STS | The Vine And The Branches: Fruitful Or Fruitless | OCT. 5th 2025 | Pastor 'Tunde Bakare

Today, we give thanks to God for His faithfulness and guidance, recognizing that He calls us not to remain stagnant but to move forward in His purposes. Just as the Israelites were told they had dwelt long enough at Horeb and needed to journey onward, we too are called to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the next phase of our assignment. God is a God of boundaries and order, assigning each community and individual a unique sphere of influence and responsibility. Our growth and multiplication are not for self-congratulation, but for the fulfillment of God’s mission—ensuring that none are missing, and all are cared for.

The biblical model of leadership and accountability is clear: before God multiplies a people, there must be a structure of wise, understanding, and knowledgeable leaders who are accountable for those entrusted to them. This is not just an Old Testament principle; Jesus Himself illustrated it in the parable of the lost sheep, showing the heart of a true shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one that is lost. The health of the body is measured by the care for each member—if one suffers, all feel it. Our aim is that not one person among us would be missing, overlooked, or uncared for.

To this end, we are launching the Rooted and Grounded (RNG) Word Study Series, a new initiative designed to foster intentional accountability, deep discipleship, and genuine community. Groups of ten, each with multiple leaders, will meet for interactive, scripture-centered study and mutual care. This structure ensures that every individual is known, supported, and growing, and that the church remains aligned with God’s priorities rather than drifting into mere tradition, philosophy, or legalism. The focus is on cultivating Christlike character, building strong relationships, and fulfilling the unique ministry God has given to each one. Through this, we trust that none will be missing, and all will reach their God-given destiny.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s call is always forward-moving; comfort and past achievements can become obstacles if we linger too long. The Israelites’ experience at Horeb reminds us that spiritual milestones are not destinations, but launching pads for new assignments. We must discern when it is time to celebrate and when it is time to move, lest we miss the next phase of God’s purpose for us. [01:10]
• 2. True multiplication in God’s kingdom requires intentional structure and accountability. Without wise and caring leaders at every level, growth becomes unsustainable and people fall through the cracks. The biblical pattern is for leaders to know, care for, and account for those entrusted to them, ensuring that not one is missing from the flock. [06:38]
• 3. The heart of Christ is revealed in the pursuit of the one who is lost, not just the care of the ninety-nine who are safe. This challenges us to resist complacency and to value every individual, recognizing that heaven rejoices over each one restored. Our communities must be marked by a relentless, compassionate pursuit of those who are hurting or absent. [11:53]
• 4. Deep discipleship is rooted in Christ, not in human philosophy, tradition, or legalism. The RNG Word Study Series is designed to anchor us in the person and teachings of Jesus, fostering a culture where questions are welcomed, growth is intentional, and character transformation is the goal. Only by being rooted and grounded in Christ can we withstand the shifting winds of culture and remain fruitful. [22:03]
• 5. Genuine community is built through intentional, accountable relationships where every member is known and cared for. By organizing into small, interactive groups with multiple leaders, we create an environment where no one is overlooked and everyone is encouraged to fulfill their God-given ministry. This is not just about Bible study, but about becoming our brother’s keeper and embodying the character of the new man in Christ. [29:49]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:31] - Opening Prayer and Setting the Tone
• [01:10] - God’s Call to Move Forward from Horeb
• [02:31] - Reflections on the Citadel and God’s Provision
• [04:00] - God’s Boundaries and Assignments
• [05:18] - Multiplication and the Need for Leadership
• [06:38] - The Importance of Eldership Structure
• [08:02] - Accountability in Leadership
• [11:10] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
• [13:13] - The Value of Every Individual
• [16:10] - Biblical Examples of No One Missing
• [18:19] - New Testament Application: Laborers for the Harvest
• [19:46] - Introduction to the Rooted and Grounded Initiative
• [22:03] - Being Rooted and Grounded in Christ
• [23:22] - Structure and Practicalities of the RNG Groups
• [29:49] - Accountability and Care in Small Groups
• [33:39] - Purposes and Benefits of the RNG Word Study
• [36:20] - Christ-Centered, Not Philosophy or Legalism
• [38:55] - Launch Details and Final Exhortation

Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 1:6-15 (ESV) — > 6 “The Lord our God said to us in Horeb, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Turn and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all their neighbors in the Arabah, in the hill country and in the lowland and in the Negeb and by the seacoast, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates. 8 See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.’ 9 “At that time I said to you, ‘I am not able to bear you by myself. 10 The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven. 11 May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you! 12 How can I bear by myself the weight and burden of you and your strife? 13 Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’ 14 And you answered me, ‘The thing that you have spoken is good for us to do.’ 15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and set them as heads over you, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, of tens, and officers throughout your tribes.”

Luke 15:1-7 (ESV) — > 1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Colossians 2:6-10 (ESV) — > 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Observation Questions

1. In Deuteronomy 1:6-8, what did God tell the Israelites about their time at Horeb, and what was their next step? ([01:10])
2. According to the sermon, what was the reason for establishing leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens among the Israelites? ([06:38])
3. In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), what does the shepherd do when one sheep is missing, and how does he respond when he finds it? ([11:53])
4. What does Colossians 2:6-10 say about being “rooted and built up in Christ,” and what are believers warned against? ([22:03])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God told the Israelites they had “dwelt long enough at this mountain”? What dangers might there be in staying too long in a place of comfort or past achievement? ([01:10])
2. The sermon emphasized the need for intentional structure and accountability before God multiplies a people. Why is this structure important for the health and growth of a community? ([06:38])
3. In the parable of the lost sheep, what does the shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine to find the one reveal about God’s heart for individuals? How does this challenge our own attitudes toward those who are missing or struggling? ([11:53])
4. Colossians 2:6-10 warns against being taken captive by philosophy, tradition, or legalism. How can being “rooted and grounded in Christ” help believers avoid these pitfalls? ([22:03])

Application Questions

1. The Israelites were told to move forward from Horeb and not settle in their comfort zone. Is there an area in your life where you sense God is calling you to move forward, but you are tempted to stay comfortable? What is one step you can take this week to respond? ([01:10])
2. The sermon described a structure where every person is known and cared for through small groups with multiple leaders. Have you ever felt overlooked or uncared for in a church or community? What would have made a difference for you, and how can you help ensure no one is missing in your group? ([29:49])
3. The shepherd in Luke 15 goes after the one lost sheep. Is there someone in your life or in our church who has drifted away or is struggling? What practical step can you take to reach out to them this week? ([13:13])
4. The Rooted and Grounded Word Study Series is designed to foster intentional accountability and deep discipleship. What does “intentional accountability” look like to you, and how can you practice it in your group? ([23:22])
5. Colossians 2:6-10 warns against being led astray by human tradition or philosophy. Are there any traditions, opinions, or “church habits” you’ve noticed that distract from being rooted in Christ? How can you help keep the focus on Jesus in your group? ([22:03])
6. The sermon said, “Our growth and multiplication are not for self-congratulation, but for the fulfillment of God’s mission—ensuring that none are missing, and all are cared for.” How can you shift your mindset from personal achievement to caring for others in your spiritual journey? ([05:55])
7. The new small group structure includes multiple leaders for each group of ten. What qualities do you think are most important in a leader who is accountable for others? How can you support your group leaders, or step up to lead if you feel called? ([28:32])