Secrets of the Vine

Session 8: “More Fruit” to “Much Fruit” – B – Jer 9:23-24, 1Jn 1:3, 2Cor 13:14

The Lord reveals that knowing Him is your life’s greatest glory

The Lord reveals that He wants us to understand Him

The Lord reveals that He wants us to know Him

Abiding Process # 1 – To abide, you must meet Christ’s requirements: the Three Abiding requirements

• Abiding won’t work if you are living in darkness - 1Jn 1:6, 1Jn 1:5-6, 9
• Abiding won’t work if you hate another person - 1Jn 2:9-11
• Abiding won’t work if you can’t keep His commandments - Jn 15:10, 1Jn 3:24a

Abiding Process # 2 – Abide with God through the disciplines: the Five Spiritual Disciplines - Jer 29:13, Ps 42:1-2a

• Build the lifelong habit of regular morning devotions (set the alarm, select a comfortable place, set up a schedule) Not just quiet time, but becoming a more devoted person. 
• Read and meditate in the Bible (read for wisdom, relationship, set an annual plan, read more if you are receiving less) Not reading about the Bible or just for information; physically we eat until we are full; spiritually we eat God’s Word and we become more hungry.
• Experience victory through your Notebook of prayer (pray a daily calendar, number your requests, review prayers that are answered)
• Cultivate meaningful praise and worship (worship through music, a posture of humility, through the Daily Ten)
• Interact with God in your life journal (write notes to God, journal, write problem, dreams, confessions)

Abiding Process # 3 – Abide with God more and more throughout your life: Three Fruit-bearing Season

• Fruit-bearing Season 1 – God’s discipline (you are not too concerned about sin, not much thought about serving God, devotions are boring and almost impossible)
• Fruit-bearing Season 2 – God’s pruning (cleaned up much sin, service brings fulfillment, devotions 2-3 times each week)
• Fruit-bearing Season 3 – Your abiding (committed follower of Jesus, serving with all your heart, Jesus is Lord and best friend)

Precept: 

God desires all believers to develop a vibrant, intimate relationship that glorifies God by bearing much fruit.

Conclusion: Rev 21:2-3