Your spiritual life is a product of your experiences so far.

Everyone is being formed by someone or something into the person they are becoming.

Christianity can be based on outer behavior.

Apprenticeship is a pursuit of the heart.

John 15:1-4

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

The disconnected branch does not grow.

The proof of apprenticeship is fruit.

Your fruit doesn’t save you but it is a product of your salvation.

John 15:5-6

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.

μένω(meno) - stay, live, dwell.

Primarily means to remain or stay in a given place, state, or relation. It conveys a sense of persistence and continuity, often implying a steadfastness or enduring presence.

What has staying power in your life?

You pursue what is in front of you.

You pursue what you choose to continually put at the front of your mind.

John 15:7-8

7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Your desires reflect the state of your heart.

John 15:9-11

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

How do you μένω with Jesus?

1. Private consistent connection

Mark 1:35

35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Luke 22:39

9 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus regularly connected with God on the good and the bad days.

2. Public consistent connection

A desire that is not reflected on your calendar is simply a daydream.

3. Public and private consistent obedience.

Remaining in Jesus is representing Jesus.

4. Sabbath

John 15:11

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

John 12:24-26

24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

Trees are gravitropic and Phototropic

Gravitropic: growth down deep through the dark and cold that no one can see.

Phototropic: Growth toward the light that all can see.

How do you need to be more consistent in your spiritual formation?