Foundations for Fruit-bearing

6 May 2012

1. Introduction

· Titus 2:14 “He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself, His own special people zealous for good works”.

· Jesus gave His life for a purpose – raise up an unusual people passionate about advancing the Kingdom of God in this world.

· Mt.7:21-23 “Not everyone that says Lord, Lord shall enter the Kingdom of heaven…”

· Context: Sermon on Mount to his disciples

Overview:     (i) The attitudes and values of the Kingdom (Mt.5) “blessed”

(ii) Doing the works of the Kingdom (Mt.5-6) “Salt, Light – Rewards”

· Key Issues raised by Jesus – Intimacy with God and Purity of Motivation.

· He will evaluate all our works what sort they are (1 Cor.3:13) with reward in mind.

· How can I be productive as a Christian? What should I do?

2. Foundations for Fruit-bearing

(a) What you do flows out of who you are!

e.g. Jn.13:1-3 Jesus – knew where he came from, where going, purpose = He served.

· What you do (works) flows out of the person you are – overflow of inward life.\What you do (works) shapes and confirms who you are.

· It is important to commit to personal growth to become Christ-like.

· We are called to be ambassadors – to represent Christ to people.

(b) Key Foundations to Build

2 Pet.1:1-11 “Add to your faith …”

· Develop divine DNA in your life! – become more and more like Him.

· Add =2023= to thoroughly furnish a house, fully supply.

· NB You develop these qualities as you serve people.

(i) Purity

V5 add to your faith “virtue”

· Virtue =703= excellence, moral purity

· It is our responsibility to cultivate purity

· Sexual sin and personal agendas defile the heart and create selfishness.

· Holy Spirit works constantly with us on purity in thought, word, action.

(ii) Knowledge

V5 add to your virtue “knowledge”

· Knowledge =1108= experiential knowledge of God and His purposes.

· We need to apply ourselves to spiritual knowledge and understanding.

· We need to know what God wants us to do

· Col.1:9-10 “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”.

· Col.2:8 “Don’t be cheated by drawing from the philosophies and ways of world”.

(iii) Self-Control

V6 add to knowledge “self-control”

· Must learn to manage yourself

· E.g. Books – physical diet, health, rest; soul – addictions, anger, lust

· What areas of your life are in bondage? – Out of your control?

(iv) Patient Endurance

V6 add to self-control “perseverance”

· Perseverance =NT5281= to maintain a positive attitude during setbacks and pressures.

· How do you respond in difficulties? – Complain? Self-pity? Quit?

· Gal.6:9 “Let us not grow weary in well doing – we shall reap if we faint not”.

(v) Godliness

V6 add to perseverance “godliness”

· Godliness =NT2150= respect and reverence towards God

· Respect attracts in relationships. Disrespect leads to distance in relationship

· Cultivate respect – high value towards Jesus, His Words, His house

· Respect a person = respect what they have to say and who they are.

(vi) Kindness in Christians

V7 add to godliness “brotherly kindness”

· Brotherly kindness =NT5360= love for Christians as part of a family

· Jesus identifies with His Church – we are one with Him

· How we treat the Christians we see and interact with is how we treat Him

· Local church = practical expression of Christ – place to put our faith to action

· NT abounds with “one another’s” – how we are to treat one another

(vii) Practical Love

V8 add to brotherly kindness “Love”

· Love =NT26= Agape = practical kindness with no selfish agenda

· We are called “to walk in love” (Eph.5:1-2)

· Love gives a flavour to all that you do (1 Cor.13:1-3)

· Love is very practical – it serves people with words and acts of kindness

(c) Why are these Qualities important to Develop

(i) V9 – 3 Negative Reasons

· Blind =NT5786= smoke, in a haze, dull intellect

· Short-sighted =NT3467= can only see what is near, no concept of eternity

· Memory loss  =NT3024= forgotten he was forgiven, lost gratitude for the Cross

(ii) V8 and v10 - 3 Positive Reasons

· Neither barren nor unfruitful Barren =NT692 lazy, idle, spiritually unemployed

Become productive in good works

· Not stumble – never backslide

· Abundant entrance to Kingdom – abundant reward in eternity!

APPLICATION

· What am I doing to develop my inner life in Christ?

· Which of these qualities do I need to work on?

· What heart issues, bondages block the flow of the Holy Spirit in this area?

· In what relationships in my life do I need to apply these?

· How am I incorporating Jesus Words into my life?