Planted in Christ: Growth Through Purification and Community
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of being "planted in the right place" and what it truly means to remain in Christ, the true vine. Being planted in Christ is not about comfort or being loved by everyone; rather, it is about being pruned and purified to bear more fruit. This process of purification is essential for spiritual growth and involves facing challenges, conflicts, and corrections. It is through these experiences that God shapes our character, making us more like Him and enabling us to be a blessing to others.
We delved into the importance of having a pure heart, one that seeks God above all else. The world may offer us fame and recognition, but true fulfillment comes from being known by God. Our identity and worth should not be tied to the number of followers or subscribers we have, but rather in our relationship with Christ. It is crucial to remain humble and open to correction, as this is how we grow and become more fruitful.
Furthermore, we discussed the significance of being part of a community, a church family where we can be nurtured and held accountable. Being planted in a church means committing to it, submitting to its leadership, and contributing to its growth. It is in this environment that we find support and encouragement, especially during difficult times.
Lastly, we emphasized the importance of bearing fruit where God has planted us. Our lives should be marked by usefulness and impact, not just for our benefit but for the glory of God. We are called to maximize our potential and be a blessing to others, fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for us.
Key Takeaways:
- Purification Through Pruning: Being planted in Christ involves a process of pruning and purification. This process is not about comfort but about removing the unfruitful parts of our lives so that we can bear more fruit. It is through challenges and corrections that God shapes our character and makes us more like Him. [01:10:07]
- True Fulfillment in God: Our identity and worth should not be tied to worldly recognition or fame. True fulfillment comes from being known by God and having a pure heart that seeks Him above all else. It is better to be known by God than by millions of people. [01:11:51]
- Community and Accountability: Being part of a church community is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a support system where we can be nurtured, held accountable, and encouraged. Being planted in a church means committing to it and contributing to its growth. [01:33:41]
- Bearing Fruit for God's Glory: Our lives should be marked by usefulness and impact. We are called to bear fruit where God has planted us, maximizing our potential and being a blessing to others. This brings glory to God and fulfills the good works He has prepared for us. [01:36:20]
- Humility and Openness to Correction: Growth requires humility and a willingness to accept correction. It is through discipline and correction that we become more fruitful and righteous. We must be open to feedback and willing to change for the better. [01:29:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:07:55] - Introduction and Greetings
- [01:08:44] - Planted in the Right Place
- [01:09:20] - The Process of Pruning
- [01:10:07] - Purification and Challenges
- [01:11:51] - True Fulfillment in God
- [01:13:07] - Humility and Recognition
- [01:14:19] - Serving with a Pure Heart
- [01:17:17] - The Role of Community
- [01:19:02] - Bearing Fruit and Being Useful
- [01:21:06] - Correction and Growth
- [01:23:12] - Handling Conflicts
- [01:25:06] - The Importance of Mentorship
- [01:29:05] - Discipline and Righteousness
- [01:33:41] - The Value of Being Planted
- [01:36:20] - Bearing Fruit for God's Glory
- [01:43:59] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 15:1-5
2. Proverbs 27:17
3. Hebrews 12:11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 15:1-5, what is the role of the vine and the branches in the process of bearing fruit? How does this relate to the concept of being "planted in the right place"? [01:09:20]
2. In the sermon, the speaker mentions the importance of having a pure heart that seeks God above all else. How does this idea connect with the speaker's personal experience of being known by God rather than by millions of people? [01:11:51]
3. The sermon discusses the significance of community and accountability within a church. How does Proverbs 27:17 illustrate the process of sharpening one another in a community setting? [01:21:33]
4. Hebrews 12:11 speaks about the painful nature of discipline. How does the sermon describe the role of discipline and correction in spiritual growth? [01:29:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be "pruned" in the context of John 15:1-5, and how does this process contribute to spiritual growth and fruitfulness? [01:10:07]
2. How can the pursuit of worldly recognition and fame be a distraction from true fulfillment in God, as discussed in the sermon? [01:11:51]
3. In what ways can being part of a church community provide the support and accountability necessary for spiritual growth, according to the sermon? [01:33:41]
4. How does the concept of bearing fruit for God's glory, as mentioned in John 15:5, challenge individuals to evaluate their usefulness and impact in their current environment? [01:36:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge or correction you faced. How did it contribute to your spiritual growth, and what fruit did it produce in your life? [01:10:07]
2. Consider your current pursuits and ambitions. Are there areas where you seek recognition from others rather than fulfillment in your relationship with God? How can you shift your focus? [01:11:51]
3. Think about your involvement in your church community. How can you contribute more effectively to its growth and support others in their spiritual journey? [01:33:41]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to bear more fruit. What steps can you take to maximize your potential and be a blessing to others? [01:36:20]
5. Reflect on a time when you received correction from a leader or mentor. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience? How can you be more open to correction in the future? [01:29:05]
6. Evaluate your current level of humility and openness to feedback. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more humble and teachable spirit? [01:29:05]
7. Consider the relationships in your life where you can be a source of encouragement and accountability. How can you intentionally invest in these relationships to help others grow spiritually? [01:21:33]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embrace the Pruning Process
Description: Being planted in Christ is not about seeking comfort or universal approval. Instead, it involves a process of pruning and purification, where God removes the unfruitful parts of our lives to help us bear more fruit. This process is essential for spiritual growth and often involves facing challenges, conflicts, and corrections. Through these experiences, God shapes our character, making us more like Him and enabling us to be a blessing to others. Embracing this process requires a willingness to undergo discomfort for the sake of becoming more fruitful and aligned with God's purpose. [01:10:07]
Bible Passage: "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, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is pruning you? How can you embrace this process and trust Him to shape you through it?
Day 2: True Fulfillment in Being Known by God
Description: In a world that often values fame and recognition, it is crucial to remember that true fulfillment comes from being known by God. Our identity and worth should not be tied to the number of followers or subscribers we have, but rather in our relationship with Christ. A pure heart that seeks God above all else is more valuable than any worldly accolade. It is better to be known by God than by millions of people, as this is where true satisfaction and purpose are found. [01:11:51]
Bible Passage: "But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." (1 Corinthians 8:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to seek validation from the world? How can you shift your focus to finding fulfillment in being known by God today?
Day 3: The Strength of Community and Accountability
Description: Being part of a church community is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a support system where individuals can be nurtured, held accountable, and encouraged. Being planted in a church means committing to it, submitting to its leadership, and contributing to its growth. In this environment, believers find the support and encouragement they need, especially during difficult times. Community is not just about receiving but also about giving and being an active participant in the body of Christ. [01:33:41]
Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your church community this week? What steps can you take to be more accountable and supportive to others in your church family?
Day 4: Bearing Fruit for God's Glory
Description: Our lives should be marked by usefulness and impact, not just for our benefit but for the glory of God. We are called to bear fruit where God has planted us, maximizing our potential and being a blessing to others. This involves fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for us and living a life that reflects His love and grace. Bearing fruit is not just about personal success but about contributing to God's kingdom and bringing Him glory through our actions and character. [01:36:20]
Bible Passage: "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." (John 15:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to bear fruit in your current environment? How can you ensure that your efforts bring glory to God?
Day 5: Humility and Openness to Correction
Description: Growth requires humility and a willingness to accept correction. It is through discipline and correction that we become more fruitful and righteous. Being open to feedback and willing to change for the better is essential for spiritual maturity. This humility allows us to learn from our mistakes and align ourselves more closely with God's will. Embracing correction is not about feeling inadequate but about recognizing the opportunity to grow and become more like Christ. [01:29:05]
Bible Passage: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent correction or feedback you received. How can you approach it with humility and use it as an opportunity for growth?
Quotes
1) "You know, being in the right place, it doesn't mean comfort. It doesn't mean that everybody is going to love you. Yes, they do. But yes, God will use them to shepherd you. Well, you know, it's been a while. I was thinking, like, why in every church that I serve, there's always problem among the workers. I'm sorry, especially, Sam, among the present worship team. Mostly. Mostly. Mostly. Because this is where people want to be seen. And everybody just love the pulpit. And everybody just go for this. What is this? People just go for it, you know? And they hate each other and they talk behind one another and say, why is he singing there? Why not me? I sing better, but why she lit the worship? Why always Sam on the pulpit? Why he kept singing there and not handing it over to the new generation? Purification. God will make you have a pure heart and make you purified so that all you seek is only Him and not people." [01:10:07] (87 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "You know, having 1.37 million subscribers on my YouTube and over a million people following me on Instagram doesn't make me happy. No. I just feel normal. You know, I say to the Lord, I would rather be known by you than those millions of people. Amen. What is it for? It's in vain. At the end of the day, I don't want to hear Jesus telling me, Lord, I have preached to millions of people. I prayed over them and they got cured. And you know, I brought them to Jesus. And then Jesus said to me, who are you? I never knew you. Would you like that? No, I'm sorry, no." [01:11:39] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "You know, the Bible says you will be pruned. God will trim out the useless parts in you that make you not fruitful. You will go through the purifying process so you can bear more fruits. Your life can be a blessing for many. God needs to be a blessing for you. He needs to shape your characters. Sometimes you can be so annoying, but you don't understand that until people tell you off. I'm sorry, even to grow to be better, to be a blessing for many, we need mirror. We need people who can be honest to us." [01:17:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "It is impossible to grow without being burnt. When you grow, you know, orange tree and it stop bearing fruits, what do you do? You cut off all the leaves. We don't need the leaves. We need the fruits. Come on. You know, leaves talks about looking good, looking awesome. I was getting warm water at the back and someone tapped me on my shoulder and say, you look gorgeous. Thank you. Sometimes. Yeah, you say that. I remember you, but I'm married with three kids. Yeah. Listen, we love someone praising us. Come on. Be honest. We love our wife telling the husband, oh my baby, you look so hot." [01:19:02] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "When you are planted in the right place, if you are planted in this church, do not expect everyone just tap you on the back and say, you are great. Sometimes they're going to tell you off and say, hey, you didn't sing well. I'm sorry. Maybe you're losing the intimacy with God. You should take time off. Maybe you're too busy. I'm sorry, but people who love you, they care about you. They want to see you grow. You know, God purifies us number one, through conflicts with others." [01:21:06] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "You know, God allows us to go through wilderness in our lives so that he will cleanse away. Our heart and our life to wash away our Egypt, all ways of living. You know, when you live in sins in the pleasure of the world, God wants to cleanse that out away from you. Making us learn to truly rely on God alone, not our own wealth and power. You know, many, many times in my life, the greatest thing that God ever thought me is not to depend on man. It's not depending on man, but on God." [01:30:35] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "If you are not planted, you don't have a family. Having a church, being planted in a church, meaning you have a family who care for you, really. But being planted means you have to be committed, submit yourself, and give, and support where you are planted. Amen? And the problem with me was, I was busy pushing around, not planted anywhere, except in Jesus, of course. And then I didn't have family who cared for us when trouble came. Well, you know, this is another purification process that we had to go through, and I learned." [01:33:26] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Through the right places that God has put you, you will face a lot of struggles, conflicts, discipline, correction, but stay there! You need to grow! Tell to your neighbor, you need to grow. Grow up, people! Obey the Word and live God's way. Amen? Okay. The second one. How do we know that we are planted in the right place? Wow, 7 Minutes left. How do you know that you are planted in the right place? I just mentioned it. Oh my God. It's so precious. This one's sweet. This part is perfect. How can you tell consideration when you're told to grow?" [01:35:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "When you are standing in the right place where God has planted you, the wisdom of the Lord, if God will flow upon you, and you just become very creative, you care about the community, you just keep thinking how to make it grow. You cannot just stay and earn a salary and do nothing. I'm sorry, but you've got to grow and start to think, what should I do here? Why am I here? Why am I doing here? When you work in a company, don't just earn salaries and bludgeon around. I'm sorry, but, you know, you've got to think of how you can, support the company to keep growing, expanding, so that they are able to increase your pay." [01:39:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "God has chosen you and appointed you for a certain purpose. Make sure that you bear fruit. Make sure that all the potential that he put in you is maximized and become useful and a blessing for many. Amen. Ephesians 2 10, for we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. Everybody say good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. And I pray as you planted in Christ Jesus and bear much fruit, God will be glorified in you." [01:42:41] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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