{"id":466,"date":"2013-03-17T13:25:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-17T18:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hanoverbaptistchurch.org\/messages\/?p=466"},"modified":"2013-11-12T21:26:08","modified_gmt":"2013-11-13T02:26:08","slug":"joy-in-christian-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hanoverbaptistchurch.dreamhosters.com\/messages\/2013\/joy-in-christian-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Joy in Christian Service (by Ward Weberg)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scripture—John 15:1–11 (Parable of the Vine and the Branches)<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. We will look at joy from the standpoint of abiding.<\/li>\n
  2. The illustration of the vine as the symbol of Israel:\n
      \n
    1. Psalm 80<\/li>\n
    2. Isaiah 5<\/li>\n
    3. Jeremiah 2:21<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    4. What it means to abide\n
        \n
      1. Our relationship—vv. 1–3:\n
          \n
        1. Jesus Christ is the True Vine.<\/li>\n
        2. Believers are the branches.<\/li>\n
        3. God the Father is the vine dresser.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
        4. What we are to do as branches of Him: abide in Christ —v. 4a\n
            \n
          1. Negative example—John 5:38<\/li>\n
          2. Positive example—John 6<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
          3. The purpose of abiding\n
              \n
            1. That His joy might remain in us, and our joy might be full—v. 11; Hebrews 12:12<\/li>\n
            2. That God might be glorified—v. 8<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
            3. The definition of abiding\n
                \n
              1. Keep looking unto Jesus<\/li>\n
              2. Remain serving in the midst of trials and persecution—James 1:2<\/li>\n
              3. Keep on doing God\u2019s will no matter what the cost<\/li>\n
              4. Cling unto the Lord in good times and in bad<\/li>\n
              5. Rest in the Lord and cling to His promises<\/li>\n
              6. Exhibit commitment, patience and endurance<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
              7. The dangers of not abiding\n
                  \n
                1. We can become fruitless.—v. 4<\/li>\n
                2. We can become powerless.—v. 5<\/li>\n
                3. We can become useless and worthless.—v. 6<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
                4. The blessings of abiding in Christ\n
                    \n
                  1. God is going to purge you for the purpose of bearing more fruit.—v. 2<\/li>\n
                  2. You will experience fruitfulness and an abundant life.—v. 5<\/li>\n
                  3. God will answer your prayers.—v. 7<\/li>\n
                  4. You will be caused to bear fruit which brings glory to the Father and demonstrates your discipleship.—v. 8<\/li>\n
                  5. You will have fullness of love.—v. 9–10<\/li>\n
                  6. You will have fullness of joy.—v. 11; John 8:28–29<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Related Scripture:<\/h3>\n