Jeremy Utley - A Caretaker of the Vineyards

Jeremy UtleySeptember 7, 202032mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionJeremy Utley130 messages

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: A Caretaker of the Vineyards Date: 09/06/2020 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The Lord builds the church, but He equips it through every individual member functioning properly, like the joints of a body. The speaker warns against neglecting one's personal spiritual life—one's 'own vineyard'—while focusing on ministry or serving others. To care for one's own vineyard, one must examine the fruit of love, the soil of humility, and other aspects of personal devotion.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Whose job is it to build the church?While Scripture affirms that Jesus builds His church, He chooses to do so through every member of His body working properly together.Matthew 16:18

The body building itself up in loveEphesians 4 explains that the church grows and builds itself up when every single part functions correctly.

They made me a caretaker of the vineyardsA recurring warning from Song of Solomon is the danger of becoming so busy caring for others' spiritual lives that we neglect our own vineyard.Song of Solomon 1:6

1. Examine the fruit of loveThe first indicator of a healthy vineyard is the fruit of the spirit, particularly a growing devotion and love for the Lord, His church, and the lost.

2. Check the soil of humilityHumility is the necessary soil for spiritual fruit to grow, softening our hearts so we do not become proud, hard, or easily offended.

3. Look at the seed of God's wordBelievers must evaluate their attitude and daily intake toward the seed of God's word, ensuring they actively listen to His voice.Isaiah 50:4

4. Test the root systemRoots draw water from above; believers must maintain a daily hunger and cry to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit.Ephesians 5:22

5. Observe the leavesLeaves represent our passion to receive the sunlight of God's love and be satisfied by His lovingkindness each day.

6. Catch the little foxesSneaky thoughts of fear, worry, lust, and bitterness act like foxes that ruin fruitfulness if not taken captive to Christ.

7. Pull out the weeds of bitternessJust like hidden weeds that grow close to plants, bitter thoughts and resentments can easily spring up and defile us if we are not diligent.

8. Watch out for thornsThe thorns of worldly worries, pleasures, and competing desires can choke the word of God and render a believer unfruitful.

9. Embrace the pruning knifeTrue caretakers must not faint or grow weary when the Lord disciplines and prunes them, recognizing it as proof of His sonship.John 15:2

The vineyard belongs to the LordSince believers were bought with a price, our entire lives and obedience belong to God for His enjoyment rather than our own.

Recognizing our profound debtWhen we understand the massive debt of sin that Jesus forgave us, serving Him makes us grateful, unworthy servants who gladly yield produce to Him.Luke 17:10

Beware of becoming vineyard hall monitorsUsing the parable of the laborers, Jesus warns those who have worked long hours against pride, grumbling, and comparing themselves to others.

An encouragement for the idleThose who have been idle or excused themselves from serving are called to get to work, because the Lord invites workers even at the eleventh hour.

Building with materials that survive the fireAt the final judgment, every person's life work will be tested by fire to see whether it was built on Christ with enduring materials or burned up.1 Corinthians 3:12–15

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