Four D’s for Fruitfulness in the Vision

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture:       Mark 4:1-20

God’s word comes to make us fruitful in the kingdom of God.  Our destiny and “vision” in this life is to win souls and make disciples.  Whether or not we will be fruitful in this is determined by the following four areas:

I.          Desire

            A.        Desire:  “A strong wish or craving” (Webster’s)

B.        You have to desire a thing before you will pursue it (immediately they received the word with gladness)

C.        Illustration:  “I want to bear fruit in the vision of winning souls and making disciples.”

II.        Decision

            A.        Decision:  “The act of making up one’s mind” (Webster’s)

            B.        Indecision will rob you of fruitfulness in the vision

1.         James 1:6-7 Do not be double-minded

2.         Joshua 24:15 Choose whom you will serve

3.         1 Kings 18:21 Stop faltering through indecision

C.        Illustration:  “I will get involved in a cell group and take the first step of going to the next Encounter Weekend.”

III.       Determination

A.        Determination:  “The quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose” (Webster’s)  (i.e. a “quality” decision)

B.        Without a quality decision, you will not last (they endure for a time)

1.         You have to get the vision inside of you (the vision must take root in your heart)

2.         External resistances will try to stop you:  (Tribulation and persecution---home, school, work, family, friends)

C.        Illustration: “I will make the adjustments in my life that are necessary to get involved in church, a cell group, and to begin being equipped to be a leader.”

IV.       Discipline

A.        Discipline:  “Training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency; strict control to enforce obedience.” (Webster’s)

B.        Internal Restraints:  The competition of cares, riches, and other desires against the word of God in our hearts (distractions)

C.        Illustration:  A disciplined lifestyle that endures the hardships involved in winning souls and making disciples, overcomes the distractions that compete with the vision, and continues on to bearing fruit that remains.