Sermon Notes
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Colossians 2:6 NIV
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
John 15:1–9 ESV
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
John 10:10 NIV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Discussion Igniters
(1) What do you think it means to have a flourishing relationship with God?
(2) Read Ecclesiastes 3:1–11.
Have you ever been in a season of waiting on the Lord? What was that like?
(3) Read John 15:1–9.
Why do we need to remain or abide in the Lord during difficult seasons? How can we do that?
(4) How does community keep us connected to and focused on God as we move through life?
(5) How do we allow God to prune and transform us, even when it’s hard?