DiscipleShape - Week 4

The Semi-Circle

As we start this week, please read Genesis 1:1-2:3.

In the account of creation, amazing things are happening. From nothing, something is happening and it is all happening by the Word of God (from John, we learn this is Jesus at work in the beginning.) For six days, creation is taking form and filling with every version of life from plants and birds, to fish and people, but something majestic happened on the seventh day. God rested!

Did He take a break to admire his creation or do you think He was teaching his people a lesson about Sabbath?

Now, open the Semi-Circle worksheet and read John 15:1-8.

If you are reading out of your paper Bible, circle every time it says "remain."

Why do you think this is so important?

What do you do to abide?

Do you plan abide time or just squeeze it in where you can?

Is your plan working (do you feel rested)? If not, what changes do you need to make in your schedule.

As we conclude, remember that abiding is different than resting. Spending time with God is different than taking a nap. Abiding recognized where our strength comes from. Abiding gives God priority in our life. Abiding makes room and possibility for fruit to happen. In fact, according to Jesus, fruit can only happen if we abide. 

Think back to the Up, In & Out triangle. If you are not seeing fruit in your life, maybe you aren't prioritizing your relationships properly. Fruit happens while we are in the crowd (out), but that requires the Power and Authority of God to flow through you, but that can only happen if you know your Identity as a Child of God and choose to willfully and submissively obey his calling in your life.

If you are wondering how you can know God's plans and purposes in your life, spend some time with God. Give Him all of your worship. (Romans 12:1-2)

Don't forget to join the Facebook conversation in the DiscipleShape group on Reveal's Facebook page.