Community — 1/18/26

Abiding in Christ is presented as the root of lasting change rather than a spiritual to-do list. Habits begin as goals and systems, but when they drift from God’s design they become weights that slow the race and hide the view through the window of the heart. True transformation is described as a renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) and an ongoing, uninterrupted connection with Jesus—mano, to remain—rather than an effort to manufacture holiness by willpower. Scripture’s vineyards and vine imagery (John 15) and the invitation to come and rest (Matthew 11) frame revival as relational revival: a revived spirit springs from deep, daily presence with Christ, not merely from behavior modification.

Practical steps are urged: identify one area needing breakthrough, commit five to ten minutes daily to prayer and Scripture, and join a small group for shared growth. Empirical evidence is used to show how consistent, modest engagement—four or more short Bible encounters per week—correlates with measurable decreases in loneliness, anger, bitterness, and addictive behaviors and with increases in spiritual courage and discipling others. The enemy’s tactic is to convince people they are too busy or too far gone; the corrective is a single bold act of faith to begin abiding and to remove the weights that trip the runner.

Community is held up as indispensable: spiritual life is not meant to be pursued in isolation. Small groups provide the mutual encouragement, accountability, and prayer that sustain abiding and make transformation durable. The call is practical and immediate—prayerfully ask God to show one area for change, practice short daily rhythms of Scripture and prayer, and connect with others so that the vine’s life flows through the branches into productive fruitfulness.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Abide to receive true revival Abiding is not a technique but a sustained relationship that allows God’s life to reshape desires, break patterns, and produce fruit. When connection replaces striving, change begins at the root—the mind is renewed and chains loosen—not by willpower but by ongoing presence with Christ. This is the difference between attending an event and living in a new creation. [10:49]
• 2. Habits reveal the heart Habits form from goals plus systems and eventually expose what truly governs daily life. Rather than merely policing behavior, examine the underlying aims and redirect those aims to God through renewed thinking; sin often shows up as missed marks, small patterns that distance from connection. Identifying one key habit to bring before the Lord opens the door to deeper transformation. [02:32]
• 3. Small rhythms change everything Short, regular investments—in particular, ten minutes of Scripture four or more days a week—compound into significant spiritual and practical shifts: less loneliness, reduced addictive behaviors, and greater boldness in sharing faith and discipling others. The power lies in regular exposure to God’s word and presence, which reshapes the mind and rewires response patterns. Start small and trust the cumulative work of the Spirit. [21:17]
• 4. Community sustains abiding life Relationship with others makes abiding sustainable: groups provide prayer, accountability, and a place to practice vulnerability and service. Spiritual growth is not solitary; the vine’s life moves through community, and shared rhythms help keep attention fixed on Christ. Find a small group that fits rhythm and season, and let others help bear the journey. [28:54]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - Announcements & Groups
• [01:16] - Goals Versus Resolutions
• [02:32] - From Goals to Habits
• [07:44] - Renewing the Mind (Romans 12:2)
• [10:49] - Abide in the Vine (John 15)
• [16:16] - The Invitation to Rest (Matthew 11)
• [21:17] - Small Rhythms, Big Change (Study Results)
• [28:54] - Join a Community Group
• [31:10] - Prayer & Sending

Bible Reading

John 15:1–5 (ESV)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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.”

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.”

Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Observation questions

1. According to John 15, what is the primary condition for a branch to produce fruit, and what is the result if a branch tries to exist apart from the vine?
2. The sermon describes how habits are formed in our lives. What is the progression mentioned that starts with a goal and eventually becomes a habit? [02:32]
3. Based on the study shared in the message, what significant changes happen in a person's life when they engage with the Bible four or more days a week? [21:17]
4. How does the sermon define the Greek word *mano* (abide), and how is this different from just trying to work harder? [09:27]

Interpretation questions

1. Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of the mind. How does "abiding" or staying connected to Jesus facilitate this renewal differently than simply using willpower to change behavior? [07:44]
2. In the story of the ballerina, the parents focused on performance and perfection. How does Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 to "come and rest" contrast with the pressure to perform or "get it right" before approaching God? [18:43]
3. The sermon suggests that spiritual life is not meant to be pursued in isolation. Why is community considered essential for sustaining an "abiding" life rather than just being an optional addition? [29:49]

Application questions

1. We often set goals or resolutions that eventually fade away or become burdens. What is one "weight" or habit in your life that currently feels like it is slowing you down or tripping you up in your race? [08:52]
2. Jesus invites us to abide, which means an uninterrupted, unrushed experience of rest. When have you felt the pressure to "perform" for God rather than simply resting in His presence? [09:27]
3. Small rhythms can change everything. If you were to carve out just ten minutes a day for prayer and Scripture this week, where would that fit into your current schedule (your commute, lunch break, or morning coffee)? [22:26]
4. The enemy often tries to convince us that we are too busy or have failed too many times to start fresh. What is one specific area where you need to take a "bold act of faith" to believe that God wants connection with you regardless of your past performance? [24:31]
5. We are not built to do this alone; the vine’s life flows through connection. How can this group specifically help you "abide" this week—is it through a daily text check-in, shared prayer requests, or simply encouragement? [30:23]