Trusting God: The Key to Fruitfulness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the essential role of trust in both our personal lives and our spiritual journey. We began by discussing what makes a team successful, emphasizing that trust is a foundational element. Using the example of the movie "Ocean's Eleven," we saw how trust among team members is crucial for achieving high-stakes goals. This concept of trust is not just limited to teams but is also vital in our relationship with God.
We are nearing the end of our summer series, "Fertile Ground," where we've been studying the parables of Jesus. These parables are simple yet profound stories that reveal deep truths about living a fruitful life. Today's focus was on the parable of the growing seed, which teaches us that the fruitful life is lived out of trust that God is always doing His part to bring about fruitfulness, even when we can't see it.
The parable illustrates that while we have a role to play, the major work of bringing about fruitfulness is God's. Our part is to scatter the seed and harvest the fruit, but the growth happens independently of our efforts. This teaches us to trust in God's ongoing work, even when the process is unclear or seems slow.
We also discussed the concept of the Kingdom of God, defined as the range of God's effective will. Jesus' life exemplified this, as He brought healing, dignity, and freedom wherever He went. This same Kingdom is at work in us and around us today, and we are invited to partner with God in this work.
Trusting God means letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives and the lives of others. Over-functioning and trying to do God's part only leads to frustration and unfruitfulness. Instead, we are called to do our part and trust that God will do His. This trust frees us to live with a sense of peace and expectation, knowing that God is always at work to bring about fruitfulness.
As we move towards communion, let's reflect on how steady our trust in God feels today. Are there areas where we've given up hope or tried to take control? Let's take a step towards greater trust, believing that God is always at work for our good and the good of those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust is Foundational for Success: Whether in teams or in our spiritual lives, trust is essential. Just as the team in "Ocean's Eleven" had to trust each member to do their part, we must trust that God is doing His part in our lives. This trust allows us to focus on our responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the need to control everything. [02:32]
2. God's Work is Often Unseen: The parable of the growing seed teaches us that much of the work leading to fruitfulness happens independently of our efforts. We may not always see or understand how God is working, but we can trust that He is. This unseen work is crucial for bringing about the fruitful life we were made for. [08:54]
3. The Kingdom of God is Active: Jesus' life demonstrated the Kingdom of God, where God's will is done. This Kingdom is still active today, bringing healing, dignity, and freedom. We are invited to partner with God in this work, trusting that He is always at work to bring about good in our lives and the world. [14:53]
4. Over-Functioning Hinders Fruitfulness: Trying to control every aspect of our lives and the lives of others leads to frustration and unfruitfulness. We must learn to do our part and trust God to do His. Over-functioning communicates mistrust and fractures partnerships, whether with God or with others. [28:00]
5. Live with Expectation and Trust: While we wait for the harvest, we should live with a sense of expectation, knowing that God will bring about fruitfulness. This trust frees us from the burden of trying to manufacture fruitfulness ourselves. Instead, we can live with peace, knowing that God is always at work. [31:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:32] - The Importance of Trust in Teams
[04:04] - Ocean's Eleven Example
[06:04] - Introduction to Fertile Ground Series
[07:23] - The Seed for a Fruitful Life
[08:54] - Trusting God's Work
[10:11] - Assessing Our Trust
[12:05] - The Parable of the Growing Seed
[13:52] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
[15:44] - Jesus' Life as an Example
[17:17] - Our Role in Fruitfulness
[19:13] - God's Unfailing Work
[21:14] - The Mystery of Fruitfulness
[22:23] - Jesus' Life, Death, and Resurrection
[24:25] - Daily Actions for Fruitfulness
[26:06] - Sharing and Letting Go
[28:00] - The Dangers of Over-Functioning
[30:21] - Living with Peace and Trust
[31:43] - Expecting the Harvest
[32:34] - Renewing Hope and Belief
[33:17] - Harvesting Good Fruit
[34:09] - Reflecting on Our Trust
[35:43] - Transition to Communion
[36:22] - The Story of Communion
[37:32] - Invitation to the Table
[38:04] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 4:26-29 (NIV): "He also said, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.'"
2. Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the parable of the growing seed in Mark 4:26-29 teach us about the process of growth and fruitfulness?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of trust in both team dynamics and our spiritual lives? [02:32]
3. How does Jesus' life exemplify the Kingdom of God, as discussed in the sermon? [14:53]
4. What are the consequences of over-functioning and trying to control every aspect of our lives, according to the sermon? [28:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the parable of the growing seed illustrate the concept of God's unseen work in our lives? [08:54]
2. In what ways does the Kingdom of God manifest in our daily lives, based on Jesus' example and the sermon? [14:53]
3. Why is it important to trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot see the results immediately? [19:13]
4. How does over-functioning communicate mistrust, and what impact does it have on our relationships with God and others? [28:00]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current level of trust in God. Are there specific areas in your life where you struggle to trust Him? How can you take a step towards greater trust this week? [11:10]
2. Think about a time when you tried to control a situation or outcome. What was the result? How can you practice letting go and trusting God more in similar situations in the future? [28:00]
3. Jesus brought healing, dignity, and freedom wherever He went. How can you actively participate in bringing about the Kingdom of God in your community this week? [14:53]
4. Identify one area in your life where you feel unfruitful. How can you trust that God is at work in that area, even if you cannot see immediate results? [19:50]
5. The sermon mentioned living with a sense of expectation and trust. What practical steps can you take to cultivate an expectant heart for God's work in your life? [31:43]
6. Over-functioning can hinder fruitfulness. What are some practical ways you can focus on doing your part and trusting God to do His? [28:00]
7. As we approach communion, reflect on how steady your trust in God feels today. Are there areas where you've given up hope or tried to take control? How can you renew your hope and belief in God's ongoing work for your good? [34:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust as the Foundation of Success
Trust is a crucial element in both our personal and spiritual lives. Just as a team must trust each member to fulfill their role, we must trust that God is doing His part in our lives. This trust allows us to focus on our responsibilities without being overwhelmed by the need to control everything. In the movie "Ocean's Eleven," the success of the heist depended on each team member trusting one another to execute their part flawlessly. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, trusting God enables us to live out our roles effectively, knowing that He is working behind the scenes for our good. [02:32]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where you struggle to trust others or God. What steps can you take today to begin building that trust?
Day 2: God's Unseen Work
The parable of the growing seed teaches us that much of the work leading to fruitfulness happens independently of our efforts. We may not always see or understand how God is working, but we can trust that He is. This unseen work is crucial for bringing about the fruitful life we were made for. Just as a farmer plants seeds and waits for them to grow, we must trust that God is nurturing the seeds of faith and good works in our lives, even when we can't see immediate results. [08:54]
Mark 4:26-27 (ESV): "And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you saw the results of God's work in your life only after a period of waiting. How can this memory help you trust in His unseen work today?
Day 3: The Active Kingdom of God
Jesus' life demonstrated the Kingdom of God, where God's will is done. This Kingdom is still active today, bringing healing, dignity, and freedom. We are invited to partner with God in this work, trusting that He is always at work to bring about good in our lives and the world. The Kingdom of God is not a distant reality but a present and active force that we can participate in through our actions and faith. [14:53]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Kingdom of God today? What specific actions can you take to bring healing, dignity, or freedom to someone in your community?
Day 4: The Dangers of Over-Functioning
Trying to control every aspect of our lives and the lives of others leads to frustration and unfruitfulness. We must learn to do our part and trust God to do His. Over-functioning communicates mistrust and fractures partnerships, whether with God or with others. By letting go of the need to control, we allow God to work in ways that we might not have anticipated, leading to greater fruitfulness and peace in our lives. [28:00]
Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV): "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you tend to over-function. What would it look like to trust God more in this area and allow Him to take control?
Day 5: Living with Expectation and Trust
While we wait for the harvest, we should live with a sense of expectation, knowing that God will bring about fruitfulness. This trust frees us from the burden of trying to manufacture fruitfulness ourselves. Instead, we can live with peace, knowing that God is always at work. Living with expectation means having faith that God's promises will come to fruition, even if the timeline is not what we anticipated. [31:43]
James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you cultivate a sense of expectation and trust while you wait?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We've been studying the parables of Jesus. These are simple and memorable stories that often use imagery to convey a deep truth. We've been studying them because in that deep truth is the potential to make each one of us the kind of people that live fruitful lives. And we've said over and over again that when we talk about fruitful lives, what we mean is that they're the kinds of lives that leave everything better, that leave everything better." [07:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fruitful life is lived out of trust that in every circumstance, God is doing his part to bring about fruitfulness. Today's passage has a lot to do with trust, with trusting that God is doing his part so that we can be free to do ours to live the fruitful life. Trust is key for the fruitful life. Just a minute. Trust is key for any team." [07:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, God is a God of partnership. He has invited you and I to live a fruitful life in partnership with Him. A fruitful life for us and a fruitful life that blesses those around us, that is abundant, that multiplies in blessings upon blessings for us to enjoy but for also us to share, for us to buy into that, for us to believe in that, for us to give up pursuing some of the ways that our world, that our society communicates the good life or sets up success or sets up fruitfulness." [10:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is always at work to bring about fruitfulness in our lives and in our world. Now we talked about how God does the major work for fruitfulness, but we have a part to play as well. We share with God in the work to bring about fruitfulness in our lives and in our world. Every day, there's something for you and I to do. Something for you and I to do to be part of the fruitful work, to be part of making things better." [24:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Friends, sometimes we just forget to pay attention to what God is doing in our lives. And sometimes we forget to pay attention to what God is doing in the lives of others. The invitation, if that's your case, is just pay attention again. Ask God to give you eyes to see where he's at work. To give you an expectant heart for his harvest. But sometimes we miss. The ways God is at work in our lives and in the lives of others because we've stopped believing that it will happen. We've stopped believing it will happen." [32:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Part of what the parable that Hillary read for us teaches is that something is always happening in the service of fruitfulness. That God is always doing something in the service of fruitfulness, even when we can't see it or we can't explain it. And that's true outside of us because there are plenty of places that we invest in, that we give ourselves to, that we pour into hoping to see good fruit, and we don't always see it. God is, always at work there. But God is always at work in us." [08:54] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God never fails to do his part. God never fails to do his part. God never fails to do his part. Sometimes you and I fail to do our part. Two things. One, God doesn't use that to fail to do his part. He still does it. Second, he gives us opportunities to do our part again. Fruitfulness doesn't have to be squandered because we failed. God is still at work doing his part." [18:04] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The answer to whether there will be fruit, even if we don't know the how, even if we don't know the when, even if we can't see how it happened, even if it's taking a long time and the situation is well past us, the answer to whether there will be fruitfulness out of that is yes. Is yes. God will bring good fruit even out of the most painful situations, even out of the most disappointing situations. Not because they were intended for that. Not because they were intended for that. But because he intended us for a fruitful life." [21:49] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends, sometimes it's hard to not do all the things we think we should do or have to do or can do or might be able to do to bring about fruitfulness in our lives, but let's be honest, also in the lives of others. What we end up doing is we end up trying to do not just our parts. We end up trying to do God's parts, and we end up trying to do other people's parts. This doesn't bear good fruit. Over-functioning. Over-functioning does not bear good fruit. Controlling does not bear good fruit. It does not bear good fruit." [28:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The burden of bearing fruitfulness in your own life, the burden of bringing about fruitfulness at your workplace, the burden of bringing about fruitfulness in your relationships, doesn't all rest on your shoulders. It is not all yours to carry. When it is time to contribute in some way, do it. Don't miss the opportunities. But when it's not, friends, take a nap. Relax. Have fun. Chill. Because we can't worry ourselves into fruitfulness. We can't worry others into fruitfulness. We can't work ourselves into fruitfulness. And we can't work others into fruitfulness either." [30:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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