A Letter Of Concern- Grow Where You Are Planted Series

Series: Action [#81]

A LETTER OF CONCERN-

GROW WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Introduction:

We have discussed this before; but it is still an important point- No one chooses where they are born or who their parents are. You are in this town, in your house, and in this Church for a reason. Sometimes, I think about how I would love to Pastor a Church high in the mountains- A place where I could fish and hunt all of the time. The problem is, who would I be serving?

Today, we are going to look at serving God wherever He has placed you. You should be growing in the Lord each and every day. Be a growing Christian where you are at. You cannot be a Christian where you are not.

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

1. The Gardner.

The Gardner…

* Assigns where the plant is planted.

The Christians at Corinth were unhappy. Some of them didn’t like their marital status, (single or married). Some of them did not like their social status, (free or a slave). As a Christian, God chooses where He puts you. The weather, (circumstances) is His choice. The type of plant, (gifts and talents) is His choice. This is universal- “This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.”

None of these circumstances should affect the fruitfulness of the plant. The people were unhappy because they were being selfish. “Keeping God’s commands is what counts.” Your fruitfulness is based on your faithfulness to God.

1 Corinthians 7:20, 24

John 15:1-4

The Gardner…

* Stays with the plant.

Jesus tells us that we are to remain in Him, and He will remain in us. For Christians, no matter what is going on in your life, God is with you. If life is like a windy day in Hobbs or a freezing day in Alaska; God is still there. God gives you everything you need in Him.

2. The plant.

As a Christian, you are the plant. Your job is to be obedient to God. “Each person should live as a believer.” Notice that it says, “Each person”.

Psalm 1:3

The plant is…

* Planted by the water.

God is your source of water. This water causes you to become more and more rooted and grounded.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

The plant is…

* A strong plant.

Notice that it says, “When heat comes”. This is not an if; but a when. When God is your water, your leaves are green and will not wither- You are strong.

The plant is…

* A productive plant.

Even in a year of drought, this plant never fails to bear fruit. There is nothing to worry about when God is your sustenance.

Conclusion:

Grow where God has planted you. God will move you when He chooses to. Be fruitful.