Make Every Effort To Make Sure

2 Peter 1:1-11

Fresh starts. New beginnings. The new year certainly brings about goals of self-improvement. What will

you be working on this year? What is something that we all should focus on? In this letter written

shortly before his death, the apostle Peter emphatically reminds the reader to "make your call and

election sure" (v10). In other words, make sure that you are saved! And he calls us to do this with great

effort. But how? What are we supposed to do? Peter does not leave us without instruction. Therefore,

let us take heed of this important reminder of giving every effort to pursue confidence of the faith.

I. Assurance is fueled by God’s promises (v2-4, 11)

II. Assurance comes with spiritual growth (Romans 8:29, v5-7)

III. Spiritual growth is confirmed by fruitfulness (v8-9, Galatians 5:22-23)

IV. Spiritual growth is strengthened by discipleship (1 Cor 11:1, Phil 4:9)

God wants His children to have full assurance of their faith in Christ and thus we are instructed to

pursue this very assurance. And the evidence of genuine faith is the ongoing transforming work of God

in the believer’s life unto the image of Jesus Christ Himself. But this does not happen apart from our

obedience to God’s Word as laid out by Peter. Therefore, more than any other new year goal, let us

make every effort to make sure by fully devoting ourselves to spiritual growth, delighting in the

confirmation of growth by the testimony of our fruitfulness from others, while strengthening all of this

by pursuing discipleship under the example of a fellow mature believer. By doing so, we will be met with

the unwavering joy of having a strong confidence in the most great and precious promise of being

welcomed into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (v11).

PSALM 1

A tree can be a blessing to those who taste its good fruit and multiply by their seeds, and good fruit is produced when a tree is fed with life-giving nutrients. In the same way, our lives can be a blessing to others when we live out God’s Word. Our humanity is complex, with so many different relationships, personal battles, limits in our time and energy, events beyond our control, and increasing amounts of influence. 

Main Point: Put God’s Word in your root, and you will see fruit.

• The image of a “tree” is an important literary device that the biblical authors used to emphasize:

  • An encounter with God’s presence

  • The promise of God’s blessing

  • A decision for us to make

(ref. Gen. 1-3, 8, 22; Exo. 3; John 19; Gal. 3:13)

• Life in sin will perish, but obedience in the Word flourishes

• Practical ways to plant roots in the Scriptures

• Jesus is the Tree of Life

Conclusion: May you delight in the Word of God, and on the Word of God may you meditate day and night. Plant your root where God will yield fruit in your life. Abide in him that your leaf would not wither away. And whatever you do, wherever you go, in whatever circumstance, may you live a life of blessing that brings glory and honor to King Jesus.

“Are You a Disciple of Jesus?”

Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV

God gave Jesus Christ full authority to prepare His disciples to do what they were called to do. An important part of that command is to disciple and fulfill the Great Commission.

§ WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

A. A DISCIPLE IS A LEARNER.

B. A DISCIPLE ADHERES TO THE WORD BEING TAUGHT.

“ adheres” is to believe in and follow the practices of

C. A DISCIPLE IS TO BE LIKE THEIR TEACHER.

D. A DISCIPLE IS A DOER OF THE WORD OF GOD.

§ WHAT ARE DISCIPLES CALLED TO DO?

A. JESUS COMMANDED US TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS.

B. JESUS COMMANDED US TO BAPTIZE NEW DISCIPLES.

§ WHAT ARE DISCIPLES INSTRUCTED TO DO?

A. JESUS INSTRUCTED DISCIPLES TO TEACH AND OBEY EVERYTHING HE HAS COMMANDED.

Have you taken the initial steps in becoming a disciple of Jesus (faith, repentance, and baptism)? Are you becoming more like Him by demonstrating the characteristics of discipleship in your life?

BE ONE, MAKE ONE.

LIVE A LEGACY, LEAVE A LEGACY

2 TIMOTHY 2:1-13

Last week we learned about the characteristics of being a disciple of Jesus. As we close out this series on Discipleship, we'll discover how to be strong in the face of suffering as we teach God's truth. In these verses, we find that discipline and diligence are necessary for followers and servants of Jesus. 

Let's examine the last letter of Apostle Paul to his beloved son Timothy to see why we endure hardship. A "trustworthy statement" awaits us.

1. Be Strong, Pass It On (v. 1-2)

2. Endure For the End Result (v. 3-7)

3. Remember Christ (v. 8-10)

4. A Trustworthy Statement (v.11-13)

Conclusion: Paul encourages Timothy to draw from the strength that comes only from grace in Christ Jesus. He compares living this Christian life and pressing on in ministry to a soldier, athlete, and farmer. It requires endurance, discipline, and dedication. Jesus calls us to endure and pass on the truth of the Gospel, making disciples who make disciples. Remember Jesus Christ, and let us leave a legacy for God. It is worth the suffering. 

Abide in Christ and Bear Much Fruit

John 15:1-11

Imagine a vineyard.  Some vines are lush, full of branches bearing sweet fruit while others are filled with dead branches that are diseased and empty.  Some are so overgrown that new branches cannot fully develop with no fruit on the vine.   Then, the vinedresser comes and does what is necessary to help the vine grow healthy again.  With the Last Supper completed, Jesus and the remaining disciples were heading to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Judas was in the process of betraying Jesus.  Jesus used that moment to teach one final lesson-He is the vine, and His followers are the branches.  The Savior drew from the Scriptures reminding them that Israel was to meant to provide good spiritual fruit, but it had only produced worthless ones (Isaiah 5).  Jesus declared that He is the true vine and apart from Him we can do nothing.  Jesus calls us to abide in Him, to remain connected to the vine, so that we can bear lasting fruit.  Jesus is not inviting us to a set of religious practices—He’s inviting us into a life-giving relationship. A relationship that produces long lasting fruit and a life filled with His peace, love and joy.

I. The Vine and the Vinedresser (v. 1-2; Isaiah 5:1-7; James 1:2; Hebrews 12:5-11)

II. Abide in Christ to bear fruit (v. 3-6; 6:65-70 Gal. 5:22-23, Matthew 7:15-20)

III. The blessings of abiding in Christ (v. 7-11)

Conclusion:

After finishing their last meal together, Jesus and His disciples left the Upper Room for the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus chose to give His disciples one final lesson. With the Cross   approaching and surrounded by vineyards, Jesus made the connection, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (15:1).  Jesus implores all of us to abide in Him as a branch abides in a vine so that we might bear fruit.  The Son and the Father are helping us to produce more fruit.  Our responsibility is to abide in Him.  Is your life marked by the fruit of a personal relationship with God?

Put your life in God’s hands and allow Him to prune away anything that is hindering you from bearing fruit.  Whether they are dead or diseased parts of your life, allow the Lord to have His way.  Abide in Christ by abiding in His Word and experience the fullness of His peace, love and joy today.

Love One Another

John 15:9-17

In his final lesson to the disciples, Jesus gave a metaphor where He is the vine, and his followers are the branches.   Jesus had previously commanded the disciples to love one another just as He loved them (13:34) and then made an important statement, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (v. 35). In his final hours, Jesus repeated the command again, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (15:12).”   Our love for one another is the ultimate proof of our connection to the vine.  It's the fruit that demonstrates our abiding in Christ.  This love isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling.  It’s not just a sentimental emotion.  It’s a radical, sacrificial love that reflects the love between God the Father and Jesus the Son.   To know what true love is, one only needs to look at the Cross.  Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life for us and by doing so, Jesus modeled to all his followers what real love is while calling each of us to love one another in the same way. 

I. Abide in Christ’s love (v. 9-11, 15:10; 1 John 4:15-16, 19-21; Romans 5:6-8)

II. Jesus’ command to love (v. 12; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Thess. 4:9; Romans 5:6-8)

III. Jesus invites us to be his friends (v. 13-15; James 2:23; Luke 7:34)

IV. Chosen to go and bear fruit (v. 16-17; Eph. 1:3-4)

Conclusion:

In one final lesson to the disciples, Jesus explained the relationship between Him and His followers, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (v. 5).  Jesus then focused on the relationships that His disciples would have one another or branch to branch.  With all the challenges that His followers would face, Jesus gave one final command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”  When persecution comes, love one another.   When disagreements arise, love one another.  When someone hurts you or offends you, love one another.  The call to "love one another" is not a suggestion; it is a command from Jesus. It is through love that we abide in Christ, experience His joy, and bear fruit that lasts. Let us strive to love as He has loved us—sacrificially, unconditionally, and joyfully.  As we try to obey Jesus’ command today, may we experience His joy and may our joy be complete.

If the World Hates You

John 15:18-16:4

The last night of Jesus’ life was marked by love.  Jesus loved his own who were in the world until the very end (13:1).  Jesus washed the disciples’ feet out of love and commanded his disciples to love one another as he had loved them (13:34-35) and then reiterated that command in John 15:12.    Jesus would demonstrate the greatest amount of love for laying his life down for his friends (15:13).  Suddenly a dramatic shift in tone happened, Jesus began speaking of hate instead of love with the word “hate” being used repeatedly.  He promised persecution because of that hatred to all who follow Him. This passage is a sobering reminder that following Christ comes with a cost. As believers, we must be ready to face rejection, persecution, and suffering for the sake of the Gospel.  Jesus does not leave us without hope; He assures us of His presence, His purpose, and the reward for those who remain faithful.

I. Why the world hates followers of Christ

a. The world hates believers because they are not part of it (v. 18-; 2 Timothy 3:22; Philippians 1:29; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13)

b. The world hates believers because it hated Jesus first (v. 20)

c. The world hates believers because it doesn’t know God (v. 21; 1 Timothy 1:13)

II. Rejection of Jesus leads to greater condemnation (v. 22-25; Matt. 11:22-24)

III. We are called to be witnesses to the world (v. 26-27; Acts 1:8)

IV. A final warning to the disciples (16:1-3)

Conclusion:  

Jesus was not trying to scare his followers that night.  He was lovingly warning them what was coming.  Each apostle was tortured and killed except one, John.  In January of 2015, ISIS terrorists captured 21 Coptic Christians who were working in Libya.  They were dressed in orange jumpsuits while the terrorists were in black.  The Christians were made to kneel while a terrorist stood above each one.  The terrorists asked each one, “do you reject Christ?”  One by one each believer was beheaded while praying “Lord Jesus Christ.”  Who knows what each brother in Christ was thinking in their final moments.  One thing is for sure, Jesus warned us all that persecution like that would be possible.  May Jesus’ warning prepare us to stand firm in the midst of persecution in this fallen and dark world.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

John 16:4-15

Jesus warned the disciples of what was to come to keep them from falling away.  His followers were going to become outcasts from their synagogues and would be hated, even murdered by the world.  These pronouncements most likely shook them to their core.  The very people they were trying to reach would turn on them with violent fervor.   To add to their fears, Jesus reminded them that He was leaving them as well.  Imagine the confusion, the fear, the utter sense of abandonment. It's in this context of impending loss and looming persecution that we arrive at John 16:5-15. Jesus, knowing their hearts, doesn't leave them wallowing in despair. Instead, he speaks of a Helper, a Counselor, the Holy Spirit. He promises that this Spirit will not only comfort them in their grief but empower them to face the trials ahead.  Jesus explained, "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (16:7).  The Holy Spirit would come and help the disciples overcome their fears and uncertainty by becoming their source of strength, guidance, and truth.  

I. The Spirit convicts the world of three things (v. 7-11; Acts 2:36-37; Luke 18:9-14; Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:23)

a. Sin   

b. Righteousness

c. Judgement

II. The Spirit guides us into all truth (v. 12-15; John 8:31-32; 1 Cor. 2:9-10)

Conclusion:

Jesus’ last night with the disciple’s was a traumatic one.  Judas had slipped off into the darkness to betray Him.  The Lord had predicted Peter’s denials.  Jesus promised that all of them would face great persecution to the point of death. In the face of great persecution, the disciples were called to testify about Christ.  Jesus then gave a puzzling statement, “It is to your advantage that I go away.”   The advantage was the coming of the Holy Spirit, “another helper” (14:16) who would be with them forever.  The Spirit doesn’t just provide comfort for a moment; but a transformative power that equips us to live faithfully in a world that often opposes us.  

Do you have the Spirit within you?  Are you convicted when you commit sin?  Are you sure of Christ’s righteousness?  Are you convinced of God’s judgment of sin on the Cross?  The Spirit is still moving and active. He convicts the sinner and guides the saint by opening our eyes to the world of sin, His righteousness, and God’s judgement.  The Spirit comes to empower us for a new life in Christ transforming our hearts and minds for the glory of God.

An Invincible Joy

John 16:16-33

In Jesus’ final moments before enduring the cross, He sought to prepare the disciples for the sorrow that was about to overwhelm them. He spoke of a time when they would weep and mourn, when grief would seem to have the last word. But then, He gave them a promise—a promise of joy that no one could take away.  In verse 22, Jesus declares, “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." What a powerful truth! Jesus was not offering a fleeting happiness based on circumstances. He was promising an invincible joy—a joy rooted in His victory over sin, death, and the grave.  As followers of Christ, we are not exempt from trials, pain, or seasons of sorrow.  The joy Jesus offers is not dependent on what happens around us; it is anchored in the unshakable reality of His resurrection and the eternal hope we have in Him.

I. A joy birthed by sorrow (v. 20-21; Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 12:2)

II. A joy that can never be taken (v. 22)

III. A joy experienced through prayer (v. 23-26; Romans 8:26-27)

IV. Jesus’ final words of encouragement (v. 31-33)

Conclusion:

How can we obtain this complete, lasting, and victorious joy?  Despite the pain and agony that Jesus was about to experience for several hours until his death, Jesus asked an important question, “Do you now believe?” (v. 31).  This has been a constant question throughout this Gospel, “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).  Believing in Jesus is the key to eternal life (John 1:12, 3:16, 5:24, 6:47) but it is also vital for us in our day to day lives.  It produces an invincible joy that the world can never take away.  A joy rooted in a new way of life built on the foundation of prayer in Jesus’ name.  Jesus would soon experience unthinkable pain and agony resulting in His death but knew that the disciple’s sorrow would turn into a new and profound joy.  Jesus’ question is for us to answer, “Do you believe?” If we do, then we can take courage because Jesus has overcome the world, and His joy is now ours for all eternity.

Our Lord’s Prayer: The Glory of the Son

John 17:1-5

The hour had finally come. Jesus was finished encouraging and preparing His disciples for the upcoming events, and now goes to the Father in prayer. In John 17 we get the opportunity to eavesdrop in on the holiest of prayers, one between our Lord Jesus and the Father. We see Jesus intercede for his disciples and then for all future believers, but He starts with Himself. Jesus prays that the Father would glorify Him, so that the Father would be glorified. He knew what laid ahead of him. But that very cross which was meant to be used for shame would be the very instrument of His glory and our eternal life.

Jesus prays for Glory (v. 1; John 13:31-32)

He is worthy of this glory because:

Jesus had the authority (v. 2-3; Matthew 28:18; 1 John 5:20; John 6:37,6:44)

Jesus had completed His work (v. 4; Philippians 2:8)

Jesus Prays for the Restoration of His Glory (v. 5; John 1:1-2)

Jesus stood on the eve of His own betrayal and death. He had submitted Himself to the will of the Father, and so He went to Him in prayer. He prayed for His own glory, not in a selfish manner, but in a way that would bring further glory to the Father. Jesus came to fulfill the will of the Father, and that would ultimately lead Him to the cross. But through that cross, Jesus was glorified, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. Death was not a means to His end but a pathway to His glory, so that now all creation can see the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is worthy of all honor, praise, and glory.

Our Lord’s Prayer: For His Disciples

John 17:6-19

As we continue our Lord’s High Priestly Prayer, we see Jesus shift the focus of His prayer to His disciples. These men, given to Jesus by the Father, loved Him and had walked with Him for the past three years. Jesus knew what laid before Him and also what laid in store for His disciples. So, just hours before He was betrayed, Jesus prayed for them. In this prayer, we see the heart of our Lord. He loved His disciples, and prayed for their unity, their protection, and their sanctification. Jesus prayed that for His disciples then, and He prays that for us now. He is seated at the right hand of God, and is interceding on the behalf of His people. If you are His, our Lord and Savior is praying for you.

Jesus intercedes for those the Father gave to Him (v. 6-10; 2 Peter 3:9, Ephesians 1:3-6)

Jesus prays for their protection (v. 11-16; Romans 8:34; John 6:37-40; John 13:17-19; Romans 10:13-15)

Jesus prays for their sanctification (v. 17-19, Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Peter 1:3-9)

Just a few hours before his betrayal, Jesus prepares His disciples for the upcoming trials, but also leaves them with some amazing promises. He promises peace, joy, and the coming of the Helper, The Holy Spirit. After making those promises, He goes to the Father in prayer, asking that the Father would enact those promises. Jesus prayed for their safety, their unity, and their sanctification. And if you are His, Jesus makes that same prayer for you today. He intercedes on your behalf, praying for you the same way He prayed for His disciples because He loves you. The question is:

Is Jesus praying this prayer for you?

Jesus Prays for all Believers

John 17:20-26

Prayer is a powerful gift and knowing that someone is praying for us brings comfort and encouragement. But imagine the Son of God Himself praying for you—lifting your name before the Father, interceding on your behalf.   In the final moments before His arrest, Jesus turned His attention not just to His disciples but to all who would one day believe in Him—including us. He prayed for our unity, our relationship with the Father, and the deep, abiding love that binds us together in Him.  In this prayer we see the heart of Jesus, His desire for His followers, and the incredible truth that even now, He continues to intercede for us.

I.  Jesus prayed for all believers for all time (v. 20; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; Acts 16:31)

II. Jesus prayed for our unity (v. 21-23; Phil. 2:2-5; Rom. 15:5-6; 1 Cor. 1:10)

III. Jesus prayed that we would be with Him to see His glory (v. 24)

IV. Jesus’ conclusion to His prayer (v. 25-26)

Conclusion:

As Jesus stood on the threshold of His greatest sacrifice, His heart was not only set on the Cross—His heart was set on you. In His final moments before His arrest, He lifted His voice in the High Priestly Prayer, interceding for Himself (John 17:1-5), His disciples (v. 6-19), and for all who would believe in Him through their message—including us (v. 20-26).   Let that truth sink in: Jesus prayed for you.  As the weight of the world pressed upon Him, He was thinking of you. He prayed for your unity, that you would be one just as He is one with the Father. He prayed for your presence with Him, that you might see His glory in all its splendor. He longed for you to know the depths of His love, the fullness of His joy, and the everlasting peace only He can give.

Until the day we stand face to face with Jesus, He continues His work in us—revealing Himself, molding us into vessels of honor, while drawing us closer to Himself.  Let us live with the assurance that we are protected, loved, and prayed for by the King of Glory. May our lives be a testimony to His grace, and may all honor, praise, and glory be given to the One who prayed for us—Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Whom Do You Seek?

John 18:1-27

As we approach the passion of Christ, one thing we notice is Jesus’ sovereign authority over every detail of His own suffering.  Jesus was not a hapless victim-he foretold what was to happen on several occasions.  He boldly proclaimed, “I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:18).  Centuries before, the prophet Isaiah foretold the Messiah’s suffering, writing, “The Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him … the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief” (Isaiah 53:6,10). On the day of Pentecost, Peter confirmed this truth, proclaiming that Jesus was “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23).  His death was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God's divine plan.  Every moment leading to the cross was under His sovereign authority.   We might not understand what God is doing nor see how he is already working, but one thing we can do is trust that our God is always in control with unlimited knowledge and power.  Jesus sought neither comfort nor did go out of his way to avoid conflict.  Jesus courageously endured suffering for the highest purpose while facing great adversity without fear.

I. The Arrest of Jesus (v. 1-11; 12:27-28, 32-33; Luke 22:49-51; Matt. 26:53)

II. The False Trial of Jesus (v. 12-14, 20-23)

III. The Denials of Jesus (v. 15-18, 25-27; 13:36-38)

Conclusion:

At first glance, Jesus may seem like a victim—arrested, bound, falsely accused, and abandoned by His closest followers. But John’s Gospel presents a different picture: Jesus is not a helpless victim; He is the sovereign Savior. Every moment unfolds according to God’s divine plan. Jesus is not caught off guard. He is not overpowered. He is in complete control, willingly walking the path to the cross. The question He asked the soldiers is the same question He asks us today: “Whom do you seek?” (John 18:4).  Are we seeking a Jesus who fits our expectations, or are we surrendering to the true Christ—the one who gave Himself for us, who reigns over all, and who calls us to follow Him no matter the cost?  May we seek Him as He truly is our Sovereign Savior.  The one who willingly gave Himself up as a ransom for many.  The one who knew no sin but became sin so that many could become the righteousness of God through faith in Him (2 Cor. 5:21).