1. The Holy Spirit – Helping us lead godly lives
"Just Jesus from the Gospel of John"
The Holy Spirit – Helping us lead godly lives
Gawie spoke to us last week about the importance of faith and obedience if we’re going to walk in the purposes that God has for us as individuals and as a church.
It was really a great introduction to the book of James which has lots to say about faith. So before we get going with the book of James I want to give an overview of faith and what growing faith looks like…

2. Jesus – The Way John 14:6 NLT‬
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
So the illustration that we’re given about faith is of a seed that becomes a tree and that the bears fruit.
But for any tree, we know that what is above ground is just as important as what is under the ground. And the extent of our roots is based on the extent to which we trust God with our hearts and our lives…
If a tree has shallow roots, it’s likely to be blown down by any storm that comes it’s way. But if it’s roots are deep, (if we cultivate a deep faith in God), it will stand strong, like a tree that has become established along a river bank, even when trouble comes.

3. John 14:15‭-‬21 NLT‬
“15If you love me, obey my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
So the illustration that we’re given about faith is of a seed that becomes a tree and that the bears fruit.
But for any tree, we know that what is above ground is just as important as what is under the ground. And the extent of our roots is based on the extent to which we trust God with our hearts and our lives…
If a tree has shallow roots, it’s likely to be blown down by any storm that comes it’s way. But if it’s roots are deep, (if we cultivate a deep faith in God), it will stand strong, like a tree that has become established along a river bank, even when trouble comes.

4. A call to obedience John 14:15‭-,21 NLT‬ John 14:23-‬24 NLT‬
“15If you love me, obey my commandments.
21Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.
John 14:23-‬24 NLT‬
23Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.  24Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.
So the illustration that we’re given about faith is of a seed that becomes a tree and that the bears fruit.
But for any tree, we know that what is above ground is just as important as what is under the ground. And the extent of our roots is based on the extent to which we trust God with our hearts and our lives…
If a tree has shallow roots, it’s likely to be blown down by any storm that comes it’s way. But if it’s roots are deep, (if we cultivate a deep faith in God), it will stand strong, like a tree that has become established along a river bank, even when trouble comes.

5. A Helper
16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate (Friend / Helper), who will never leave you. 17He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
So the illustration that we’re given about faith is of a seed that becomes a tree and that the bears fruit.
But for any tree, we know that what is above ground is just as important as what is under the ground. And the extent of our roots is based on the extent to which we trust God with our hearts and our lives…
If a tree has shallow roots, it’s likely to be blown down by any storm that comes it’s way. But if it’s roots are deep, (if we cultivate a deep faith in God), it will stand strong, like a tree that has become established along a river bank, even when trouble comes.

6. 2 Peter 1:3 NLT: By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvellous glory and excellence.
So the illustration that we’re given about faith is of a seed that becomes a tree and that the bears fruit.
But for any tree, we know that what is above ground is just as important as what is under the ground. And the extent of our roots is based on the extent to which we trust God with our hearts and our lives…
If a tree has shallow roots, it’s likely to be blown down by any storm that comes it’s way. But if it’s roots are deep, (if we cultivate a deep faith in God), it will stand strong, like a tree that has become established along a river bank, even when trouble comes.
Philippians 2:12-13 NLT: Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

7. The Power we need Ephesians 3:16-17 NIRV
I pray that He will use His glorious riches to make you strong. May His Holy Spirit give you His power deep down inside you. Then Christ will live in your hearts because you believe in Him. And I pray that your love will have deep roots. I pray that it will have a strong foundation.
So the illustration that we’re given about faith is of a seed that becomes a tree and that the bears fruit.
But for any tree, we know that what is above ground is just as important as what is under the ground. And the extent of our roots is based on the extent to which we trust God with our hearts and our lives…
If a tree has shallow roots, it’s likely to be blown down by any storm that comes it’s way. But if it’s roots are deep, (if we cultivate a deep faith in God), it will stand strong, like a tree that has become established along a river bank, even when trouble comes.
Ephesians 3:20 NIRV
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by His power that is working in us.

8. Jesus – The Way A call to obedience A Helper The Power we need
Gawie spoke to us last week about the importance of faith and obedience if we’re going to walk in the purposes that God has for us as individuals and as a church.
It was really a great introduction to the book of James which has lots to say about faith. So before we get going with the book of James I want to give an overview of faith and what growing faith looks like…