Living Prosperously Through The WORD
Disciples Delight in the WORD • Sermon • Submitted
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· 3 viewsThose who apply the WORD in their life prosper in due season
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Illustration: The Hidden Life Of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
Notes how trees are like people:
Trees need a lot of water in order to grow & stay healthy
Without water & skin, trees have no chance of survival- your skin helps keep water in your body until it is used
A tree contains almost as much liquid inside it as we do, and so it’s unappealing to pests because they would, quite simply, suffocate.
Trees perspire just as we do, though they reuse To transpired water vapor to feed the leaves at the top
Trees add weight/size around its girth (waist) as it ages- bigger belly
Trees skin (bark) ages with time
As trees age, wrinkles gradually appear (beginning from below), and they steadily deepen as the years progress.
And when aging comes to a completion, trees die by falling down
Capillary action of water transport into the tree
Transpiration- breath out water vapor- 100’s of gallons/day
Osmosis- concentration of sugar is higher in one area versus another, water flows through to balance out the water level
Strongest tree is a Spruce Trees- Spruces are large trees, from about 20–60 m (about 60–200 ft) tall when mature- but they grow slowly
Very Vulnerable At Birth But Most Versatile
Spruce seedlings are most susceptible immediately following germination, and remain highly susceptible through to the following spring. More than half of spruce seedling mortality probably occurs during the first growing season and is also very high during the first winter
Growth remains very slow for several to many years.
Mortality rates generally decrease sharply thereafter, but losses often remain high for some years. "Establishment" is a subjective concept based on the idea that once a seedling has successfully reached a certain size, not much is likely to prevent its further development.
Trees need time to grow properly
Growth remains very slow for several to many years.
Trees need a lot of water in order to grow & stay healthy
Without water & skin, trees have no chance of survival- your skin helps keep water in your body until it is used
A tree contains almost as much liquid inside it as we do, and so it’s unappealing to pests because they would, quite simply, suffocate.
Trees perspire just as we do, though they reuse To transpired water vapor to feed the leaves at the top
Trees add weight/size around its girth (waist) as it ages- bigger belly
Trees can grow in many extreme environments- Can indeed they must. They must be able to take whatever life may throw at them
The place where there seed generally falls, tends to be the most non-ideal place and environment for cultivating tree growth
And a tree must learn self denial in order to coexist among many other different varieties of trees. The author goes on further to state that trees must learn to adapt
Trees skin (bark) ages with time
As trees age, wrinkles gradually appear (beginning from below), and they steadily deepen as the years progress.
And when aging comes to a completion, trees die by falling down
Growth remains very slow for several to many years.
Sick trees can also develop festering, moist wounds. Bacteria move into these damp areas and stain them black. So, it is not only in people that the skin is a mirror to the soul (or state of well-being).
Spruces are popular ornamental trees in horticulture, admired for their evergreen, symmetrical narrow-conic growth habit. For the same reason, some are also extensively used as Christmas trees
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
And when aging comes to a completion, trees die by falling down
Trees can die when they spend much of their time in stagnant water, water that is not moving
But the author never mentions or compares people, human beings to being stable and rooted like trees
(Beloved, people and trees have much in common)
And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:26-30
Transition From Introduction To Body
Transition From Introduction To Body
Last week recapped- Thinking, Behaving, & Belonging (Practices of a Worshiper)
Disciples Delight in the WORD
Godliness designated by the study of the law
God is only rightly served when his law is obeyed
The standard of Godliness is taken from the WORD of God
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Disciples Delight in the WORD
Godliness designated by the study of the law
God is only rightly served when his law is obeyed
The standard of Godliness is taken from the WORD of God
Body
Body
Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side. Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.
Ezekiel 47:1-
Body
Body
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
People of God Grow (Disciples Grow Spiritually) when their delight is in the law of the LORD and they meditate continually on (speak) the law of the LORD
People of God Grow (Disciples Grow Spiritually) when their delight is in the law of the LORD and they meditate continually on (speak) the law of the LORD
Trees Grow
Trees Grow
Illustrate: Owning a house built in. So the trees in my yard are over 158 years old. Have grown to be very tall. Though starting to show signs of aging with the wrinkles in the bark, they are still standing.
Growing like a tree- People of God grow properly when their delight (high degree of gratification, joy, extreme satisfaction, something that gives great pleasure, enjoyment, matter, business, inclined) is the law of the LORD and when they meditate on it continually
Trees are most stable (cannot be knocked over by wind and storms) when they grow slowly
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Trees grow by being planted by streams of water
Trees grow by being planted by streams of water
John 10:8-11
Planted- place seeds, slips, or root-stock in the ground for growing and cultivation
The WORD of the LORD will plant you and provide you stability in life
A disciple of Jesus Christ ought to be stable in their mind and in their faith i.e
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
By streams of water- planted by streams?
stream- channel, route, i.e., stream of water, relatively small amount of liquid flowing in it, but usually used to cultivate plants and so bring prosperity.
Illustrate: Hightower’s, your’s, and the church’s, Can you imagine what it would be like to have an endless supply of water- our household drinks Poland springs water and we have to drive to Costco or Walmart to purchase it in bulk
We have a water dispenser right outside in the foyer of the church, part of our church budget includes paying to have that water jug replaced when it becomes empty.
The tree is not directly in the water but is planted beside the streams of water, therefore it’s water supply is provided through its roots
Therefore the WORD of the LORD provides stability and nourishment
“"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."”
Luke 6:46-49 ESV
http://bible.com/59/luk.6.46-49.esv
So we come to church to get the Water Flowing from the Temple
Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side. Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.
And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other.
“"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
Matthew 7:15-20 ESV
And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
http://bible.com/59/mat.7.15-20.esv
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:22-27 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jas.1.22-27.esv
People of God Produce (Disciples Produce Spiritual Offspring) fruit when their delight is in the law of the LORD and they meditate continually on the law of the LORD
People of God Produce (Disciples Produce Spiritual Offspring) fruit when their delight is in the law of the LORD and they meditate continually on the law of the LORD
Trees produce fruit
Trees produce leaves
That yields its fruit
That yields its fruit
By streams of water- planted by streams?
stream- channel, route, i.e., stream of water, relatively small amount of liquid flowing in it,but usually used to cultivate plants and so bring prosperity.
And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river.
And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other.
And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekiel 47:
that yields its fruit
English Standard Version Chapter 5
7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you.
Yield as in: The kind of Fruit Producer One Is
Yield as in: The kind of Fruit Producer One Is
yields=be durable, healthy, not be easily diseased or uprooted
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
what they could potentially pass on to the fruit or characteristics/traits that the fruit could potentially inherit
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:16
“"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”
yields= to give, to hand down; to set, place, lay; to allow; to surrender; to turn into
Matthew 7:15-20 ESV
http://bible.com/59/mat.7.15-20.esv
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James 1:22-27 ESV
http://bible.com/59/jas.1.22-27.esv
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Yield as in: Producing the Fruit
Yield as in: Producing the Fruit
yields= to give, to hand down; to set, place, lay; to allow; to surrender; to turn into
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
:14
Galatians 5:22-23
But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
So our text is asking us two questions: what are you producing and Are you producing?
Yields its fruit in its season- not our season, but its season, therefore one must have patience.
Yields its fruit in its season- not our season, but its season, therefore one must have patience.
Tree yields fruit = any produce from crop-bearing plants, shrubs, or trees, offspring, descendants; produce
Trees produce leaves
and its leaf does not wither- leafs grow from the tree.
leaf = to ascend; to lead up; to lead out; to bring up; to cause to rise
leaves are at the top of trees, not at the bottom normally
leaves are connected to trees. what is purpose of leaves?
leaves are lateral outgrowth from a plant stem- leaves are a sign that the tree is growing
wither = sink or drop down, languish, wither and fall, fade
wither = shrivel, i.e., to have a biological plant, or a part of a plant lose vital moisture
A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Permanence of the LORD’s WORD
Isaiah 40:
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
People of God prosper (Disciples Prosper Spiritually) in all they do when their delight is in the law of the LORD and they meditate continually on the law of the LORD
People of God prosper (Disciples Prosper Spiritually) in all they do when their delight is in the law of the LORD and they meditate continually on the law of the LORD
In all he does, he prospers
In all he does, he prospers
prosper = advance, thrive, be in a good condition, be forceful i.e. have an overpowering force/person join (or replace?) a common force
to force entry, to cut through; to cross; rush to; to succeed, be successful
Matthew 16
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
1 Timothy
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
The wicked are not so
The wicked are not so
Remember your former unfruitful life and the unfruitful works of sin
wicked = unrighteous i.e. pertaining to being evil, with a focus on the guilt of violating a standard; guilty, i.e., pertaining to being legally not innocent of a violation of a law
but are like chaff that the wind drives away
but are like chaff that the wind drives away
chaff = loose hulls separated from the edible grains by threshing and winnowing
hulls = the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds. orange peels, banana peels, nut shells
The Psalms as Christian Worship: A Historical Commentary 2. Windblown Chaff v. 4
Chaff, in contrast to a fruitful tree, has no eternal life, no worth, no stability, no place, and no roots, and cannot endure God’s sifting wind of judgment when it blows. The scattering of chaff by wind is a common Biblical figure for sudden destruction
Transition Body To Conclusion
Transition Body To Conclusion
And so you today remember when you were chaff
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
When you were caught in the dead work
then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.
And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Genesis 2:7-
then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.
Illustrate: Trees Aging Gracefully chapter
As trees age their limbs start to bend over and hang similar to arthritic fingers
But servicing the forest system does not end in death of the tree. The rotting tree cadaver will continue to play a role in the forest ecosystem for hundreds of years to come
Some trees devote considerably more energy and effort in developing their root system
As I prepare to close I want to leave you with the words of Jesus
my Father is the vinedresser= one who occupied in agriculture gardening, vineyard keeper
Jesus is the true grapevine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:1-
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:18-
The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22-23
All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
John 2:
So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Mark 14:
“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ”
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.