Week 5: Abide
Sermon Recap
Very often we assume that our church attendance, one-time prayer at an altar, water baptism, Christian to-do list, or ministry service is what qualifies us for friendship with God. While all these things may play a part, it really comes down to obeying God and doing what He says. When we walk abiding in the Spirit, we are walking in love. Living in the overflow of God requires us to abide in Him daily. This means that everyday I live my life loving God. In turn, when we love God wholeheartedly, we also begin loving people too., because that is God’s heart!
When we love people, we love in such a way that cancels the need for this love to be reciprocated. The world hated Jesus so much that they talked about Him, conspired against Him, falsely accused Him, wrongfully convicted Him, tortured Him, and executed Him. We shouldn’t be surprised when we are hated too. We cannot allow this to affect the way we love. Jesus didn’t. Being full of the Spirit means we are not trying to appease the world by looking like the world. This is a terrible mistake when we fabricate our lives to be like the world in the hopes that we can draw the world to us. The world is not working for darkness; they are looking for the light. Do we carry that light? We can never be like the world and save the world. To save the world we must abide in Christ carrying HIs presence, image, and love to everyone we see.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
John 15:7-19; 26
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
What does abiding in love look like in my life?
In what areas of my life do I need to start obeying the Lord?
When was the last time I showed the Love of God to my family, a co-worker, a friend, or a stranger?
When was the last time I shared my faith and led someone to the Lord?
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, fill me in such a way that I am able to love others as much as I love myself. Holy Spirit I confess to You today that it is hard sometimes, for me to love others. It is often difficult for me to show your love to people. In fact, many times I'm not even thinking about showing your love. Help me with this Lord. Help me to Love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me to know when and how the Holy Spirit is moving throughout the day. Help me to live intentionally with the purpose of not only abiding in your Love but revealing your love to others. Work in my life and expose the lies of the enemy, allowing me to be faithful to you and all that you have called me to do.
Life Application
Spend time each day this week abiding in Him allowing your heart to become like HIs.
Throughout each day this week take joy in loving others and serving others with the love of Christ.
Be bold in your testimony of Christ and ask for courage to share with others the different Christ has made in your life. Don’t hold back!
Don’t Forget
Morning Prayer (Wednesday’s, 9:00am) - Join in-person or online
Baptism + Youth Afterglow (Sunday, December 5th, 6:00pm)
Pray for someone to bring with you to Christmas at The Woods Church (Sunday, December 19th)
Additional Resources
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