Scripture:
John 15:1-17
Fri, 14 April 2023

Applying the Truth

Observation:

How does a Christian disciple grow in dependence on God and fruit bearing
(e.g. love, joy, etc.)? What will that growth process entail?

Deeper Reflection
Verse 1 is the final “I am” saying of Jesus, where He declared that He was the true vine. In the Old Testament, the vine and vineyard metaphors were often used to represent Israel, which was chosen as a covenant people, planted and tended by God to bear fruit, but failed to do so (e.g. Psa 80:8-19; Isa 5:1-7). In stark contrast, Jesus is the true vine in that He fulfilled God’s purpose for ancient Israel and produces genuine fruit. An important point of Jesus’ teaching is that believers are to live in union with Christ (“Abide in Me, and I in you”, v.4). Otherwise, we will be like unfruitful branches, rendered useless and discarded.There are three interlocking exhortations by our Lord in this text: (1) Abide in Christ (vv.4-7); (2) Abide in Christ’s words19 (v.7); and (3) Abide in Christ’s love (vv.9-10). Common to abiding in Christ and abiding in His love is obedience to Christ’s words (vv.7, 10). The results of obedience to our Lord’s commandments is the assurance of answered prayers, much fruitfulness, glory to the Father and proof that we are authentic disciples (vv.7-8). Tremendously precious too are the promises that we will dwell in the love of the Son (v.10), possess the fullness of joy (v.11) and be called a friend of our Lord (v.14).Let us be a church family that seeks to follow Christ and become more like Him. Can you imagine what our lives will be like if we faithfully apply the truths that we have gleaned from the Bible? Let us press in for greater fruitfulness in the days ahead!
19 And the corollary will be true: Christ’s words abide in us.
Application:

In what areas of my life do I need to grow in obedience to God and love for
Him and His people? What will I do to grow in these areas?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for SGI leaders: To mature in Christ-like character and develop greater capacity to care for their CG members and lead them to grow spiritually
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.