Sermon Central
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Fruitful Disciples Of Christ Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Aug 7, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Examining disciples that are fruitful in their walk.
Disciples Of Christ
Sermon # 5 - Fruitful Disciples Of Christ
Today is sermon #5 in a series of 6 sermons about Disciples of Christ. So far we have seen
“False Disciples”
“Fearful Disciples”
“Fallen Disciples”
“Faithful Disciples”
Today we will look to the “Fallen Disciple” (Peter) and the “Faithful Disciple” (John) and see a few things about “Fruitful Disciples”
Consider what Jesus said in - John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:
Jesus tells His disciples that He chose them. He chose them for a purpose- “To Bear fruit” …To convert sinners. Jesus reveals that bearing fruit is not a temporary success. The fruit of our labors will remain throughout eternity.
I. The Reach Of Fruitful Disciples
A. They Reach People Personally - Acts 3:1-11
Peter & John went to the Temple at the time of prayer, They encountered a man who had been lame from birth, He was brought to the Beautiful Gate daily. He was a beggar and asked them for some money.
Peter looked at this man and said - Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! He then walked, leaped and began praising God. He then entered the Temple with them.
Imagine how many people simply ignored this beggar each day.
You know how it is, you see someone who looks different or undesirable and you will go out of your way not to come near that person. Maybe there were some who weren’t offended or put off by this man but they simply didn’t have (or take) the time to deal with him.
We are told that when Peter & John encountered them they “fastened their eyes on him” Think of how many people you encounter on a daily basis who are going through difficulty and are just hoping someone will notice and offer to help.
How many lost souls do you work with and never take the time to tell them about Jesus. Friend, if you seek to be a “fruitful disciple” You MUST reach out to people personally. Note: It is my experience that the best chance you have to lead someone to Jesus, is with those whom you have a personal relationship.
Not only do fruitful Disciples reach people personally:
B. They Reach People Publicly Acts 3:9-26
After this miracle, the people saw this beggar walking &praising God.The crowd was amazed!
Peter saw the crowd and immediately addressed them. He told them that they did nothing… GOD DID! The same God that sent His Son Jesus to them. This same Jesus that they rejected - He boldly proclaims that his man was healed “THROUGH FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS”
Peter goes on to tell them in Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
The message that we share is the same as Peter’s message back then! We are to reach people personally but never pass up the opportunity to reach a crowd.
Fruitful Disciples reach people personally & publicly but also:
C. They Reach People Properly - Acts 4:1 ¶And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed;
Verse 2 says that they “preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead”
Peter made it clear that this miracle was not through their own power. Peter & John Preached Jesus!
In fact, if you read the entirety of chapter 3 you find a great summary of the Gospel.
God sent Jesus!
Jesus was rejected!
Jesus died for your sins!
Repent of your sins!
That is STILL our message today
Being a fruitful disciples is not about you ...It is not about personally glory ...It is about obedience and GOD’S GLORY!!
II. The Resolve Of Fruitful Disciples - v1b the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
