John 15:5

Apathy:

- noun, plural ap·a·thies.

1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.

2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.

Synonym: Indifference

Empathy:

- the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Apathy is ME focused and Empathy is WE focused.

Apathy is ME focused  

- Someone possessing apathy lacks interest and concern for others and is only thinking about themselves, what they want and need. 

- Someone possessing apathy isn’t interested in anything that challenges their comfort or poses a threat to their agenda or self-interest. 

Empathy is WE focused

- Someone possessing empathy doesn’t disregard their wants or needs but instead chooses to push them to the side to consider other people.

- Someone possessing empathy sees how their actions and attitudes might affect those around them, both positively or negatively. They are aware of the feelings and needs that others possess. 

Philippians 2:4 

Spiritual Apathy - A lack of interest in or concern for things that Jesus finds moving or exciting.

Spiritual Empathy - An interest in or concern for things that Jesus finds moving or exciting.

1. WE ARE OVER-STIMULATED

2. WE ARE SELF-SUFFICIENT

3. WE ARE COMFORTABLE

1 Peter 5:8

Vigilant - to watch, give strict attention to, be cautious, active

1. I CAN’T LET APATHY BEAT ME

Esther 2:12-13

2. I CAN’T LET APATHY BEAT MY FAMILY

Esther 2:5-7 

Esther 2:10

Ephesians 5:25-26 says,

3. I CAN’T LET APATHY BEAT THIS WORLD

 Esther 7:3-6

Esther 2:5 says

Esther 9:5-10

John 15:16 

Luke 13:6-9 

If you have a fruit problem, you have a root problem. 

 Whatever gets your attention gets you.

Fruit is the product of 2 things: identity and environment

Matthew 12:33 

The identity of a tree is recognizable by the fruit it’s producing. 

Galatians 5:22-23 

A healthy tree in an unhealthy environment becomes unhealthy.

John 15:4–5 

#1 It takes time

Luke 13:8 

Psalm 37:4 

Before God gives you what you want He gives you what to want.

#2 Disconnect from some stuff

Luke 13:8


Ephesians 5:8 

#3 Connect with some stuff

Luke 13:8

Choose to be rooted in the Word of God.

Psalm 1:2-3 

Choose to be rooted in the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3:16-19

Choose to be rooted in the church.

Psalm 92:13

Your job is not to bear fruit. Your job is to stay put.

3 QUESTIONS EVERYONE MUST ANSWER:

1. THE QUESTION OF EXISTENCE: WHY AM I ALIVE?

2. THE QUESTION OF SIGNIFICANCE: DOES MY LIFE REALLY MATTER?

3. THE QUESTION OF INTENTION: WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?

DR. MYLES MONROE: The Pursuit of Purpose

“The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without reason. It is dangerous to be alive and not know why you were given life.” — Dr. Myles Munroe

1. WHY AM I ALIVE?

PROVERBS 16:4 NLT

YOU ARE ALIVE TO FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE IN LIFE!

YOU CAN ONLY FIND YOUR PURPOSE BY KNOWING GOD.

EPHESIANS 1:11-12 MSG

2. DOES MY LIFE REALLY MATTER?

QUESTION OF SIGNIFICANCE

EVERYONE ON EARTH LIVES AT ONE OF 3 LEVELS.

3 LEVELS OF LIFE:

1. SURVIVAL LEVEL: Majority of the world lives in survival mode—barely getting by, just existing but not living, controlled by their circumstances.

2. SUCCESS LEVEL: A few break out of survival mode and achieve the good life, where they achieve some of the dreams in their heart for a successful life—GREAT CAREER, PLENTY OF MONEY, GREAT FRIENDS, GOOD FAMILY, ETC…THE AMERICAN DREAM

3. SIGNIFICANCE LEVEL: You shift from living for just yourself and immediate family to living to make a difference in the lives of others.

PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 NKJ
SUCCESS VS. SIGNIFICANCE:

• SUCCESS asks, “How can I add value to MYSELF?”
• SIGNIFICANCE asks, “How can I add value to OTHERS?”
• “If I pursue SUCCESS, my joy is the result of my SUCCESS.”
• “If I pursue SIGNIFICANCE, my joy is the result of OTHERS’ SUCCESS.”
• SUCCESS can last a LIFETIME.
• SIGNIFICANCE can last FOR ETERNITY.

BELIEVERS LIVE FOR SUCCESS. DISCIPLES LIVE FOR SIGNIFICANCE.

3. WHAT IS MY PURPOSE?

“There is something for you to start that is ordained for you to finish.” — DR. MYLES MUNROE

“YOU CANNOT HELP OTHERS DEFINE LIFE UNTIL YOU DEFINE IT FOR YOURSELF.”

PROVERBS 29:18 NKJ

HOW DO I DISCOVER MY PURPOSE?

THE PROCESS OF PURPOSE:

1. PURPOSE BEGINS WITH A CROSS EXPERIENCE.

LUKE 9:23-25 NIV

LUKE 14:26-33 NKJ [READ]

2. REALIZE PURPOSE IS REVEALED THROUGH FAITHFULNESS.

LUKE 16:10-12 NLT 

3. PURPOSE IS CONCEIVED THROUGH A HOLY DISCONTENT.

PROVERBS 19:21 NIV
1. BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES

2. TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

3. RECONCILING CULTURES

4. IMPACTING NATIONS (WORLD MISSIONS)

THE ONLY WAY WE CAN ACHIEVE ANY OF THIS IS WE HAVE TO HAVE A CHURCH OF DISCIPLES—NOT BELIEVERS.

4. PURPOSE ACTIVATES THROUGH FAITH IN GOD’S POWER.

John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

The Bible promises we will face trouble in this world.

Trouble - thlipsis = a situation so difficult that it causes one to feel stressed, squeezed, pressured, or crushed.

John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

overcome - nikos = victory, a continuous and on going victory in the present and the future.

1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. 

#1 Your setback is God’s setup for your comeback!

Genesis 41:44 Pharaoh told Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, but no one in Egypt will make a single move without your stamp of approval."

#2 Your setback is God’s setup to produce new strength.

Genesis 39:2 The Lord was with Joseph,

Genesis 39:21 But the Lord was with Joseph

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

#1 Keep Your Knees Bent 

Prayer is not a last resort it should be our first response!

James 5:16 The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. 

When you lower yourself, you position yourself for elevation.

Psalm 146:8 The LORD raises up those who are bowed down.

Job 5:11 He sets on high those who are lowly

Luke 1:52He has exalted those who are humble.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

#2 Keep Your Hands in the Air

If my worship precedes my breakthrough my worship will produce my breakthrough.

If you will give God your song you will see God's strength!

#3 Box Out the Opposition

James 4:7 - Resist the devil and He will flee from you. Resist= to stand in opposition, or to withstand.