Thriving in God's Will: A Call to Productivity
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon, titled "The Loving Get-Together," emphasizes the importance of spiritual productivity and the necessity of a personal relationship with God. We began by acknowledging the unproductive lives many people lead, likening them to leeches that take without giving. As Christians, we are called to lead productive lives, bearing fruit for a spiritual harvest. This productivity is not about material gain but about thriving in God's will and kingdom.
We explored two scriptural ways to lead a productive life: delighting in the law of the Lord and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus. Psalm 1:1-3 teaches us that those who meditate on God's law are like trees planted by the river, bearing fruit and prospering in all they do. This contrasts with the wicked, who are like chaff scattered by the wind. To be fruitful, we must spend time with God daily, as even Jesus did, withdrawing to solitary places to pray.
We also discussed the importance of staying connected to God, as illustrated in John 15:1-5, where Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as the branches. Without remaining in Him, we can do nothing. This connection involves submitting to His Lordship, meditating on His word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to sanctify us.
Finally, we touched on the importance of serving others. Jesus came to serve, and we are called to follow His example. Serving others not only helps them but also allows the fruit we bear to nourish the church and the world. We are encouraged to use our God-given gifts for His glory, ensuring that our focus remains on Him and not on ourselves.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Productivity vs. Material Prosperity: Spiritual productivity involves bearing fruit for God's kingdom, unlike material prosperity, which focuses on earthly gains. A spiritually productive life is one that serves God and others, bringing glory to Him. This requires a daily commitment to God's word and His will. [45:00]
2. Delighting in God's Law: Psalm 1:1-3 teaches that those who delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night are like trees planted by the river, bearing fruit and prospering. This delight leads to a life of obedience and spiritual nourishment, contrasting sharply with the unproductive lives of the wicked. [47:18]
3. Staying Connected to God: John 15:1-5 emphasizes the necessity of remaining in Jesus to bear fruit. Without this connection, our efforts are fruitless. Staying connected involves daily prayer, meditation on God's word, and a conscious effort to live in a way that glorifies Him. [54:59]
4. The Role of Service: Serving others is a crucial aspect of a productive Christian life. Jesus came to serve, and we are called to follow His example. Serving others not only helps them but also allows the fruit we bear to nourish the church and the world, fulfilling God's purpose for us. [01:06:02]
5. Developing a Daily Quiet Time: A daily quiet time with God is essential for spiritual growth and productivity. This time should include reading the Bible, meditating on its truths, and praying. Consistency in this practice will lead to a deeper relationship with God and a more fruitful life. [01:02:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:13] - Introduction: The Loving Get-Together
[45:00] - Spiritual vs. Material Productivity
[46:23] - Prayer and Scriptural Foundation
[47:18] - Delighting in God's Law
[48:13] - The Path of the Wicked
[49:08] - Knowing the Truth
[50:08] - Importance of Daily Time with God
[51:06] - Jesus' Example of Solitude
[51:58] - The Loving Get-Together
[52:50] - Benefits of Meeting with God
[53:53] - Bearing Fruit in Christ
[54:59] - Staying Connected to God
[55:56] - Practical Steps to Remain in Christ
[56:52] - God’s Promise in Ezekiel
[57:39] - Pruning for Productivity
[59:00] - Removing Dead Wood
[01:00:19] - Components of Quiet Time
[01:01:36] - Meditating on God's Word
[01:02:16] - Praying Throughout the Day
[01:02:57] - Consistency in Quiet Time
[01:04:04] - Radiance from God's Presence
[01:05:25] - Importance of Serving
[01:06:02] - Serving Others
[01:07:25] - Jesus as the Example
[01:08:35] - Practical Ways to Serve
[01:09:38] - The House of Prayer
[01:10:10] - Various Ways to Serve
[01:11:27] - Recap of Spiritual Disciplines
[01:12:04] - Using God-Given Gifts
[01:12:44] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
[01:17:52] - Personal Reflection and Encouragement
[01:19:06] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
[01:21:34] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Loving Get-Together"
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-3: "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
2. John 15:1-5: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1:1-3, what are the characteristics of a person who delights in the law of the Lord?
2. In John 15:1-5, what does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the vine; you are the branches"?
3. What are the consequences mentioned in Psalm 1 for those who do not follow God's way? [48:13]
4. How does Jesus describe the process of pruning in John 15, and what is its purpose? [58:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "delight in the law of the Lord" and how can this lead to a productive life? [47:18]
2. How does staying connected to Jesus, as described in John 15, impact our ability to bear fruit? [54:59]
3. Why is it important to have a daily quiet time with God, and what are some benefits mentioned in the sermon? [52:50]
4. How does serving others contribute to our spiritual productivity and the well-being of the church? [01:06:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How often do you spend time meditating on God's word? What changes can you make to ensure this becomes a daily habit? [50:08]
2. Jesus emphasized the importance of staying connected to Him. What are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your relationship with Jesus daily? [55:56]
3. Think about a time when you felt spiritually unproductive. What factors contributed to this, and how can you address them moving forward? [45:00]
4. Serving others is a key aspect of a productive Christian life. Identify one specific way you can serve someone in your church or community this week. [01:07:25]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of a daily quiet time with God. What specific time and place can you set aside each day for this purpose? How will you ensure consistency? [01:02:57]
6. How can you use your God-given gifts to serve the church and bring glory to God? Identify one gift you have and a way you can use it in the coming month. [01:12:04]
7. Reflect on the concept of spiritual pruning. What "dead wood" in your life might God be calling you to remove to become more fruitful? [59:00]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of spiritual productivity, staying connected to God, and serving others as discussed in the sermon "The Loving Get-Together." Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Productivity Over Material Prosperity
A spiritually productive life is one that serves God and others, bringing glory to Him. This productivity is not about material gain but about thriving in God's will and kingdom. As Christians, we are called to bear fruit for a spiritual harvest, which requires a daily commitment to God's word and His will. This means focusing on spiritual growth and service rather than accumulating earthly wealth. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience true fulfillment.
[45:00]
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: In what ways can you shift your focus from material prosperity to spiritual productivity today? How can you serve God and others more effectively?
Day 2: Delighting in God's Law
Psalm 1:1-3 teaches that those who delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night are like trees planted by the river, bearing fruit and prospering. This delight leads to a life of obedience and spiritual nourishment, contrasting sharply with the unproductive lives of the wicked. By immersing ourselves in God's word, we find guidance, strength, and joy. This daily practice helps us grow spiritually and remain steadfast in our faith.
[47:18]
Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time for meditating on God's word in your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to delight in His law?
Day 3: Staying Connected to God
John 15:1-5 emphasizes the necessity of remaining in Jesus to bear fruit. Without this connection, our efforts are fruitless. Staying connected involves daily prayer, meditation on God's word, and a conscious effort to live in a way that glorifies Him. This connection is vital for spiritual growth and productivity, as it allows us to draw strength and guidance from God. By remaining in Him, we can fulfill our purpose and bear lasting fruit.
[54:59]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What practices can you implement to strengthen your connection with God? How can you ensure that you remain rooted in Him throughout your daily activities?
Day 4: The Role of Service
Serving others is a crucial aspect of a productive Christian life. Jesus came to serve, and we are called to follow His example. Serving others not only helps them but also allows the fruit we bear to nourish the church and the world, fulfilling God's purpose for us. By using our God-given gifts for His glory, we can make a positive impact on those around us and further God's kingdom.
[01:06:02]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: Identify one person or group you can serve this week. How can you use your unique gifts to make a difference in their lives?
Day 5: Developing a Daily Quiet Time
A daily quiet time with God is essential for spiritual growth and productivity. This time should include reading the Bible, meditating on its truths, and praying. Consistency in this practice will lead to a deeper relationship with God and a more fruitful life. By setting aside dedicated time each day to connect with God, we can receive His guidance, strength, and peace, enabling us to live according to His will.
[01:02:57]
Psalm 119:147-148 (ESV): "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise."
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside for your daily quiet time with God? How will you ensure consistency in this practice?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "As Christians, we are called to lead productive lives. Jesus teaches we are to work to produce fruit for a spiritual harvest. One of the ways God will bless you is by making your life productive. More than survive, thrive. He has called you more than to simply surviving, but to thrive in His will and His kingdom. He will enable you to make a life worth something." [45:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Make a time and a place that doesn't allow the busyness of life to give you an excuse for not meeting with God. should be a place that is just you and Jesus. No one else. That place could be anywhere, anytime. I prefer morning because it focuses me on Christ before the day robs my mind of other stuff. And I think we can all identify with that." [51:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God loves a willing heart. tender and responsive heart. This is a heart that he will put his Spirit in so that we will follow his decrees and be careful to obey his regulations. And this promise we see in Ezekiel 36. Chapter 36, verses 25. If you want to turn there with me, I'll read it for us. It says, Then I will sprinkle I love the way that this sounds. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols." [56:52] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God has given us special and unique abilities. And sometimes we feel that out of our humility, we should not make use of these gifts. But this is not right. We are called to use these gifts for God's glory, allowing his generosity to flow through us. But we need to be careful to keep our focus on God's glory and not our own. By doing this, we'll ensure that we will make proper use of our abilities as we serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the church and in the world." [01:11:27] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I promise you It's not what you do It's just Just do it God does everything for you And it's amazing It's an amazing time It took me years to learn it And I just want to encourage you That it's just such an important thing So if you're ready And you want to have a quiet time Or you want to become more consistent in your quiet time And Then raise your hand And if you're a seasoned Christian And you've been meeting with God regularly And you want to start to take it to the next level Raise your hand man And if you want to serve Christ And the Church of Christ better Stand Raise your hand" [01:19:06] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Spiritual productivity is different from materialistic prosperity of this realm. Notice how a leech sucks blood from a host. It takes nutrients without leaving its host anything beneficial in return. Truly, a spiritually unproductive person does this to their neighbors, their friends, and their family. Unproductive people take, but do not give." [45:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we follow God's truths and obey his laws and commands, which is walking and living in Christ, then all we do will prosper. The gospel doesn't require obedience. It produces obedience. This doesn't mean we won't have failures and difficulties, but when we apply God's truths to our lives, we will bear good fruit." [53:53] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Think about what you're going to say before you speak before you act. Say to yourself, will this glorify God? Nourish your life with God's word and love. Meditate on the word of God. Not with the things of this world that try to corrupt you and fill you with empty promises and selfish desires. And be obedient to what you learn from God's word every day. Allow the Spirit to sanctify you. Put it into practice with what you have learned through the power of the Spirit that lives in you." [55:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What good does the kingdom of God do if all he has is a bunch of fruity people that keep it to themselves? Not much, other than a basket of wasted fruit, good fruit, that has nowhere to prosper. You see, God didn't intend for his fruit to just help us prosper in our spiritual growth and relationship. He also intended it to help others and the church of Christ to prosper too." [01:06:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "These three ways of spiritual disciplines are key to a more prosperous and more productive life in Christ. Remember what they are? They're spending time with God in a quiet time. They're staying connected to God. And they're serving the church of Christ and loving your neighbor. What an awesome way to honor the God who gave everything so you could have everything." [01:10:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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