streams of water? How does this imagery relate to being rooted in God? [16:08]
4. What practical steps were suggested in the sermon for letting the Spirit lead us in our online spaces? [32:30]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of trees and fruit in Luke 6:43-45 help us understand the importance of our inner spiritual health? [09:41]
2. Why is intrinsic transformation, as opposed to mere behavior modification, essential for bearing good fruit according to the sermon? [14:36]
3. How can the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 be cultivated in our digital lives? What challenges might we face in this endeavor? [19:06]
4. What does it mean to be "rooted in our relationship with God" and "grafted into the life of Jesus" as described in the sermon? How can this be practically achieved in both our physical and digital lives? [22:07]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current digital habits. Are there specific areas where you see the "foreboding forest" of negative traits rather than the "orchards of peace"? What steps can you take to change this? [26:53]
2. The sermon mentioned setting boundaries and being mindful of what we consume online. What specific boundaries can you set this week to ensure your digital consumption aligns with your spiritual goals? [32:30]
3. How can you use technology to deepen your relationship with God? Are there specific apps or practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to help with this? [33:27]
4. Think of a recent interaction you had online. Did it reflect the fruits of the Spirit? If not, what could you have done differently? [34:43]
5. The sermon suggested evaluating the fruit of our digital lives regularly. How can you make this a consistent practice? What tools or methods might help you in this evaluation? [29:03]
6. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with the most in your online interactions. What specific action can you take this week to cultivate this fruit? [19:06]
7. How can you involve the Holy Spirit more in your decision-making process regarding your digital activities? What prayer or practice can you start to invite the Spirit's guidance? [34:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Navigating the Complexity of Our Digital Lives
Our relationship with the internet and social media is undeniably complex. While these digital spaces offer numerous benefits, such as instant communication and access to information, they also present significant challenges and potential harm. The internet can be a source of distraction, anxiety, and even addiction. As followers of Jesus, we are called to navigate this complexity with intentionality. This means being mindful of how we engage with digital content and setting boundaries to protect our mental and spiritual well-being. By doing so, we can ensure that our online presence reflects our commitment to Christ and His teachings. [02:59]

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Reflection: How can you set specific boundaries today to ensure your digital consumption aligns with your values and spiritual goals?

Day 2: The Deep Metaphor of Trees and Fruit
In Luke 6:43-45, Jesus uses the metaphor of trees and fruit to illustrate the nature of our spiritual lives. A good tree produces good fruit, while a bad tree produces bad fruit. This metaphor is not just about outward behavior but about the intrinsic transformation that comes from being deeply rooted in our relationship with God. To bear good fruit, we must be grafted into the life of Jesus and led by the Spirit. This metaphor spans the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, emphasizing its profound importance. It calls us to examine the roots of our spiritual lives and ensure they are nourished by our connection to God. [09:41]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 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."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with God and ensure you are bearing good fruit in all areas of your life?

Day 3: Intrinsic Transformation Over Behavior Modification
True spiritual growth and the production of good fruit come from an intrinsic transformation rather than mere behavior modification. This transformation is achieved by being deeply connected to God, much like a tree is rooted in fertile soil and nourished by water. When we focus solely on changing our outward behavior without addressing the condition of our hearts, we miss the essence of Jesus' teachings. Instead, we are called to allow the Spirit to work within us, transforming our inner being so that our actions naturally reflect the love, peace, and joy of Christ. [14:36]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you focusing on behavior modification rather than seeking true transformation through the Spirit? How can you invite God to transform your heart today?

Day 4: Practical Steps for Digital Discipleship
We can let the Spirit lead us in our online spaces by being mindful of what we consume, setting boundaries, and using technology to deepen our relationship with God. Simple actions like turning off notifications, engaging in media fasts, and using apps for prayer and scripture can make a significant difference. These practical steps help us create a digital environment that supports our spiritual growth rather than hinders it. By being intentional about our digital habits, we can ensure that our online presence reflects our commitment to following Jesus and producing good fruit. [32:30]

Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to create a digital environment that supports your spiritual growth and aligns with your values?

Day 5: Evaluating the Fruit of Our Digital Lives
The fruit of our lives, whether in physical or digital spaces, reveals the health of our inner being. Are we producing orchards of peace, love, and joy, or contributing to a foreboding forest of contempt, anxiety, and impatience? Regularly evaluating the fruit of our digital lives can help us stay aligned with Jesus' teachings. This involves reflecting on the content we consume and share, the interactions we have online, and the overall impact of our digital presence on our spiritual well-being. By doing so, we can make necessary adjustments to ensure that our digital lives are producing fruit that reflects the love and peace of Christ. [29:03]

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."

Reflection: Take a moment to evaluate the fruit of your digital life. Are your online interactions and content consumption producing peace, love, and joy? What changes can you make today to align your digital presence with the teachings of Jesus?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Now, it is hard to deny the wonderful things the online world has offered us as humans. And it is impossible to miss the realities that this is about. This is a tool that has caused, and continues to cause, a lot of harm, yes? So it's complicated. So what does it mean for us to apprentice Jesus in real life, when all of us, all of us, to some extent, exist both in a physical and a digital world?" [03:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So today, as we continue this conversation, apprenticing Jesus in real life, we're going to talk about following Jesus in the lives we actually have. So the phrase in real life, IRL, is the acronym, it's often used to describe the analog space that we live in. Again, teenagers, that's where there's not internet right there. It's called analog. And in our analog or our physical world, we'd often say it's in real life. But the tension is, is that that suggests that our online or our digital worlds are not real. But they are real." [04:44] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "To bear good fruit in our lives, we must be rooted in our relationship with God, grafted into the life of Jesus, and intentionally led by the spirit. Let that metaphor sink deep because God used it for a reason that we, to be able to have good fruit in our lives, we must be rooted into our relationship with God, grafted into the life of Jesus, and intentionally led by the spirit." [23:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So when you grab an apple on your way out, when you see the commonplace fruit in your life, would you remember? May it be something to remind you, to examine the fruit in your life, particularly of the online parts of your world, where it's so easy for us not to think about it. Does the fruit look like an orchard of peace or the foreboding forest? So it's a good question for any of us to ask on a daily basis." [36:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There's just no way. I know, hopefully you saw, there's no way we can get around the complicated relationship that we're going to ongoing have with the internet. We're going to continue to have that. That's why I'm so intentional. We have to just be so intentional. But in some ways, the simplicity of following Jesus that we all have the opportunity for in our life is that when it comes to every aspect of our lives, there's authority in the name of Jesus." [36:53] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "What does it look like to apprentice Jesus in our online and digital spaces? And what's at stake if we don't acknowledge that online and digital spaces are just as critical places to choose to apprentice Jesus as our neighborhoods, as our families, as our workplaces? These are important questions, I think, for us to ask today." [05:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So if we see all the spaces that we're in as places we are sent, we talk about this here at Mill City a lot, we are sent into all of our spaces to love our community in the name of Jesus, then on one hand, everything that Jesus said, everything that Jesus did should be applied to our online spaces, yeah? That makes sense. But let's just dig in a little bit deeper." [07:37] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When it comes to every space we find ourselves in, according to what Jesus is saying here, he wants us to apprentice him. And then our lives should look like this. Should look like his. Should look like his words lived out in practice. So our calling then, like I said, is to live like Jesus in both our physical and our digital worlds." [10:41] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Spirit can give us wisdom to know when we need to double check those sources because things are starting to get more and more biased and more and more off, increasing likelihood that things are completely fake news, like the Apple thing, like some of you got that from the internet, I'm just saying. Now, I could give examples forever, I'm not going to. What is it in your life?" [35:17] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God's Spirit can lead us to freedom because we know that the internet can be a trap for addiction, generally speaking. And it can be a trap for addiction to things like pornography and gambling. And I know for a fact that God's Spirit can empower you to get freedom from those things. There are resources there. There are people that will come alongside you. These soul-sucking realities that lead to discouraging, poisonous fruit in our lives does not have to be your story." [35:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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