WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.980 What is success in your life? 00:00:02.980 --> 00:00:06.259 What does it look like to be fruitful in your life? 00:00:07.080 --> 00:00:14.240 I wonder what businesses you work at or even the communities you are in and are a part of, 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:16.339 what is fruitfulness? 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:19.660 Would fruitfulness look like more income for the company? 00:00:19.900 --> 00:00:23.859 Would it look like happy customers, happy stakeholders? 00:00:24.460 --> 00:00:29.160 Perhaps in your key performance indicators, it looks like insurance procedures are followed, 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:33.179 managing a growing team, having more and more sales. 00:00:34.179 --> 00:00:39.939 And maybe even DJ Khaled's song captures what fruitfulness and success is like, 00:00:40.399 --> 00:00:45.200 which I'm sure will bring some blank faces in the room, but just have a listen to the lyrics. 00:00:46.140 --> 00:00:50.859 All I do is win, win, win, no matter what. 00:00:51.379 --> 00:00:55.280 Got money on my mind, I can never get enough. 00:00:55.280 --> 00:00:55.799 Enough. 00:00:55.799 --> 00:01:04.439 You see, the human condition has always been chasing for the outcome to make something bigger 00:01:04.439 --> 00:01:10.019 and better, to add more software updates, to bring a new iPhone. 00:01:10.979 --> 00:01:12.500 We are all like that. 00:01:12.920 --> 00:01:17.219 We are people who want to see success and outcomes in our life. 00:01:17.219 --> 00:01:23.659 And even if we're not, even if we're not the ambitious kind of person, we still want success. 00:01:24.159 --> 00:01:25.219 We still want outcome. 00:01:25.620 --> 00:01:29.680 It might not be as grandiose, but it might just sound like, 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:33.379 if there was just one thing or one challenge in my life, 00:01:33.620 --> 00:01:37.819 and if that one thing was sorted, then I'd be happy. 00:01:37.819 --> 00:01:45.519 The common human experience is this outcome-shaped hole in our heart, and we keep trying to fill it. 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:53.159 John 15 gives us the grandest vision of fruitfulness and success in life that is all-consuming, 00:01:53.739 --> 00:01:55.000 glorious, and majestic. 00:01:55.339 --> 00:02:03.419 But unlike any KPI, unlike any success criteria, the one in this passage is satisfying. 00:02:03.420 --> 00:02:12.199 Friends, I'm convinced that this passage that we have just read answers those age-old existential questions 00:02:12.199 --> 00:02:16.740 that we are either consciously or unconsciously asking ourselves. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:18.199 So let's pray. 00:02:19.860 --> 00:02:23.159 Father God, we are thankful that we can just gather and praise you. 00:02:23.800 --> 00:02:28.159 If there are stresses in our life that repeatedly trample over our minds, 00:02:28.159 --> 00:02:34.680 may your peace and comfort intercede for us right now, so we can just hear from you. 00:02:35.400 --> 00:02:39.500 For we know in 2 Timothy 3.16 that your word enables us to be teachable, 00:02:39.859 --> 00:02:46.439 to be corrected and encouraged, and to point us to the life and salvation found in Jesus. 00:02:47.419 --> 00:02:49.939 So help us listen to your word. 00:02:50.919 --> 00:02:51.300 Amen. 00:02:52.620 --> 00:02:57.460 So we're currently in a series called Abundant Life, looking at the Gospel of John. 00:02:57.460 --> 00:03:04.219 And for the last and the next few weeks, we are in what Bible teachers call the farewell discourse, 00:03:05.080 --> 00:03:11.879 which is the message Jesus gives to his disciples, preparing them for when he says, well, farewell. 00:03:12.819 --> 00:03:18.219 Last week in John 14, Dan encouraged us in Jesus' promise of future hope 00:03:18.219 --> 00:03:21.000 and his ongoing presence through his spirit. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:27.460 And so this week, Jesus continues in particularly that ongoing presence aspect. 00:03:28.159 --> 00:03:30.000 It's more of the, now what? 00:03:30.879 --> 00:03:33.719 If Jesus goes away, what does that mean day to day? 00:03:34.240 --> 00:03:35.539 What's our purpose? 00:03:36.680 --> 00:03:39.340 Which is in fact our first point, our purpose. 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:44.639 If you're taking notes or have the St. Paul's app to follow along, I have three points. 00:03:44.639 --> 00:03:47.399 Number one, the purpose. 00:03:48.359 --> 00:03:50.199 Number two, the attributes. 00:03:51.119 --> 00:03:53.439 And number three, the means. 00:03:54.339 --> 00:03:56.379 So let's jump into verse one. 00:03:57.539 --> 00:04:01.919 I am the true vine and my father is the gardener. 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:05.459 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit. 00:04:05.779 --> 00:04:11.779 While every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 00:04:11.780 --> 00:04:24.420 We are made clear here that Jesus makes an exclusive statement that he is the true vine that the fruit grows off. 00:04:24.879 --> 00:04:26.220 Jesus is the true vine. 00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:31.360 The previous place I was living in, it had this vine that was all-consuming. 00:04:31.540 --> 00:04:35.519 It would cover the brickwork to the point that it would even start nestling in. 00:04:35.600 --> 00:04:39.100 I don't know if you've got those windows that have like panes and so it had like little gaps. 00:04:39.100 --> 00:04:45.080 And it was healthy because it was growing, growing inside the house, which is not what we wanted. 00:04:45.920 --> 00:04:51.820 And there's something unique that we must hear when we look at this image, this all-consuming vine, 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:55.040 that Jesus is the vine and that we are his branches. 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:57.520 So let's keep looking at this extended metaphor. 00:04:58.180 --> 00:04:58.820 Verse eight. 00:04:58.819 --> 00:05:07.980 This is to my father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:10.680 And he says it again, verse 16. 00:05:11.620 --> 00:05:19.560 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit. 00:05:19.560 --> 00:05:21.639 Then again in verse two. 00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:27.600 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit. 00:05:28.379 --> 00:05:37.980 While every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 00:05:37.980 --> 00:05:46.680 Fruitfulness is so important to God that he even prunes the branches that are already fruitful 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:50.920 because he wants them to flourish and abound in even more fruit. 00:05:51.960 --> 00:05:57.939 And it is crystal clear that the purpose that we have been made for, the purpose that you have been made for, 00:05:58.180 --> 00:05:59.420 is to bear fruit. 00:06:00.259 --> 00:06:01.740 There are no two ways about this. 00:06:01.740 --> 00:06:06.460 It cannot be that, oh, I'm connected to Jesus. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:11.180 I'm connected to Jesus, the true vine, but because of the season of life I'm in, 00:06:11.740 --> 00:06:14.720 I'm just going to take a break from Jesus and bearing fruit. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:20.639 You cannot disconnect the follower of Jesus from the bearing of fruit. 00:06:21.400 --> 00:06:24.100 It was what you were made to do. 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:36.800 If a vine bears fruit, through his branches, and if Jesus is the vine, his disciples are to bear fruit. 00:06:37.460 --> 00:06:39.720 And so it makes sense that in verse six, Jesus says, 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:46.240 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers. 00:06:47.020 --> 00:06:51.439 Such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burnt. 00:06:51.439 --> 00:06:57.379 A vine is meant to grow fruit as roses need petals. 00:06:58.719 --> 00:07:03.740 You know that junk drawer that you have collecting all the odd bits and bobs like nails that fall out, 00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:09.180 miscellaneous furniture, old batteries, items that don't have a home, 00:07:09.459 --> 00:07:11.240 maybe some pen lids, all of that kind of thing. 00:07:11.459 --> 00:07:16.680 And you're like, just one day, just one day, there'll be a need for it. 00:07:17.699 --> 00:07:19.720 But ten years later, it's still collecting dust. 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:23.520 It's called a junk drawer for a reason. 00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:25.400 It's junk. 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:29.240 It's no longer filling its purpose. 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:30.180 It's useless. 00:07:31.280 --> 00:07:33.480 And if this is the purpose of all people, 00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:36.760 if fruitfulness is the purpose for all people, 00:07:37.740 --> 00:07:40.520 then we ought to ask, 00:07:41.060 --> 00:07:45.360 are you living out the purpose of the creator? 00:07:45.940 --> 00:07:47.940 Do you even know your creator? 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:50.600 Are you fruitful? 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:56.219 The thing is, we've already established that in all spheres of life, 00:07:56.300 --> 00:07:58.540 our success measures can be different. 00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:06.159 And unfortunately, we as Christians and even our churches are impacted by the culture around us 00:08:06.159 --> 00:08:09.180 rather than responsive to our culture. 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:13.420 And sometimes we say, fruitfulness must look like a big building 00:08:13.420 --> 00:08:16.800 or a large number of resources. 00:08:17.840 --> 00:08:23.319 But even worse, we can have really dangerous thoughts creep in our community, 00:08:23.819 --> 00:08:24.480 such as, 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:29.579 I know I'm a fruitful Christian because God is blessing me with lots of money, 00:08:30.100 --> 00:08:32.399 happy kids, and a smooth sailing life. 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:34.720 And to this I want to say, 00:08:35.679 --> 00:08:37.899 God does not promise any of those things. 00:08:38.679 --> 00:08:40.679 Nor is that the reality of humanity. 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:45.199 For suffering at all levels is the common experience. 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:47.959 So to say that, 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:50.639 that would be a lie. 00:08:50.639 --> 00:08:57.240 We will all have different opinions on what it looks like to be fruitful in your life. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:04.120 And so what we really need to do is we need to pull apart what Jesus is saying here in John 15, 00:09:04.519 --> 00:09:05.819 Jesus the truth vine. 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:07.879 What does he mean by fruitfulness? 00:09:09.879 --> 00:09:12.259 What is fruit according to John 15? 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:14.679 What are the attributes of fruit? 00:09:14.679 --> 00:09:18.239 Well, let's look at verse again slowly. 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:23.139 This is to my Father's glory, 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:25.679 that you bear much fruit, 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:28.419 showing yourselves to be my disciples. 00:09:29.699 --> 00:09:31.159 By bearing much fruit, 00:09:31.899 --> 00:09:33.500 glory is given to the Father. 00:09:34.259 --> 00:09:38.179 The purpose of fruit is to give glory to God. 00:09:38.979 --> 00:09:41.779 Fruitfulness is when God is being made big in your life. 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:44.240 It's when he is made supreme. 00:09:45.439 --> 00:09:46.819 If Jesus is the vine, 00:09:47.459 --> 00:09:50.279 the fruit that you bear is all-consuming, 00:09:50.679 --> 00:09:52.019 majestic and glorious, 00:09:52.679 --> 00:09:54.099 because it points to him. 00:09:55.699 --> 00:10:00.319 It might be different to what our world might expect God's fruitfulness to look like. 00:10:00.819 --> 00:10:03.419 In fact, I think this reality is actually comforting. 00:10:04.319 --> 00:10:05.079 It's a comfort, 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:07.919 because you can glorify God 00:10:07.919 --> 00:10:09.459 and be fruitful, 00:10:09.459 --> 00:10:11.759 even when your child is screaming at you. 00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:13.319 You can be fruitful 00:10:13.319 --> 00:10:16.740 when the trials of life come, 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:21.919 because fruitfulness is not on the account of your measure, 00:10:22.419 --> 00:10:25.000 but the glorification of God. 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:27.179 So you can rest easy. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:30.139 It's to make him great, 00:10:30.539 --> 00:10:32.480 not to make you look good. 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:36.720 Fruitfulness is not about your success 00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:38.060 or your glory, 00:10:38.840 --> 00:10:40.340 but about Jesus' glory. 00:10:41.540 --> 00:10:43.160 And in the process of trials, 00:10:43.660 --> 00:10:45.060 he is refining you 00:10:45.060 --> 00:10:47.879 to make you more like Jesus. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:52.580 It was great that our Boom Holiday Kids program 00:10:52.580 --> 00:10:55.059 more than doubled our numbers last year, 00:10:55.120 --> 00:10:56.799 but I did have to ask myself, 00:10:57.799 --> 00:10:59.279 would I be all right 00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:00.799 if we didn't grow? 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:03.580 Or even less? 00:11:04.580 --> 00:11:05.939 Would we still be fruitful? 00:11:05.940 --> 00:11:09.140 And the answer is yes, 00:11:09.900 --> 00:11:11.760 because we got to present lives 00:11:11.760 --> 00:11:15.200 that heard the gospel and responded. 00:11:16.300 --> 00:11:19.880 The number and the success is up to God. 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:21.020 It's not up to me. 00:11:22.440 --> 00:11:24.860 In fact, the Bible uses the term fruit 00:11:24.860 --> 00:11:27.340 in a range of different ways, 00:11:27.460 --> 00:11:29.840 and they all lead to the glory of God. 00:11:29.940 --> 00:11:31.380 So there's three that I'd like to mention. 00:11:31.379 --> 00:11:34.299 The first one is actually in God's very, 00:11:34.539 --> 00:11:35.980 very first call of humanity 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:37.439 as he created the world. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:39.740 In Genesis 1, 27 to 28, 00:11:40.139 --> 00:11:41.439 it says on the screen, 00:11:41.820 --> 00:11:45.259 so God created man in his own image. 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:48.039 In the image of God, he created them. 00:11:48.240 --> 00:11:49.720 Male and female, he created them, 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:50.899 and God blessed them, 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.000 and God said to them, 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:56.519 be fruitful and multiply. 00:11:57.779 --> 00:12:00.259 This is the fruit of resemblance. 00:12:00.259 --> 00:12:02.939 You glorify God when you live out your purpose 00:12:02.939 --> 00:12:05.819 of resembling God who created you in his image. 00:12:06.559 --> 00:12:08.220 You are an image bearer. 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:10.779 You are his representative on earth. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:16.100 But resembling God from just the knowledge of God 00:12:16.100 --> 00:12:18.220 is like when you read a book. 00:12:19.200 --> 00:12:19.919 Think Harry Potter. 00:12:20.379 --> 00:12:21.620 It's been turned into a movie. 00:12:22.179 --> 00:12:24.419 You watch and you see Hermione Granger 00:12:24.419 --> 00:12:25.840 and one of the characters, 00:12:25.960 --> 00:12:26.360 and you think, 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:30.120 okay, that's not quite what I had in mind 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:31.200 when I first read the book, 00:12:31.240 --> 00:12:35.000 I was thinking more of this than this. 00:12:36.100 --> 00:12:37.879 The director tried their best, 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:41.320 but not quite when I was reading the pages off the screen. 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:45.060 In the same way, we can't get it right. 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:47.860 We can't get resembling right on our own merit. 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.500 Our view of God 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:53.320 is like looking through a sheer curtain. 00:12:53.320 --> 00:12:55.260 It's obscured. 00:12:55.260 --> 00:12:55.300 It's obscured. 00:12:56.440 --> 00:12:59.720 But there is a perfect image of God 00:12:59.720 --> 00:13:02.080 who we are called to become more like. 00:13:02.820 --> 00:13:03.980 In Colossians 1.15, 00:13:04.920 --> 00:13:08.600 it describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, 00:13:09.740 --> 00:13:11.700 the I am of the true vine. 00:13:12.160 --> 00:13:14.640 That I am is his declaration 00:13:14.640 --> 00:13:17.080 that he is the same God who created you. 00:13:17.160 --> 00:13:18.760 He's the same God who was, 00:13:19.060 --> 00:13:21.160 who is, and will always be. 00:13:21.159 --> 00:13:25.959 Fruit is when we start becoming more like Jesus. 00:13:27.159 --> 00:13:29.480 His character, his obedience, 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:31.279 his way of being. 00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:34.980 The second one is the fruit of the harvest. 00:13:35.860 --> 00:13:38.019 In fact, it is what God commands 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:39.319 and created man for the beginning 00:13:39.319 --> 00:13:40.259 after the fruitfulness, 00:13:40.839 --> 00:13:42.839 which is to multiply. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:45.959 And it's not just an, 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:47.319 all right, let's have five more kids. 00:13:47.740 --> 00:13:49.419 Please, I would love more Christian kids. 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:52.240 There is a shift for multiplication 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:54.759 in Jesus' commissioning of his followers 00:13:54.759 --> 00:13:55.779 in Matthew 28. 00:13:56.579 --> 00:13:59.199 It's not just more children, 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:02.759 but actually to go and make disciples 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:03.839 of all nations. 00:14:05.179 --> 00:14:07.259 Fruitfulness is when more disciples 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:08.919 are made for Christ. 00:14:09.699 --> 00:14:11.120 It's the fruit of the harvest. 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:14.159 Think of that wonderful verse 00:14:14.159 --> 00:14:16.399 that Jesus says in Matthew 9. 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:19.959 The harvest is plentiful, 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:22.600 but the workers are few. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:26.000 Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:28.379 to send out workers into his harvest. 00:14:30.459 --> 00:14:36.059 Does your fruitfulness look like seeing new followers of Jesus? 00:14:36.059 --> 00:14:39.239 Are you a prayer warrior for the harvest? 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:41.699 Are you one of the harvest workers? 00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:45.459 At St. Paul's, we encourage you to do this 00:14:45.459 --> 00:14:47.859 by praying one plus one plus one. 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:52.439 Pray for one person for one minute each day 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:54.839 that God might transform their life 00:14:54.839 --> 00:14:56.859 to be able to hear God's good news 00:14:56.859 --> 00:14:57.939 and follow Christ. 00:14:57.940 --> 00:15:02.760 The final one is the fruit of the Spirit 00:15:02.760 --> 00:15:04.000 in Galatians 5. 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.120 And what this is really 00:15:06.120 --> 00:15:07.820 is it captures a renovation 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:09.120 and a transformation 00:15:09.120 --> 00:15:11.880 of the inner heart by the Spirit. 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:14.000 It's the character of love, 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:15.880 joy, peace, 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:17.140 forbearance. 00:15:17.660 --> 00:15:19.080 It's a heart that is becoming 00:15:19.080 --> 00:15:21.100 more like the heart of Christ. 00:15:21.920 --> 00:15:23.840 And that's what we want to actually see 00:15:23.840 --> 00:15:24.560 in our community. 00:15:24.559 --> 00:15:28.119 You can see those characteristics are not private. 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:30.479 They are not solely for the self, 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:32.539 but they are deeply relational. 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:36.779 If we are all growing in fruitfulness, 00:15:37.619 --> 00:15:40.059 what a mutually loving community 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:41.839 as we forbear with one another, 00:15:41.939 --> 00:15:43.579 as we are patient and caring 00:15:43.579 --> 00:15:45.359 and kind with one another. 00:15:46.779 --> 00:15:49.459 That's the picture back in John 15, 17. 00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:52.939 These things I command you 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:55.760 so that you will love one another. 00:15:56.920 --> 00:15:58.440 Growing in fruitfulness 00:15:58.440 --> 00:16:00.080 leads to a wonderful, 00:16:00.320 --> 00:16:01.500 other-centered community, 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:03.620 but it's also mutual. 00:16:05.740 --> 00:16:07.020 Look in verse 11. 00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:10.000 It says that this fruitfulness 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:13.320 should lead to our joy as well. 00:16:14.320 --> 00:16:15.500 Because fruitfulness 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:17.960 has always been 00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:20.000 about God's glory 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:23.059 and our joy. 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.840 Glorification of God 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:26.500 leads 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:29.600 to our joy. 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:34.259 If you're in the room 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:35.279 and you're uncertain about 00:16:35.279 --> 00:16:36.460 whether Jesus and his fruit 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:38.139 is worth living for, 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:40.519 I really would love 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:41.899 genuinely to know 00:16:41.899 --> 00:16:43.120 a success marker 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:45.399 that is as joyful, 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.379 glorifying, 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:49.820 and eternal. 00:16:49.940 --> 00:16:50.820 Come chat to me after. 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:52.539 Because if you're looking 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.799 for efficiency 00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:55.879 in terms of more bang 00:16:55.879 --> 00:16:56.580 for your buck, 00:16:57.679 --> 00:16:58.360 let's just say 00:16:58.360 --> 00:17:00.600 you put 80 hours of work 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:01.179 each week. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:04.420 All the results of that, 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:06.900 even the earthly 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.279 and financial security 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.440 that you gain from that, 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:11.819 ceases eventually. 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:13.539 it's fleeting. 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:15.099 You can't take it 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:16.079 with you beyond the grave. 00:17:17.399 --> 00:17:17.799 But, 00:17:18.139 --> 00:17:19.939 if we can take Jesus 00:17:19.939 --> 00:17:21.200 at his word, 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:23.319 if he is trustworthy, 00:17:24.439 --> 00:17:25.379 his fruitfulness 00:17:25.379 --> 00:17:26.779 will be like no other, 00:17:27.200 --> 00:17:28.460 just like in verse 16. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:32.099 His fruit will last 00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:33.220 forever. 00:17:34.799 --> 00:17:36.939 But it is a fruitless 00:17:36.939 --> 00:17:37.779 exercise 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:40.240 for you and I 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.720 to try to be fruitful 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:43.599 on our own merit. 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:46.519 As much as I have encouraged you 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.799 to pray for the harvest, 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.180 I want to see 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:50.279 a desire 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.000 for transformation 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.019 in my life, 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:53.779 we need to listen 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:54.180 very carefully 00:17:54.180 --> 00:17:56.500 to Jesus' words 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:57.359 in verse 5. 00:17:57.359 --> 00:18:00.419 I am the vine 00:18:00.419 --> 00:18:01.659 and you are the branches, 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.899 whoever abides in me 00:18:03.899 --> 00:18:05.099 and I in him. 00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:08.039 He it is 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:09.459 that bears much fruit, 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:11.859 for apart from me 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:15.119 you can do nothing. 00:18:16.979 --> 00:18:18.379 Jesus is the agent 00:18:18.379 --> 00:18:19.579 of bearing much fruit. 00:18:21.839 --> 00:18:23.019 Remember in verse 1, 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:25.220 the father 00:18:25.220 --> 00:18:26.460 is the gardener. 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:27.839 He is the one 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:28.319 who prunes, 00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:29.019 not us. 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:30.720 So we must be careful 00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:31.440 to think 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.379 that fruitfulness, 00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:35.440 success comes 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:36.539 from the voice within 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:39.000 because it doesn't. 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:42.319 So how does someone 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:42.819 bear fruit? 00:18:43.379 --> 00:18:43.900 What is it, 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:44.460 the means 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.680 by which we bear fruit? 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:47.139 It's in verse 4. 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:49.700 Remain 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:51.019 in me 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:52.740 as I also 00:18:52.740 --> 00:18:53.620 remain in you. 00:18:54.100 --> 00:18:54.740 No branch 00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:55.319 can bear fruit 00:18:55.319 --> 00:18:56.000 by itself. 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.519 It must 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.400 remain 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:59.980 in the vine. 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:01.539 Neither can you 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.039 bear fruit 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:02.700 unless 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:03.680 you 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:04.940 remain 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:06.120 in me. 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:09.440 If you want 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:10.160 to bear fruit, 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:11.819 it starts 00:19:11.819 --> 00:19:12.700 in remaining 00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:13.660 in Christ. 00:19:14.080 --> 00:19:14.960 It's this image 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:15.559 of being 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.759 deeply rooted 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:18.100 in the true vine, 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.340 unmoving, 00:19:19.339 --> 00:19:20.679 steadfast 00:19:20.679 --> 00:19:21.419 in the beauty 00:19:21.419 --> 00:19:22.359 and ever-growing 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:22.720 nature 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:23.599 that comes 00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:24.000 from being 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:24.419 a part 00:19:24.419 --> 00:19:25.039 of a vine 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.919 that will 00:19:25.919 --> 00:19:27.059 always produce 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:27.559 fruit. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:29.459 And John's 00:19:29.459 --> 00:19:30.059 usage of 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:30.799 remain here, 00:19:31.139 --> 00:19:32.039 it's a relational 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:33.059 sense of remain, 00:19:33.740 --> 00:19:34.399 the remaining 00:19:34.399 --> 00:19:35.659 in him. 00:19:36.619 --> 00:19:37.539 When you engage 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:37.939 with someone 00:19:37.939 --> 00:19:38.859 relationally, 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:40.079 you really get 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:40.799 to know them, 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:41.519 whether it's 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:42.079 your spouse, 00:19:42.199 --> 00:19:42.659 a friend, 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.419 even your barista. 00:19:45.439 --> 00:19:46.079 Hopefully you get 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:46.659 to know their heart, 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.319 they love coffee, 00:19:47.699 --> 00:19:48.099 their will, 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:48.720 they want to make 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.000 coffee, 00:19:49.120 --> 00:19:49.600 and their mind, 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:50.019 they know how 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.380 to make good 00:19:50.380 --> 00:19:50.660 coffee. 00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.059 And you really 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:52.900 want to listen 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:53.400 to them. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.160 That's what it 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:56.299 is to remain 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.319 in Jesus, 00:19:57.860 --> 00:19:58.900 to know his 00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.799 heart and love 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.200 for you, 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.059 to know his 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:02.019 will over your 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:02.360 life, 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:03.039 to know his 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.880 mind. 00:20:05.600 --> 00:20:06.480 Remaining in 00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:07.420 Jesus produces 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:08.160 much fruit. 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:10.240 That's our role. 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.640 That's our key 00:20:11.640 --> 00:20:12.160 responsibility. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.079 I wonder if you've 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:15.700 ever been in a 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.420 pattern where there 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.259 is a sin or an 00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:19.420 idolatry that you 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:21.099 just want to stop 00:20:21.099 --> 00:20:21.680 happening in your 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:21.940 life. 00:20:22.039 --> 00:20:22.500 You don't want it 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:23.519 to define you. 00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:25.079 And there is a 00:20:25.079 --> 00:20:26.220 character trait that 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:27.660 just isn't growing. 00:20:28.099 --> 00:20:28.539 And instead, 00:20:28.920 --> 00:20:29.720 you might be growing 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:31.400 in jealousy or 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:31.839 envy. 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.539 And it's all well 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.660 and good to know 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:36.539 that we're called 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.400 to bear fruit. 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:39.279 But you feel like 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:40.160 constantly you are 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:40.879 conforming to the 00:20:40.879 --> 00:20:41.640 image of the world 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:42.099 rather than the 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:43.539 image of Christ. 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:43.700 Christ. 00:20:45.379 --> 00:20:47.339 Friend, your 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:49.200 call is to 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:50.599 remain in 00:20:50.599 --> 00:20:51.500 Christ. 00:20:52.879 --> 00:20:53.579 The fruitfulness 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.279 comes with 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:55.579 wholeheart commitment 00:20:55.579 --> 00:20:57.659 to remaining. 00:21:00.139 --> 00:21:01.079 What we must 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:02.139 reconcile here is 00:21:02.139 --> 00:21:02.839 actually in verse 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.159 10. 00:21:04.159 --> 00:21:04.779 It says, 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.819 if you keep my 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:08.019 commands, you 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.920 will remain in my 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:10.119 love, just as I 00:21:10.119 --> 00:21:10.700 have kept my 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.440 father's commands 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.200 and remain in 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:12.940 his love. 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:14.940 The way to 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.500 understand this 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.799 verse is that in 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:19.099 the extended 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:20.019 metaphor of Jesus 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:20.799 being the true 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:25.619 vine, we need 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:26.319 to understand that 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:27.659 his vine is not a 00:21:27.659 --> 00:21:28.559 vine of a former 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:29.839 glory that failed 00:21:29.839 --> 00:21:30.599 to grow and bear 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:30.859 fruit. 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:32.839 He is the vine that 00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:34.359 grows unstoppably on 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:35.139 that brick wall. 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:37.460 Because remaining 00:21:37.460 --> 00:21:39.680 is not behaviour or 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:40.319 sin management. 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:42.839 I'm going to say 00:21:42.839 --> 00:21:43.259 that again. 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:45.720 Remaining is not 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:47.440 behaviour or sin 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:47.819 management. 00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:49.240 It's a total 00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:50.279 transformation of 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:50.879 your being. 00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:51.819 Because if you 00:21:51.819 --> 00:21:52.759 remain in the true 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.879 vine, your 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:54.940 obedience, your 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:56.720 fruitfulness is 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.920 purely the natural 00:21:57.920 --> 00:21:59.059 result of a heart 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:00.180 that loves and 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:01.519 remains in Jesus. 00:22:02.700 --> 00:22:03.639 And you see, Jesus 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:04.920 doesn't call us to 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:06.539 something to which 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:07.539 he has not modelled 00:22:07.539 --> 00:22:08.039 himself. 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:10.819 He's calling us to 00:22:10.819 --> 00:22:13.019 keep his commands in 00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:14.980 the same way he has 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:15.879 kept his fathers. 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.700 And he calls us to 00:22:17.700 --> 00:22:18.700 remain in his love. 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.500 And he describes that 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:22.159 love in verse 13. 00:22:23.159 --> 00:22:24.359 Greater love has no 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:25.559 one than this, to lay 00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:26.879 down one's life for 00:22:26.879 --> 00:22:27.799 one's friends. 00:22:29.399 --> 00:22:32.519 You are my friends if 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:33.460 you do what I command 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:33.700 you. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:36.980 Jesus is saying that 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:37.720 out of all the 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.660 experiences of love, 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:39.900 all the greatest love 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:40.920 stories and songs ever 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:41.960 written, better than 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.480 anything Taylor Swift or 00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.539 Shakespeare can write, 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:47.340 is a love story of 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:50.420 someone who remains and 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:51.720 obeys his father's 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.019 will. 00:22:52.019 --> 00:22:54.960 When Jesus obeys his 00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:56.019 father in laying down 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:57.019 his life, he literally 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:58.379 does it for God's 00:22:58.379 --> 00:22:59.319 glory and our joy. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:04.019 It's because you are 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.639 the friend he died 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:05.960 for. 00:23:07.339 --> 00:23:08.279 You're the friend. 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:11.319 Jesus' pure, unwavering 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:12.480 commitment to you and 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:14.200 God the father led to 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:15.299 the restoration of what 00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:15.799 would have been a 00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.720 broken branch from the 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:16.960 vine. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:20.599 Remaining in his love 00:23:20.599 --> 00:23:21.700 looks like the 00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.860 constant retelling of 00:23:22.860 --> 00:23:23.759 this story to 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:25.039 yourself again and 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:25.279 again. 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.420 It's like having this 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:29.340 childlike wonder who 00:23:29.340 --> 00:23:30.600 wants to read the same 00:23:30.600 --> 00:23:32.100 story over and over 00:23:32.100 --> 00:23:33.519 again because it brings 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:34.900 them so much joy. 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:37.059 It's in every moment, 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.480 sorrow or praise that 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:40.700 you remember the gospel 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:42.640 story to remind 00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:44.140 yourself that you 00:23:44.140 --> 00:23:46.180 remain in Jesus because 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:47.259 he has already 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:47.840 remained. 00:23:50.340 --> 00:23:50.960 Church, 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:53.600 keep remaining in his 00:23:53.600 --> 00:23:55.700 love, keep remaining in 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.360 his story. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:00.360 So what does remaining 00:24:00.360 --> 00:24:01.580 look like day to day? 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:03.519 It doesn't look like 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.140 going to find that vine on 00:24:05.140 --> 00:24:06.220 your wall and attaching 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.480 yourself and tying a knot. 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.900 Self-help books, 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:12.640 ministry strategies, 00:24:13.519 --> 00:24:14.799 knowing your star sign or 00:24:14.799 --> 00:24:16.819 your personality type, a 00:24:16.819 --> 00:24:18.580 diary, productivity tools, 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:20.059 although some being more 00:24:20.059 --> 00:24:20.980 helpful than others, 00:24:22.179 --> 00:24:23.199 none of those are the 00:24:23.199 --> 00:24:24.559 start to fruitfulness. 00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:27.759 Striving and working hard 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.399 is not the solution to your 00:24:29.399 --> 00:24:30.899 outcome-shaped hole. 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.519 Fruitfulness starts in 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:36.240 remaining in his story and 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:38.639 his love and sometimes you do 00:24:38.639 --> 00:24:41.259 actually a disfavor to 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:43.159 yourself when you think you 00:24:43.159 --> 00:24:44.799 need to move past the story of 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:47.240 the gospel because you've 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:48.359 heard it a million times. 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:50.319 And then you start some 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:52.099 self-improvement in just 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:53.419 becoming a better person in 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:53.919 your life. 00:24:54.720 --> 00:24:56.059 But the passage is clear. 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:58.059 We don't move on. 00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:00.639 We just abide in the gospel 00:25:00.639 --> 00:25:01.919 even deeper. 00:25:03.500 --> 00:25:04.919 So if you've come away from 00:25:04.919 --> 00:25:06.519 this talk thinking you need 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:08.879 to be more successful or you 00:25:08.879 --> 00:25:10.240 need to try hard at being 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.639 fruitful, I have really done 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:12.500 you a disservice. 00:25:12.500 --> 00:25:14.559 And I apologise profusely. 00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:18.240 If there is anything as a 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:20.299 church that we need to 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:22.059 focus on, it is the 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:24.299 heartbeat of remaining and 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:25.660 abiding in Christ. 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:29.440 For example, have you thought 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:32.460 that the reason why you 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:34.519 might not see in your own 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:36.400 heart a mission urgency for 00:25:36.400 --> 00:25:40.019 the gospel is because you 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:42.200 aren't in Christ's love and in 00:25:42.200 --> 00:25:42.799 his story? 00:25:44.360 --> 00:25:45.960 It's because you're not in it 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:47.500 regularly, day in and day 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:47.860 out. 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.960 If you think of the month 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:52.059 calendar and each month 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:53.860 having 30 days approximately, 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:56.759 each day having 24 hours, 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:59.440 there would be 360 waking 00:25:59.440 --> 00:25:59.860 hours. 00:26:00.120 --> 00:26:01.180 For the more extreme, maybe 00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:02.319 like 480. 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:04.960 I'm going to be honest. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:08.299 I don't know if nearly two 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:10.079 hours each Sunday is helping 00:26:10.079 --> 00:26:10.759 us remain. 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:13.299 Out of those waking hours, 00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:17.500 that's just 2% of a month. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:19.960 If we even came for every 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:22.620 single week, just 2%. 00:26:22.620 --> 00:26:25.559 And if that's the amount that 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:28.579 we are remaining, we must 00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:30.140 wonder if that gives us an 00:26:30.140 --> 00:26:31.579 unwavering and steadfast 00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:32.539 devotion to Jesus. 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:34.859 How about the 98%? 00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:37.279 How about all the other days, 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.299 minutes, and hours? 00:26:39.599 --> 00:26:41.639 What is consuming our brains, 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.779 our hearts, and our thoughts? 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:46.039 What are you actually remaining 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:46.379 in? 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:49.159 As if Sunday is the only time we 00:26:49.159 --> 00:26:50.599 carve out space for Jesus. 00:26:51.779 --> 00:26:53.460 But all time is the Lord's. 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:56.819 We sing, O great God of highest 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:59.319 heaven, occupy my lowly heart. 00:26:59.319 --> 00:27:01.480 But don't occupy my time. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:05.659 Every action, every rhythm of 00:27:05.659 --> 00:27:07.359 life, every practice builds a 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:09.099 heart and will that remains in 00:27:09.099 --> 00:27:09.579 something. 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:12.359 Whether consciously or unknowingly, 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:15.939 you are building a heart that 00:27:15.939 --> 00:27:17.220 remains in something. 00:27:18.839 --> 00:27:20.639 It's just whether you remain in 00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:22.960 Jesus' vine or a fake vine. 00:27:23.899 --> 00:27:25.220 And I'm going to say that I have 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:26.599 admitted to many people that I do 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:28.399 my best work in strategic planning 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:30.039 in the setting of late nights 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:30.539 and Maccas. 00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:33.419 Or so many times, like, I do my 00:27:33.419 --> 00:27:34.019 best work. 00:27:34.699 --> 00:27:36.639 But I wonder if I've trained 00:27:36.639 --> 00:27:39.699 myself to do that over years 00:27:39.699 --> 00:27:41.279 and years of practice. 00:27:41.959 --> 00:27:43.439 Now, I'm not saying that's bad. 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:46.159 I'm just saying that regular 00:27:46.159 --> 00:27:48.879 practices that you do shape you. 00:27:49.319 --> 00:27:51.219 They can shift your being where 00:27:51.219 --> 00:27:52.679 your heart chooses to remain. 00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:56.100 And the best way to grow in this 00:27:56.100 --> 00:27:57.680 sense of remaining and abiding is 00:27:58.400 --> 00:28:00.340 setting up our life in a way that 00:28:00.340 --> 00:28:02.080 helps us remain in the true vine. 00:28:02.580 --> 00:28:05.140 Just even small little steps to get 00:28:05.140 --> 00:28:05.500 there. 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:09.560 So where in your life do you need to 00:28:09.560 --> 00:28:12.700 start remaining so that you can be 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.039 fruitful? 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:16.060 Where can you redeem moments of your 00:28:16.060 --> 00:28:17.740 day for the Lord Jesus? 00:28:18.600 --> 00:28:20.740 Submit those wills and times to 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:23.500 Jesus so that you can remain steadfast 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:27.259 to hearing his words and his story. 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:30.500 I wanted to capture that in a really 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.480 memorable way. 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:33.799 And all I could think about is maths. 00:28:34.519 --> 00:28:35.779 Three simple operations. 00:28:36.500 --> 00:28:38.420 Subtract, add, and multiply. 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:40.099 It's very Ed Sheeran. 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:42.319 And I really did try to put divide, 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:44.319 but that's not going to work. 00:28:45.400 --> 00:28:48.420 Subtract, add, or multiply will help 00:28:48.420 --> 00:28:50.500 you remain in Jesus. 00:28:52.060 --> 00:28:53.080 Firstly, subtract. 00:28:54.660 --> 00:28:56.500 Maybe there is something that you do 00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:59.100 that is not helping you remain in 00:28:59.100 --> 00:28:59.460 Jesus. 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:03.019 Something that is taking your time and 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:04.440 attention from remaining. 00:29:05.580 --> 00:29:06.360 Subtract it. 00:29:06.800 --> 00:29:07.340 Cut it out. 00:29:07.480 --> 00:29:08.180 Remove it. 00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:12.039 If that's the case, come chat with me. 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:13.820 Get some wise counsel with someone who 00:29:13.820 --> 00:29:15.740 can mentor you and help you grow in 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.180 godliness. 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:18.019 Chat with someone with a lanyard. 00:29:19.620 --> 00:29:22.200 Number two, add. 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:25.519 Outside of subtracting, there are 00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:27.359 actually other things that maybe you've 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:29.200 never considered in your life that 00:29:29.200 --> 00:29:32.059 perhaps aren't necessarily bad, but it 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:33.539 just takes the mic off Jesus. 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:37.559 Have you thought about curating your 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:38.420 media intake? 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:40.599 What is it that you read? 00:29:41.559 --> 00:29:43.140 What are the podcasts that you listen 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:43.400 to? 00:29:43.580 --> 00:29:45.980 Music, TV, YouTube, social media. 00:29:46.220 --> 00:29:47.640 And I'm not saying subtract all these 00:29:47.640 --> 00:29:50.800 things completely from your life, but 00:29:50.800 --> 00:29:52.720 instead let's add value. 00:29:54.320 --> 00:29:56.480 Why don't you add and follow social 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:58.840 media sites that help you see Jesus' 00:29:59.040 --> 00:29:59.940 love and his story? 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:01.960 I've got a ton if you want. 00:30:03.320 --> 00:30:04.540 Have you thought about listening to 00:30:04.540 --> 00:30:06.860 podcasts that make you chase Christ 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:08.860 rather than chase what the world 00:30:08.860 --> 00:30:09.420 offers? 00:30:09.420 --> 00:30:12.920 Instead of just listening to music 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:16.759 like, all I do is win, when you're 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:19.460 going for a run, play some pump-up 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.279 worship tunes. 00:30:21.120 --> 00:30:22.940 We've got a St. Paul's playlist. 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:27.779 How can you add moments that help you 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:30.240 embrace the gospel in your existing 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:30.759 structures? 00:30:31.759 --> 00:30:33.460 Because I wonder if half the battle 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:36.519 here isn't this striving to do more and 00:30:36.519 --> 00:30:39.839 more, but rather just redeeming what we 00:30:39.839 --> 00:30:43.240 are already doing and adding eternal 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:43.759 value. 00:30:45.639 --> 00:30:48.139 And lastly, multiply. 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:52.259 Maybe we need to multiply rhythms that 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:55.519 God has graciously given us that we know 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:57.940 are tools to experience his presence and 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:59.039 work in our life. 00:30:59.700 --> 00:31:03.720 Looks like abiding in his word, in prayer, 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.660 and community. 00:31:06.180 --> 00:31:08.079 We keep talking about personal devotional 00:31:08.079 --> 00:31:09.940 life because we're convinced that is part 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:13.799 of you embracing the love of his story and 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:15.279 of Christ in your life. 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:18.420 It's a part of remaining in him. 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:21.720 So multiply the amount that you're in the 00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.039 Bible. 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:25.819 Maybe instead of once a month, it becomes 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.600 once a week. 00:31:27.120 --> 00:31:28.360 Then it becomes daily. 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:30.720 Then it becomes day and night. 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:33.880 Read the Bible with your spouse, your 00:31:33.880 --> 00:31:35.220 housemate, your best bud. 00:31:37.600 --> 00:31:39.180 Increase your church attendance. 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.600 Not so you can tick a box, not so that other 00:31:41.600 --> 00:31:44.620 people will be happy, but to genuinely hang 00:31:44.620 --> 00:31:47.360 out with people who are encouraging you to 00:31:47.360 --> 00:31:49.299 abide in Jesus. 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:53.259 Maybe there's someone you love chatting to at 00:31:53.259 --> 00:31:54.960 morning tea or in your community group. 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:58.079 At morning tea, grab their number. 00:31:58.079 --> 00:32:00.939 Give them a call or a text during the week and 00:32:00.939 --> 00:32:05.299 see how they're growing and going and how 00:32:05.299 --> 00:32:06.500 you can be praying for them. 00:32:08.679 --> 00:32:14.279 Church, imagine just if we all chose one 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:19.099 thing, not all just one thing, taking one 00:32:19.099 --> 00:32:19.859 little step. 00:32:20.659 --> 00:32:22.839 I'm imagining a church that is genuinely 00:32:22.839 --> 00:32:25.279 shaping their life to remain in the goodness 00:32:25.279 --> 00:32:26.920 of Christ's words and his commands. 00:32:27.819 --> 00:32:31.319 And what overflows is a community that deeply 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:35.619 loves, cares, and is sacrificial like the image 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:38.279 of Christ who remains with his church. 00:32:38.899 --> 00:32:44.200 I can see that God would use this to stand out 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:48.240 this community in Chatswood for his glory and the 00:32:48.240 --> 00:32:49.059 joy of all people. 00:32:49.059 --> 00:32:52.859 And I really want to pray that this is the trajectory 00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:56.960 of the journey for you as individuals, but for us as a 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.599 whole community. 00:32:58.879 --> 00:33:01.119 So why don't you join me as we talk to the Lord? 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:08.599 Father God, unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:12.819 who delight in hearing, obeying, and embracing your word. 00:33:12.819 --> 00:33:16.740 We thank you that your words contain the sweetest voice of Christ 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:21.819 who remains on the cross for your glory and our joy. 00:33:22.879 --> 00:33:26.399 So we too pray that we might remain in Christ. 00:33:27.299 --> 00:33:32.339 May you convict us of the reality that we must remain in his love 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:37.980 and his story to be unwaveringly devoted to our Lord and Savior. 00:33:37.980 --> 00:33:38.019 God bless you, Savior. 00:33:38.900 --> 00:33:43.980 Grant us the will and desire to take one little step that helps 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:48.860 us choose to remain rooted in your love and your saving story for us. 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:49.700 Amen.