Divine Encounters: Cultivating Fruitfulness and Love

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we delved into the profound significance of being found under the fig tree, a metaphor that speaks to the places where God encounters us in our most authentic states. We explored two passages, Luke 13 and John 1, which reveal the nature of divine encounters and the transformative power of words of knowledge.

In Luke 13, we find the parable of the barren fig tree, which symbolizes the expectation of fruitfulness in our lives. The owner of the vineyard is ready to cut down the tree that has not produced fruit for three years, but the keeper intercedes, asking for more time to dig around it and fertilize it. This act of grace is a powerful reminder that God is patient with us, desiring to cultivate our lives so that we may bear fruit.

John 1 presents the story of Nathaniel, who is skeptical about anything good coming from Nazareth. Yet, when Jesus sees Nathaniel and reveals his character and his private moments of seeking God under the fig tree, Nathaniel's skepticism turns to belief. Jesus' word of knowledge about Nathaniel's time under the fig tree is a testament to how God sees us and knows us intimately, even in our hidden moments.

Throughout the sermon, we were reminded that God orchestrates divine appointments and uses words of knowledge not as an end in themselves but as keys to unlock deeper truths and bring about transformation. These moments of revelation are not for showcasing spiritual gifts but for pointing to the Giver and edifying the body of Christ.

We were encouraged to pursue love first and then desire spiritual gifts, understanding that our gifts are meant to serve others and glorify God. The sermon also highlighted the importance of removing negative influences from our lives, symbolized by the act of pruning the fig tree, to make room for growth and fruitfulness.

Key Takeaways:

- The parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13 teaches us that God is patient and willing to invest in us, desiring that we bear fruit. He is the keeper who intercedes on our behalf, giving us time and nurturing us so that we may flourish. [49:33]

- Nathaniel's encounter with Jesus in John 1 demonstrates the power of a word of knowledge. When God reveals something He alone could know, it serves as a catalyst for faith and a deeper understanding of His presence in our lives. [27:00]

- Spiritual gifts, including words of knowledge, are given to build up the church and point to the Giver, not the gift itself. They are tools for ministry that, when used in love, can have a profound impact on individuals and the community. [13:35]

- The act of pruning in our personal lives, such as removing negative influences, is necessary for spiritual growth. Just as the keeper of the vineyard prunes the fig tree, we must also be willing to cut away what hinders us to make room for what God wants to do in and through us. [51:27]

- Pursuing love is the foundation upon which spiritual gifts operate. When we prioritize our relationship with God and His love, the gifts we receive will naturally flow from that place of intimacy and will be used effectively for His glory. [16:31]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 13:6-9 (NKJV)
> He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’”

2. John 1:43-51 (NKJV)
> The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

#### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13, what does the owner of the vineyard want to do with the fig tree that has not borne fruit for three years? ([08:04])
2. How does the keeper of the vineyard respond to the owner's decision to cut down the fig tree? ([08:37])
3. In John 1, what was Nathanael's initial reaction to hearing about Jesus of Nazareth? ([09:41])
4. What specific knowledge did Jesus reveal to Nathanael that changed his skepticism to belief? ([10:45])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the act of the keeper interceding for the barren fig tree in Luke 13 symbolize about God's patience and grace? ([08:42])
2. How does Nathanael's encounter with Jesus in John 1 illustrate the power of a word of knowledge in transforming skepticism into faith? ([10:52])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the purpose of spiritual gifts, such as words of knowledge, in the life of a believer? ([13:05])
4. How does the act of pruning, as mentioned in the sermon, relate to personal spiritual growth and the removal of negative influences? ([51:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like the barren fig tree in Luke 13. How did you experience God's patience and grace in that season? ([08:42])
2. Nathanael's skepticism was transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus. Have you ever had a moment where God revealed something personal to you that strengthened your faith? Share that experience. ([10:52])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing love first and then desiring spiritual gifts. How can you prioritize love in your daily interactions this week? ([16:04])
4. The act of pruning involves removing negative influences to make room for growth. Identify one negative influence in your life that you need to prune. What steps will you take to remove it? ([51:02])
5. Spiritual gifts are meant to serve others and glorify God. Think of a way you can use your spiritual gifts to edify someone in your community this week. ([13:05])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being found under the fig tree, in a place of seeking God. What practical steps can you take to create more moments of authentic encounter with God in your daily routine? ([10:52])
7. Reflect on the idea of divine appointments. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God orchestrated an encounter for a specific purpose? How did it impact you, and how can you be more open to such moments in the future? ([10:52])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Patience Cultivates Fruitfulness
God's patience is a testament to His desire for us to grow and bear fruit in our lives. The parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13 illustrates this beautifully. A tree that has not produced fruit for three years is given another chance by the keeper, who intercedes on its behalf. This reflects God's willingness to invest in us, providing time and care so that we may flourish. He does not give up on us but rather nurtures us, allowing for the necessary conditions that lead to fruitfulness. This divine patience is an invitation to respond to His care by actively engaging in our own spiritual growth, recognizing that fruitfulness is a process that requires time, effort, and the willingness to be cultivated by God's loving hands. [49:33]

"But the Lord is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

Reflection: What area of your life needs more time and nurturing to bear fruit, and how can you cooperate with God's patience in this process?

Day 2: Encountering God's Intimate Knowledge
The story of Nathaniel in John 1 reveals the intimate knowledge God has of us. Nathaniel's skepticism is transformed into belief when Jesus demonstrates His awareness of Nathaniel's private moments. This encounter underlines the profound impact of realizing that God sees us fully, even in our most hidden moments. It is a reminder that God's knowledge of us is not meant to intimidate but to draw us closer to Him, affirming that we are known and loved. When we understand that God is aware of our innermost thoughts and experiences, it can become a catalyst for a deeper faith and a more authentic relationship with Him. [27:00]

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar." - Psalm 139:1-2

Reflection: How does the knowledge that God sees and knows you in your most private moments affect your relationship with Him?

Day 3: Spiritual Gifts Serve the Body
Spiritual gifts, including words of knowledge, are given not for personal glory but to edify the church and glorify God. These gifts are tools for ministry that, when used in love, can profoundly impact individuals and the community. They are a means to an end, with the end being the building up of the body of Christ and the pointing to the Giver of the gifts. This perspective ensures that spiritual gifts are employed in a manner that promotes unity and growth within the church, rather than division or self-promotion. [13:35]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10

Reflection: What spiritual gift have you been given, and how can you use it to serve others in your community this week?

Day 4: Pruning for Growth and Fruitfulness
The act of pruning in our lives is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Just as the keeper of the vineyard prunes the fig tree, we must be willing to remove negative influences that hinder our growth. This may involve difficult decisions, such as ending toxic relationships or changing harmful habits, but it is necessary to make room for what God wants to do in and through us. Pruning is not a punishment but a loving act of preparation that enables us to thrive and produce the fruit that God desires in our lives. [51:27]

"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." - John 15:2

Reflection: What is one thing in your life that needs to be pruned to allow for new growth, and what steps can you take to begin this process?

Day 5: Love as the Foundation for Spiritual Gifts
Prioritizing our relationship with God and His love is the foundation upon which spiritual gifts operate. When love is the driving force, the gifts we receive will naturally flow from a place of intimacy with God and will be used effectively for His glory. This focus on love ensures that our use of spiritual gifts is not self-serving but instead contributes to the edification of others and the furthering of God's kingdom. It is in this context that spiritual gifts can have their greatest impact, as they are wielded with the love and compassion that reflect the heart of God. [16:31]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8

Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's love through your actions today, and how might this open doors for using your spiritual gifts?

Quotes

"The best thing you can do for some of us in the room is hit delete, delete, unfriend, unfollow. I'm helping somebody. Unfriend, unfollow." [51:27](Download | )

"It's never been about the water. It's that moment. It's the hem of his garment. It's the being found under the fig tree and say, I know what you're studying, Israelite, but there's no deceit in you." [53:19](Download | )

"Let me dig it and dung it. There's a reason you're going through the junk you're going through because the keeper said, I'm not done yet." [55:19](Download | )

"I found you under a fig tree. So there's two types of fig trees that you and I sit in." [33:09](Download | )

"Lord, deliver me from everything. The Lord said, I'm not trying to deliver you. I'm trying to develop you." [36:00](Download | )

"It's not about you or your gift or me and my gift. It is about the giver. That's why 1st Corinthians 14 says, pursue love and oh yeah, then seek and desire spiritual gifts." [16:31](Download | )

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth? And Jesus says these words to him so specific... 'behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no deceit.'" [25:16](Download | )

"Words of knowledge are beautiful, but when you flow in a gift that God's given you, please don't be forceful with it." [28:57](Download | )

"Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward him and said to him, behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no deceit." [10:45](Download | )

"It's always been about the giver. So use the gift in the way he gave it to you to edify the saints, but it always points to him." [13:35](Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?