WE MUST BEAR FRUIT
We hope today’s message was encouraging and helpful. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a Bible/sermon group study. Enjoy!
Main Scripture: John 15:1-8, John 15:9-11, John 16:20-24, James 4:1-3
Other scripture mentioned: {Matt 6:31-33, John, 15:14-16, Luke 6:43-46, Phil 2:6-8, Gal 2:20, Gal 5:22-23Col 1:16, Ezek 33:11, Ezek 36:26-27}
If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read or paraphrase through some of the provided scripture to catch everyone up!
Overview:
Pastor Cornelius shared that God expects his children to bear fruit. Bearing godly fruit is a natural byproduct of being connected to Jesus, the Vine. Pastor Cornelius shared that we must ask God for help to bear fruit that will bring glory to the Father. When we ask according to God's Word God hears our request. The Father is glorified when we bear much fruit.
Action Items to Bear Fruit:
· We need to ask God for help to bear fruit
God promised when we abide in him, and when we ask for the right things with the right motives he will grant our request that the father may be glorified through our fruit.
Usage: In the New Testament, "karpos" primarily refers to fruit in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Literally, it denotes the produce of trees, plants, and the earth. Metaphorically, it is used to describe the results or outcomes of actions, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. It often signifies the visible expression of an inward change or the evidence of one's faith and character.
https://biblehub.com/greek/2590.htm
i.e good example, if we struggle with addictions, we should pray that God would deliver us from the stronghold that God may glorified in our lives. We are blessed, our families, and those associated with us are blessed when God delivers us from addiction.
Bad example, Lord deliver me so I can feel better about myself, or so I can do better in life.... It's not a bad request, but the motivation behind the request is self-centered not God centered.
God knows the things we need. He wants us to be focused on him. He is our life source.
We have to put God first in our asking. How will God be glorified though this.
· We need to ask for God's desire to bear fruit
We are accustomed to doing things our way. God's plans and God's ways can different than ours. We need a heart to do God's will.
God gives us the ability to love, serve and obey him. We cannot do this on our own. People frustrate themselves by serving God in their own capacity using their own wisdom and strength. Our human strength will fail.
The heart is our, mind, our will, and our emotions. God transforms our hearts so we can be instrument that pleases him.
In the Hebrew Bible, "leb" primarily refers to the heart, not just as a physical organ but as the center of human emotion, thought, will, and moral character. It is often used metaphorically to denote the inner person, encompassing feelings, intellect, and volition. The heart is seen as the seat of life and strength, the source of emotions, desires, and moral decisions.
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3821.htm
· We need to obey God to bear fruit
God is good to us even when we don't deserve it, but he is calling us to be obedient so we can bear much fruit.
When we are obedient there is joy in our relationship with God. If we are lacking in joy in our relationship with God, how is our obedience?
If Jesus is Lord of our lives, we must obey his commands. God knows what's good for us and he knows what will bring honor to the Father through our lives.
We are in a relationship with Jesus and the sincerity of our relationship is evident in our obedience.
Discussion:
Name one thing from the message that resonated with you?
What area/s in your life do you need to ask God for help to bear fruit?
Is there something you know God has called you to do but you haven't obeyed?
Do you struggle with God's Will at times or desire to bear fruit for God?
Do you feel comfortable praying and asking for God's help? if not why?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
Father thank you for loving us so much you tell us everything and even call us your friends. Lord, you want us to have a joyful relationship with you that can only happen as we abide in the vine. Father, we ask that you would transform our hearts and give us hearts that long to obey you and desire to do your will. Lord we cannot live for you on our own strength. We need your help. Jesus thank you for giving us everything we need to live a godly life.
