Podcast

Sermon Notes

“Our direction in life is determined by the quality of our decisions”

Who do I want to be?  How do I want to be known by others?  Our values help direct our decisions.

This week we want to look at being DEVOTED – devoted to Jesus!

Matthew 6:33 says “Seek First”

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

I want you to see up front that the greatest decision you can make in life is to SEEK GOD FIRST – Be devoted to God and His Kingdom!

We seek Jesus and His righteousness and His kingdom and all the things you are searching for in life, that really matter, that bring fulfillment will be added

What does it mean to be devoted to Jesus?

After Jesus was raised from the dead – What did His followers devote their lives to?

Acts 2:42-43

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

• The Greek word translated “devoted” – Imperfect tense
• Ongoing, continual – They were continually devoted 
• Single-minded, ongoing, committed pursuit of Jesus!

Imagine if this verse was written today about Christians in todays culture…

“They devoted themselves to themselves.  They continually and passionately pursued a self-centered life of comfort and ease.” (MCV) Modern Christian Version!

Let’s take some time and think about what we are devoted to.

Most of us are only partially devoted to God at best!  Only spend time with God when easy or convenient – nothing better to do!

• No wonder we struggle with the same sins
• No wonder we rarely share our faith
• No wonder we care too much about what people think
• No wonder we find ourselves lukewarm towards the things of God

Devotion Never Happens Accidentally – If You Want To be Fully Devoted To Jesus, You Have to Decide!  HOW?

People understood the vineyard – agricultural

John 15:5

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.

Jesus is the Vine – You are the branch

When you/branch are connected to Jesus/vine – you bear fruit!

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control

Apart from Jesus, life is empty – when connected to Jesus, we start to be filled with what matters!  What lasts!

There is a significant word that appears 11 times in this chapter… Abide/Remain

John 15:4

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. 

Abide (Meno) – live in, dwell

Not just one hour a week – fully devoted – All in, to the one who matters most!

State the Obvious – the branch needs the Vine to live!

You don’t stay connected – you lose your life source!  – won’t get nutrients, won’t grow – won’t bear fruit – DEAD BRANCHES BREAK EASIER

Jesus is the Vine — You are The Branch — BE THE BRANCH

Pre-decide – I am devoted to Jesus; I will seek first – The One Who Matters Most!

Practical Game Plan – Seek First  (30-day challenge)

• Pre-Decide a Time
• Pre-Decide a Place
• Pre-Decide a Plan

Pre-decide – I am devoted to Jesus; I will seek first – The One Who Matters Most!