We can learn a lot about a plant by the fruit it produces. What does your fruit say about you? Pastor Cameron brings the latest installment of our series “Seven: Revelations of Jesus for His Church.” Tune in as we learn the importance of being rooted in God, the true vine.
Scripture
Revelation‬ â€3:1-6‬ â€NIV‬‬
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
REFERENCES: JAMES 1:22, JOHN 15:1-11
Main Idea
Trees are meant to grow, produce and branch out. But in order to do so they must be well rooted. A tree that bears no fruit defeats its purpose. In the same way as followers of Christ we must be rooted in Him to produce good fruits and ultimately branch out these good fruits to those around us. We can’t just look “Christian,” we must actually live out what His word says. And to do so, we must abide in Him, who is the vine. If our faith isn’t challenged by the values of the world, our works can become dead. Ultimately, the challenges we face allow us to connect to the source of all that is good.
Fruit without God is empty
1. Rotting Away From The Vine
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Jesus makes it clear that those who are not united in Him resemble a branch that has been removed from the root. Drawing our lives to Christ and building a relationship with Him is the same way a branch draws its life from the root of its vineyard and becomes fruitful.
"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." John 15:4
What are some ways we connect to Him to receive the fruits of the Spirit?
What are some ways we find ourselves detached from God's presence? How does it show up in your live? Your work? In the Church?
Detached from The Source, what was once a vibrant movement becomes a monument of what once was.
2. Rooted in the Vine
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As Jesus gave His correction to the church of Sardis, He reminded them to remember and keep what they had already heard. Jesus’ instructions are simple yet powerful. Sometimes we don't need a new word, but rather a renewed conviction to obey the word we’ve already received. Today, He calls us to remember the Gospel and action out our love for God and others.
How can you strengthen your root system and relationship with Jesus?
In what spaces and places do you feel God has placed you specifically to be a doer of God's word?
How does the community around you help you remain rooted in Him and His word?
Jesus is the true Vine… By looking to Him for pointers, we will find the only true direction we need.
Summary
The church of Sardis is an example of what can happen when we're not rooted in Christ. We can easily drift from what we are called to do and be deceived by our circumstances. Jesus warns us that he can remove His protection and provision if we're not careful. We must be proactive as followers of Jesus by continually building His church and developing the fruit of the spirit. It is a lifetime process to be obedient to God. His blessings for us must be guarded and protected until the day we get to spend eternity with our Lord and savior.
Call To Action
Show your love to God and His people by serving your community this month. It is a time for Thanksgiving for provision and blessings Jesus has entrusted you with. Find a few ways you can serve and give back.
Here's some examples to start:
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Sign up to serve at Thanksgiving Bash
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Donate supplies to help a family in need