Page 148 - First Steps 2023

Lasting joy is fed not by circumstances, but by abiding in Jesus—so
focus there.

• Abide in Jesus
In John 15:1-11, Jesus described a life in him as branches (you) feed-
ing from a life-giving vine (him). If his followers would abide in him, they’d
have all they needed to flourish.
If they chose to cut themselves off from him, they’d wither and die.
And have exactly zero joy as they faded.
Abiding in Jesus (John 15:1-11) means staying mindful of him, de-
pending on him, and obeying him. It’s staying connected and in communi-
cation, and there’s a huge payoff for doing as Jesus instructs.

After describing abiding to his first followers, Jesus then says this:
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy
may be complete” (John 15:11).

Abide in Jesus = joy. Don’t abide = no joy. It’s a fairly simple set of
equations.
When you abide in Jesus and let him do his transformative work in
you, joy will be one of the natural outcomes of those efforts. Consider…

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-
23).

Talk about this: On a scale of 1 to 10, how are you doing
with abiding in Jesus? What gets in your way when it comes to
being mindful of him, depending on him, and obeying him?

• Practice stewardship
Stewardship is more than just donating money. It’s being intentional
to do the best you can with what you’ve been given by God—and that
includes your time and talents as well as your finances.
When Jesus-followers practice stewardship, they see how Jesus uses
them. They find satisfaction in being part of something bigger than them-
selves, experiencing purpose and passion.

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