Faith and fruit

Topics: faith, love for God, Jesus

I. Faith and belief!

1. For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you (Ephesians 1:15a).

2. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

3. Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one.

You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? (James 2:17-20)

II. Love God and love people!

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints (Ephesians 1:15b).
2. But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?? And He said to him, ??You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." "This is the great and foremost commandment." The second is like it, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets? (Matthew 22:34-40).
3. They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31).
4. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16).

III. Praise and prayer!

1. Do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; (Ephesians 1:16).
2. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).
3. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:17).

Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, June 1st, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Faith and fruit

An important Guideline of Life Groups: What we believe impacts how we behave! Discuss the biblical teaching of how Loving God and Loving people impacts the rest of our thoughts actions and attitudes.

Getting Started:

1. What prompted Paul to give thanks to God?
2. How can we love people (see Matt 25 for help)?
3. Which do you find easier to Love God or to Love people?
4. How often do you give thanks for your Oikos? Is your prayer life marked by your gratitude?

Discussing Truths:

1. How does Paul's prayer illustrate the importance of a deep and meaningful relationship with God?
2. How is faith shone in your life? What are some of the fruits that have shown in your life? And what are some of the fruits are Not shone in your life?
3. What is belief and faith?
4. Do you pray for others?

Now What? Application:

1. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of God in your own life?
2. How is your faith evidenced?