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The follower of Jesus must find the fullness of their identity in Jesus. When this is our desire, we will find a corresponding growth in our discipleship as we are shaped by our efforts to rest in Christ Jesus.
Observations:
Rest:
- A rest of identity
- A rest of confidence
- A rest of action
Effort:
- Sin is deceiving
- “Egypt” is tempting
- “Today” is still available
Conclusion:
- The true disciple of Jesus is shaped by a desire to rest in Jesus
Application:
- A1. The Wearied – Rest
- A2. The Disobedient – Trust and Obey
- A3. The Abiders – Faithfully wait by remaining in Jesus
What does it mean to “remain in Jesus”?
1. It means shaping my identity around His possession
2. It means shaping my confidence around His timing, and purpose
3. It means shaping my actions after His ability, energy, and power - B. Love and Encourage one another
Exodus 31:13
“Now as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You must keep My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you may know that I am the Lord who makes you holy.”
Mark 6:30-32
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-26
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”
John 15:5-8
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Galatians 3:26-27
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Philippians 4:12-13
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Colossians 1:29
“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”
NASB – “For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.”
John 15:9-12
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”