June 29, 2008 Summit AM
Is
Christianity Fun Yet?
A. Text Jn.15:1-17
B. Vs. 11 spoken this do My joy be in you & your joy may be made complete
1. Complete = full; to cram; to level up
2. Jesus wanted His disciples to be full of joy
a. To have the joy He had
b. For His joy to fully encompass there lives
3. Reason I asked Is Christianity fun yet?
C. Been discussing victory in Jesus
1. That victory is only possible as we have & maintain a relationship with Jesus
2. In this passage find principles for spiritual fruitfulness victory
D. Pray
A. Vs.16 I chose you to go & bear fruit
1. Meaning of bearing fruit
a. Rom.1:13 Paul uses it in speaking of converts
b. Gal.5:22 Christian character fruit of the Spirit
c. Believe both are linked together
1) As we grow in the Spirit our character changes
2) That change results in our having influence on others
2. Jesus wanted to so change
their lives = convert world
a. Their relationship with Him
1) 1st of all change them
2) That change in them would result in changing the world
b. In chapter Jesus gives us principles for fruitfulness
B. The
change Jesus wants to make Gal.5:22
1. Godly attitudes & actions
2. As apply them positive relationships will occur
3. End result if being filled with the joy of Jesus
4. Our Christianity will actually become fun enjoyable
A. Stay attached to the power source
1. Always remain in Me
a. I am the vine you the branches (unable bear fruit on own)
b. Scriptures
1) Phil.4:13 I can do all things through Christ
2) Gal.2:20 crucified with Christ I live in Christ
3) Col.1:29 I struggle with all His strength
2. Sense the unlimited ness of
that source
a. He has all authority Mt.28:18
b. Nothing is impossible with Him Eph.3:20
c. Sense the possibilities
Man teaching his grandson implications of Micah6:8
Boy memorizing text & responds:
Its hard to be humble when youre walking with God
Illust mouse & elephant cross bridge made that shake
c. Sadly so many estimate their lives purely on own resources
Truth
when we have relationship with Jesus
Jn.14:15-21 Jesus is within us (home there)
Acts 4:23-31 see early church pray about their problems
(not helpless victims)
3. Our God will see that we are
fruitful
a. He is the gardener
1) Speaks of His skill in bringing forth fruit
2) He prunes fruitful branches cuts away unfruitful
(me & bush in yard I trimmed)
3) Cuts away all that hinders us spiritually
b. He is not only the Gardner but also the owner
1) He has an investment in the fruit
2) Person that owns it cares for it (Sam Mike & old cars)
4. His promise abide in Me & My word & will be fruitful
a. 10 times in vs.4-10 says abide in Me
b. He wants us to partner with Him
1) With Him as our partner all possible
2) Boy going door to door selling pencils $30 million
Mighty big goal not just me another boy
c. Notice promise is conditional
1) No question about His involvement committed
2) In question is us will we abide?
d. When do ready to meet all our needs answer prayer
1) If abide = delight be in Him = ask according His will
2) Ps.37:4 note - delight comes before desire
What I delight in determines my desires
If delight is in God desire will be His will
B. Understand
out purpose is faithfulness
1. Our fruitfulness brings glory
to God vs.8
a. God wants the entire world to see the change He makes
1) Wants us on display
2) Through us convicts mankind
b. Story told of East & West Berlin struggle
1) East Berliners dumped load of garbage in West side
2) West side got canned goods other staples
3) Sign Each gives what each has to give
4)
Rom.12:18-21; 1 Pet.3:8-12
2. Potential for fruitfulness is based on our obedience
a. Vs.10 if you obey you will remain in My love
1) Fruitfulness becomes a choice
2) We can become as fruitful as we decide top become