Charting the New Year: Finding God's Way to Seek Our Way (3)

Step Forward in Faith – Acting on His Leading

Introduction

This morning we come back to message 3 of Charting the New Year: Finding God’s Way in Seeking Our way.

The Focal Passage for this series is:

Proverbs 3:5–6“5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Its important that I say this from the beginning. Can you make plans in this life independent of God and accomplish some things? Sure. Absolutely. People do it everyday. Can people make plans and amass greatness from a worldly standard and receive accolades for there accomplishments here on earth. Absolutely.

What we are discussing is the idea of making decisions that have eternal reward. As a Christ follower, in those that I discussed that go at life on their own, firstly the decisions made will only have temporal results, but I want to be sure footed for the Lord. We should want to make the decisions in this life that honors Him.

If you so desire to live your life out in Christ Jesus and in the life of others and leave your footprint of eternal blessing not only in your own life but in the life of others we want to learn to follow God’s will for our lives and so goes the life of the church.

How do we do that?

Firstly we learn to develop a trust in God, understanding His ways are best for our lives. Would you agree with that statement? Amen?

Furthermore, we understand that for Him to guide us it begins with developing spiritual sensitivity to His desires for our lives and the life of this church. What am I saying? We must learn to listen to the still small voice of God. We all encounter noise and the busyness of life that diminishes His voice in our lives. Our aim is to develop spiritual sensitivity and to filter out the noise of the world that is competing for His time with us each day of our lives. Our aim is determine both individually and corporately as a church how He is guiding us and that requires a listening ear to the things of God.

In our time together this morning we will learn that once we gain a clear message from God, then we must act upon His will for our lives. In God’s Word:

James 2:17 “17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

We will gainer a deeper understanding that not all of our actions are profitable or bear fruit. We will learn that when we abide in Christ our steps are sure and when we are Spirit-led our efforts are fruitful. Amen.

So, here we are let’s set out. We have been in the classes and learned the plays. We have exercised our spiritual muscles, now it time to take those things learned out on the fields of life and play the game. Amen.

Our focal passage for this portion of our series is:

John 15:4-5. Please turn in your bibles or look on the screen with me.

John 15:4-5

John 15:4–5 NKJV

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Prayer

Message

In John’s Gospel, we know that John conveys the seven “I am” statements that Jesus stated.

"I am the bread of life." (John 6:35, 48, 51)

"I am the light of the world." (John 8:12; 9:5)

"I am the door of the sheep." (John 10:7, 9)

"I am the good shepherd." (John 10:11, 14)

"I am the resurrection and the life." (John 11:25)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)

And the 7th and final I am statement we reflect on this morning.

"I am the true vine." (John 15:1, 5)

Here in chapter 15 of John, Jesus is using metaphorical language or what the Hebrew’s called a Mashal. A Mashal was using something like an object lesson using the Vine/Vine dresser as metaphorical language to teach a deep spiritual truth. These words are obviously written in red in your Bible meaning that we are studying Jesus’ very words taught today.

Viticulture is the term used for the agriculture of grapes. Vineyards and the growing of grapes were common both agriculturally and economically to everyday life of the region. They grew grapes, they made wine, and they used it in celebrations, religious rituals, and daily consumption. Every home would have had common use and common need for the fruit of the vine.

And, within the framework of viticulture as any other agricultural experience you have encountered, the crop doesn’t just grow it self normally. There is an investment of time and sweat equity to yield a crop and so goes the growing of grapes.

A vineyard required constant care. One had to prune the vines to yield greater growth, cut out dead limbs, clean and pull away foreign agents that would attempt to choke out the vines, treat for insect infestation, etc.

A Mashal had multiple meanings in the word association and the object lesson that Jesus was teaching had multiple meanings for the disciples.

By the way, we term Chapters 13-17 as the upper room discourse. Jesus is preparing the disciples for the next chapter of their lives, how to go about life post His earthly departure.

In this case, the vine represented two important details. Firstly, in Jewish thought, the vine represented or symbolized Israel.

Example:

Psalm 80:8–9 “8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it. 9 You prepared room for it, And caused it to take deep root, And it filled the land.”

God planted the vine of Israel, God nurtured, God cared for Israel and was involved at every turn of Israel’s journey.

We also know that neglect, abuse, apathy, laziness, etc. has its affect on fruit production and listen to what Isaiah stated at a time in the life of Israel when they had turned their heads from God:

Isaiah 5:1–7 “1 Now let me sing to my Well-beloved A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard On a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up and cleared out its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, And also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes. 3 “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. 4 What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes? 5 And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. 6 I will lay it waste; It shall not be pruned or dug, But there shall come up briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds That they rain no rain on it.” 7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts…”

And in our study this morning, Jesus declared that He “is the true vine.” He stated to the people of the region, namely Jews during Jesus’ earthly ministry, that He is the true and faithful life giving source to all people. Amen.

Abide in Christ v. 4a

Scriptural Insight: “Abide in me, and I in you.” (John 15:4)

Dearly beloved, for us to step forward in faith, we must remain deeply connected to Christ who is our source of spiritual life and fruitfulness.

For us to enjoy the abundant life offered in Christ Jesus, he commands that “we abide in Him.”

Abide

A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (3306. μένω)

3306. μένω mĕnō, to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own.

Dearly beloved, no more than a branch can live unless it is attached to the vine, our lives cannot achieve anything of eternal lasting value without remaining in Christ.

Jesus is not a supplement to our lives. We supplement our lives with an accessory, or a trip, or vitamin. He’s not an add on. He is the source of life.

The vine is the main source of nutrients and water. Through the root system of the vine, water and minerals from the soil delivers them to the branches via its vascular system. Without the connection, the branch and its fruit will quickly die.

When we know that the word abide also means to dwell or stay, to continue I think of a home. A home is something I look forward getting back to. I find refuge, I find renewal and rest at my home. I find a carefree spirit and I am relaxed and I find peace and security in my home. My home is a place of permanence and a place I’m vested in. Home is a place we put a great deal of sweat equity to gain great return in its enjoyment. There are things we do along the journey to make it more comfortable, more enjoyable, more exciting and interesting to keep it fresh and uplifting.

Let’s take it a step further, in a home if someone resides with you, there are some changes you make to make that house a home.

Obviously, I think of marriage. Christ is described as the bridegroom.

When we reside with someone, the relationship deepens at every level. That person sees you unshaven, without makeup, in a totally vulnerable relaxed mode. They gain a knowledge of every strength, every insecurity, every good habit, every bad habit, everything about you.

Oh that person knows what makes you tick. They know what motivates you, what frustrates you, they know you like no other person because they are your soul mate, they live with you. There is literally nothing hidden from them. You cannot pull the wool over their eyes.

Furthermore, when you abide with someone you set down your roots. You think of commitment. You assume financial responsibilities together. Your debt becomes their debts and their debts become your debts. Your assets are theirs and their assets are yours. You vow to go through the highs and lows, the good and bad, the ups and downs together. I’m coming home every night, I’m cutting the grass, bringing home a paycheck, I am going to be with you. I will tell you about my day and you will tell me about your day.

Dearly beloved abiding in Christ is getting to know Christ and Christ already knows you.

Are you at home with Christ?

As you and I look at 2025 and we want it to be the best year ever, we need to read the text for what it says and not for what it does not say. I want you to notice two very clear points here.

Abide in Me, it does not say abide in my power, it does not say abide in my wisdom, it does not say to abide in my church even though all of those will be a benefit of abiding in Christ and important aspects of abiding in Christ.

He does say later to abide in His love. But all of those others mentioned are outflows of v. 4. We will enjoy His power, we will enjoy His wisdom, we will love as Christ when we become comfortable and at home with Jesus in our lives.

2. He doesn’t say to abide in producing fruit. That is where we go wrong so many times and where we fail.

I need to be doing something. I need to produce fruit.

Our aim is not to produce fruit. Our aim is to abide in Christ and He creates the fruit.

Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

It doesn’t say the fruit of Luke or the fruit of Sue, Joe, or Billy.

This is not a result that we create, but that God creates in us.

So, we can not discredit James words:

James 2:17–18 “17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

But let me be clear, the measure of fruit in our lives is tied to our abiding in Christ.

John 15:8 “8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

What we have been discussing over these last three weeks and we wrap up today is developing spiritual discernment. Seeking to understand “what is God’s will for me in 2025? What is God’s will for the church? What direction would He have me take? What is God’s expectations of me this year for my personal life, my family life, my work life, my church, what is my ministry that He wants me to develop to be used for Him? How does the Lord want me to plug in to the ministry He has for Mt Zion?

The abundant life founded in Christ begins at this very point of verse 4 post salvation. Those things cannot happen without our first abiding in Him.

Illustration: A branch cannot thrive without connection to the vine; our spiritual life cannot flourish unless we remain connected to Christ.

Align with His Will V. 4b

Key Idea: Fruitful efforts flow from discerning and aligning ourselves with God’s purpose.

Scriptural Insight: “Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4)

We are still remaining, we are still dwelling. Have you found out that if you live with someone and I am namely speaking of your significant other that you begin to think alike. You decipher and respond somewhat the same, etc. The more we abide in Christ, the more we act like Christ, think like Christ respond as Christ would respond.

WWJD-If we live with Christ we would do what Christ would do.

What is God’s Will for me? What is God’s will for the church?

Ladies and Gentlemen, when we align our will with the Lord we align our desires, our decisions, our actions with the purpose of God. Abiding is not a passive, but active action continual submission to His authority and alignment with His Word.

Firstly, that we would be obedient.

John 14:15 “15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, there are many questions people ask wanting to know God’s will for their lives and He has answers in the Word of God.

Should I work? If there is not enough coming in to make ends meet and you have the health to work, by all means work.

Genesis 2:15 “15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10 “10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

Should I get married?

Genesis 2:24 “24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Proverbs 18:22 “22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.”

Should I forgive someone who has hurt me?

Matthew 6:14–15 “14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Colossians 3:13 “13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Should I give money to the church?

Proverbs 3:9 “9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;”

Should I share my faith with others?

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

1 Peter 3:5 “5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,”

Oh dearly beloved, please write down these five principles for knowing the will of God.

God’s Will is Revealed in His Word:

Many moral and spiritual questions are already answered in Scripture. Regular study equips believers to discern God’s will more clearly.

Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Pray for Wisdom:

James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Seek Counsel from Godly People:

Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."

Consider Your Motives:

1 Corinthians 10:31: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Examine whether your decision aligns with God’s glory and purposes.

Trust God with the Unknowns:

Not every decision is explicitly addressed in Scripture, but abiding in Christ and walking in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) ensures that our decisions will honor Him.

Galatians 5:25 “25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Illustration: Share an example of someone who found success only after seeking God’s will, such as a biblical character like Paul in Acts 16:6-10 or a personal story.

Acts 16:6–10 NKJV

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Oh dearly beloved, we must stay in constant fellowship with Christ to know and follow His will.

Application: Challenge the congregation to evaluate their plans and goals, ensuring they align with God’s kingdom priorities.

Advance in Obedience V. 5

Key Idea: Fruitful efforts require stepping out in faith and acting on God’s leading.

Scriptural Insight: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Illustration: Consider the story of Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14:29. When he trusted Jesus, he did the impossible.

Matthew 14:25–33 “25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.””

Oh, I pray for you as I pray for me that you would yield to God’s promptings this day, this week, this month, and this year. Oh if God prompts you in some way that you should offer your time, talents, and resources further here for the kingdom, Oh I pray you do so. As God speaks to you about our Valentine’s Banquet, Easter, our Community Fair, our Barbeque or some whole new ministry, mission, or evangelical effort, write it down. So that its of God, pray about it. Massage it in the Lord and if He continues to place that burn for that ministry, put feet to it. Make it happen. Communicate it to others. Make yourself more visible and outspoken about certain opportunities. Be the fuel on the fire to ignite that ministry. Make it your own. Be at home and comfortable with the ministry.

What can you do this week and the days ahead to know you are abiding in Christ? What positive footsteps should I take to seek God’s answers for my life and the life of this church?

Alignment with His Word:

Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom."

God's Word reveals His will. To abide with His will, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to guide our choices.

Prayerful Submission:

Matthew 6:10: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Luke 22:42: "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

Jesus modeled submission to the Father’s will in His prayer at Gethsemane. Similarly, abiding in His will requires humility and trust, even when His plans differ from our preferences.

May I provide three prayers to pray this week.

Three things to Pray this Week

Pray that I might be obedient.

Pray away the obstacles to my following your will.

Pray for the opportunities of life to make a difference.

Obedience in Action:

John 14:15: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

James 1:22: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Abiding in His will involves more than intellectual agreement—it demands active obedience to His commands.

Illustration: A farmer doesn't see immediate results after planting seeds, but consistent cultivation yields a harvest in time.

Challenge: Encourage the church to pursue initiatives, ministries, and personal growth that reflect God’s leading. Emphasize that fruit may not appear immediately, but faithfulness will bring results.

Closing Application

Tie to Philippians 1:6: Reassure the congregation that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion.

Philippians 1:6 “6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

Call to Action:

Reaffirm trust in Christ for strength and direction.

Commit to seeking His will and stepping out in obedience in 2025.

Celebrate the promise that God is faithful to complete the work He has started.

What is all this about?

John 15:11 “11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Isaiah 53:3 “3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

Jesus was God/Man. He lived in the real world. He went to the cross. What else must be said. He had joy knowing He followed the will of His Father. We can know real joy when we live out a life that is centered on Christ and His will for our lives. Amen?

Oh dearly beloved, are you in His will today? Have you answered His call? Have you answered His call for salvation?

Let’s pray.