In week 3 of our series, The Life of a Jesus Follower, Pastor Scott taught from John 14:15 and we learned why it’s important for us to spend time with God in His word. Check out this sermon to learn more!
Sermon Notes
The Life of a Jesus Follower Week 3: Spending Time With God
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
“‘…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’” John 10:10b
“‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30
“‘…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31-32
“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB)
Foundational Truth: The life of a Jesus follower is all about relationships!
ABIDE - a Relationship with God CONNECT - a Relationship with One Another SHARE - a Relationship with the World
Everything Jesus desires to do through you, He will accomplish out of the overflow of His relationship with you.
Two Goals of the Christian Life: 1. The Overall Goal —To Know God
“‘And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.’” John 17:3
2. The Daily Goal—To Spend Time with God
Why is spending time with God so important?
1. Does a Christian Want to Sin?
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:14
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17
2. Does a Christian Have to Sin?
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1
What is depravity?
Apart from the grace of God, we are utterly hopeless and susceptible to every form of wickedness.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand…” Romans 5:2a
3. If We Don’t Want to Sin and We Don’t Have to Sin, Why Do We Sin?
“‘If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.’” John 14:15 (NASB)
“Our obedience is in direct proportion to our love.” Clyde Cranford
Obedience is not the focus of the life of a Jesus follower. Obedience is the fruit of the life of a Jesus follower as I focus on intimacy with God!
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6
“‘…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31b-32
