This sermon is given by GPP Campus Pastor Jared Seeland. The scripture reference is from John 15:1-6.

 Key Verses

John 15:1-6

John 5:19

John 5:30

Galatians 5:17

Questions

Pastor Jared contrasted 'Where are you going when you die?' with 'Where are you going while you live?' How might these different questions shape our understanding of the Christian life?

What does it mean to 'abide in Christ' in practical terms? How is this different from just trying harder to be good?

The sermon mentioned that we often make decisions based on power, comfort, or recognition. Can you identify a recent decision where you were motivated by one of these rather than by abiding in Christ?

How do you distinguish between healthy authenticity and using 'being true to yourself' as an excuse to avoid God's commands?

Pastor Jared suggested that what we call 'authenticity' might actually be 'brain plasticity' - habits we've formed. How might this perspective change how we view our struggles with sin?

What areas of your life might God be wanting to 'prune' right now? What makes it difficult to trust the pruning process?

How has your understanding of what's best for your life changed over the past 10 years? How might this help you trust God's perspective more?

The sermon challenged us to sometimes 'go through the motions' even when we don't feel like it. How might spiritual disciplines help reshape our desires over time?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you've been making decisions based on your own desires for power, comfort, or recognition rather than abiding in Christ. Choose a specific spiritual practice (prayer, Scripture reading, worship, or service) that you will commit to doing daily - even when you don't feel like it - to help you abide more deeply in Christ.

Each time you practice this discipline, ask God to help you trust His pruning process and to draw your life from Him rather than from yourself.

Key Takeaways

Christianity isn't just about where we go when we die, butabout how we live purposefully while on earth.

Jesus is the true vine and the source of all life - we cannot bear fruit apart from abiding in Him.

Our own authenticity and self-reference can become idols that prevent us from following Christ's commands.

Trusting God's pruning process, though painful, is essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Abiding in Christ transforms how we see and treat others, especially those different from us.

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