Living for God's Approval: Abiding and Faithfulness
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of gaining God's approval, emphasizing that being accepted by God is not synonymous with being approved by Him. Our journey as believers is not just about being called or chosen but about being faithful and bearing fruit in our lives. This year, our focus is on fruitfulness, which requires intentionality and a deep connection with Christ, the true vine. As branches, we must remain in Him to bear fruit, for without Him, we can do nothing.
John 15:1-8 serves as a foundational scripture, reminding us that while we may be in Christ, fruitfulness is not automatic. It requires abiding in Him and allowing His words to cleanse and guide us. The process of bearing fruit involves pruning, which can be uncomfortable but is necessary for growth. Our lives must glorify God, and this is the true mark of discipleship.
We also delved into the distinction between being called, chosen, and faithful, as highlighted in Revelation 17:14. Many are called, but few are chosen, and even fewer are faithful. This calls for a deeper commitment to our walk with God, ensuring that our lives reflect His character and that we are not merely part of the crowd.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of passing God's tests, which come in various forms and often in the ordinary aspects of life. Our attitude towards money, pleasure, and earthly comforts can reveal where our true devotion lies. We must be vigilant, living each day as if it were our last, and ensuring that our priorities align with God's eternal purposes.
Finally, we are reminded not to be distracted by the world. The legitimate things of life can often be greater traps than overtly sinful ones, pulling us away from our devotion to God. We must set our minds on eternal things, being diligent in our service to God, and ensuring that our lives are built on the foundation of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness: To gain God's approval, we must remain in Christ, the true vine, and allow His words to cleanse us. Fruitfulness is not automatic; it requires intentionality and a deep connection with Him. Without abiding in Him, we can do nothing. [35:48]
2. Distinction Between Acceptance and Approval: Being accepted by God through Christ is different from being approved. Approval comes from how we walk with Him, reflecting His character and bearing fruit in our lives. [38:07]
3. Called, Chosen, and Faithful: Many are called, but few are chosen, and even fewer are faithful. Our journey with God requires a deeper commitment, ensuring that we are not just part of the crowd but are truly faithful in our walk with Him. [44:15]
4. Passing God's Tests: God tests us in the ordinary aspects of life, revealing where our true devotion lies. Our attitude towards money, pleasure, and earthly comforts can indicate whether we are truly committed to Him. [01:01:31]
5. Avoiding Distractions of the World: Legitimate things in life can be greater traps than sinful ones, pulling us away from our devotion to God. We must set our minds on eternal things and be diligent in our service to Him. [01:05:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:10] - Prayer for Comfort and Strength
- [31:38] - Understanding Fruitfulness in Christ
- [32:24] - The Necessity of Bearing Fruit
- [33:31] - Intentionality in Fruitfulness
- [35:06] - Abiding in Christ
- [35:48] - The Importance of Connection
- [37:11] - The Role of the Branch
- [38:07] - Acceptance vs. Approval
- [44:15] - Called, Chosen, and Faithful
- [48:50] - Jesus' Inner Circle
- [51:28] - Seeking the Good of Others
- [57:23] - Passing God's Tests
- [01:01:31] - Vigilance in Faith
- [01:05:18] - Avoiding Worldly Distractions
- [01:12:24] - Diligence in Service
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 15:1-8
- Revelation 17:14
- Matthew 22:14
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:1-8, what is the relationship between the vine and the branches, and what does this imply about our connection to Christ?
2. In the sermon, it was mentioned that being in Christ does not automatically result in fruitfulness. What are some actions believers must take to remain fruitful? [31:38]
3. How does the sermon distinguish between being called, chosen, and faithful, as referenced in Revelation 17:14? [44:15]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of the tests God uses to reveal our true devotion? [57:23]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to abide in Christ, and how does this concept relate to the idea of bearing fruit in one's life? [35:06]
2. How can the distinction between being accepted and being approved by God influence a believer's daily walk with Him? [38:07]
3. In what ways might the legitimate things of life become distractions from our devotion to God, as discussed in the sermon? [01:05:18]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to God's tests in their lives, particularly in ordinary aspects like money and comfort? [01:01:31]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with Christ. Are there specific areas where you feel disconnected from the vine? What steps can you take to strengthen this connection? [35:48]
2. Consider the difference between being accepted and being approved by God. How does this distinction challenge you to live out your faith more intentionally? [38:07]
3. Identify one area in your life where you feel called but not yet chosen or faithful. What practical steps can you take to deepen your commitment in this area? [44:15]
4. Think about a recent situation where you faced a test of your devotion. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with God's purposes? [57:23]
5. Are there any legitimate activities or interests in your life that might be distracting you from your devotion to God? How can you adjust your priorities to focus more on eternal things? [01:05:18]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of vigilance, living each day as if it were your last, to ensure your priorities align with God's eternal purposes? [01:01:31]
7. Choose one aspect of your life where you can be more diligent in seeking God's approval. What specific actions will you take this week to pursue this goal? [01:12:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Abiding in Christ for True Fruitfulness
To truly gain God's approval, believers must remain deeply connected to Christ, the true vine. This connection is not passive but requires intentionality and a conscious effort to abide in Him. John 15:1-8 emphasizes that fruitfulness is not automatic; it is the result of a deliberate relationship with Christ. As branches, believers must allow Christ's words to cleanse and guide them, understanding that without Him, they can do nothing. This abiding relationship is the foundation for a life that glorifies God and bears lasting fruit. [35:48]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your connection with Christ and ensure you are abiding in Him?
Day 2: Distinction Between Acceptance and Approval
Being accepted by God through Christ is a gift of grace, but gaining His approval involves a life that reflects His character and bears fruit. Acceptance is the starting point, but approval is about how believers walk with God daily. This distinction calls for a life of obedience and transformation, where one's actions and attitudes align with God's will. It is not enough to be accepted; believers must strive to live in a way that pleases God and demonstrates their faithfulness. [38:07]
1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV): "Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to move from mere acceptance to seeking God's approval through your actions and attitudes?
Day 3: Called, Chosen, and Faithful
The journey with God involves being called, chosen, and ultimately being faithful. While many are called, few are chosen, and even fewer remain faithful. This calls for a deeper commitment to one's walk with God, ensuring that believers are not just part of the crowd but are truly dedicated to living out their faith. Faithfulness is the mark of true discipleship, requiring perseverance and a steadfast commitment to God's purposes. [44:15]
2 Peter 1:10-11 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate faithfulness in your daily walk with God, ensuring you are not just called but also chosen and faithful?
Day 4: Passing God's Tests
God often tests believers in the ordinary aspects of life, revealing where their true devotion lies. These tests can involve attitudes towards money, pleasure, and earthly comforts, challenging believers to examine their priorities. Passing these tests requires vigilance and a commitment to living each day with an eternal perspective. Believers must ensure that their lives align with God's purposes, demonstrating true devotion and commitment to Him. [01:01:31]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What ordinary aspect of your life is God using to test your devotion to Him, and how can you respond faithfully?
Day 5: Avoiding Distractions of the World
The world offers many legitimate things that can become distractions, pulling believers away from their devotion to God. These distractions can be more subtle and dangerous than overtly sinful ones, requiring believers to set their minds on eternal things. Diligence in service to God and a focus on His eternal purposes are essential to avoid these traps. Believers must build their lives on the foundation of Christ, ensuring that their priorities align with His will. [01:05:18]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: Identify one legitimate thing in your life that may be distracting you from your devotion to God. How can you refocus your priorities to align with His eternal purposes?
Quotes
To get God's approval, we need to understand who we are in Him on our place in Him if you know your place in God then you will stay where God has put you in order to be able to do the thing that God has given you you need to have his approval. [00:28:50] (18 seconds)
Fruitfulness will not just happen. It is not a game of chance. It is something that you have to deliberately and intentionally do to make it to happen. Things don't just happen by themselves. You make them to happen. You orchestrate them to happen. [00:33:57] (20 seconds)
God tests each and every one of us every day and sometimes the test comes in various ways some ways that it doesn't look like it but it's a test by failure test god don't tempt us but he tests us. [00:57:49] (16 seconds)
It is in the ordinary things of life that God tests us. In our attitude towards money, attitude towards, you know, pleasure, earthly honor, comfort, we are all always thinking about, you know, all those stuff. Not that it's bad. But that must not be our priority. God must be. [01:02:12] (28 seconds)
Be on guard that your heart may not be weighted down with gluttony. Gluttony means overeating. Have food, so just eat and eat and eat. You don't care about anybody else. And drunkenness. And the worries of life. And that day comes on you suddenly like a trap. [01:04:07] (31 seconds)
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