The Gardener

Key Takeaways

• Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches - created to be dependent, not self-sufficient.

• Our suffering isn't wasted - it's purposeful pruning

• Our identity is secure - received, not achieved

• Our lives matter and bring God joy

• Joy comes from sharing in God's delight, not manufacturing it ourselves

Study Questions

• Question 1

  How does the image of pruning reshape your understanding of suffering in your life right now?

• Question 2

  How does the concept of 'identity through injury' show up in your own life or in the cultural conversations around you?

• Question 3

  How does understanding that God's love for you is eternal and unchanging affect the way you approach your failures and successes?

• Question 4

  What purposes are you currently chasing that might be too small or too fragile compared to the purpose of glorifying God?

• Question 5

  If your life exists to give God joy rather than prove your worth, how does that change what you're striving for this week?

Seeking God’s Face Devotional

This month, we’ll be using the devotional Seeking God’s Face for our personal daily discipleship. Listen to the short podcast below to walk through this week’s selections and learn how this resource can shape your daily time with God.

This Week’s Liturgy

Call to worship

Psalm 107:1-3

Leader: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

All: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

Confession of FAITH | the new city catechism question of the week

New City Catechism Q & A #3

Q: How many persons are there in God?

A: There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Confession of sin

Father, we confess that we have tried to live as vines rather than branches. Instead of receiving life in your Son, we strive to generate our own. We seek identity in our achievements, security in our plans, and purpose in ourselves. Forgive us for living as if we were self-sustaining. Holy Spirit, return us again to Christ the True Vine, that we may abide in him and bear fruit to your glory. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

This Week’s Playlist

Looking Ahead

Join us next week as we explore Galatians 5:16-26.