TEXT: Luke 12:13-34

INTRODUCTION: How does one determine a life that has been fruitfully and usefully spent? How does God measure success in the life of an individual? Is it by the fleet of cars and rows of houses he has? How does God measure failure in the life of an individual? Is it by poverty or lack of education? Certainly not! God”s standard is different from human standards, Luke 12:15. And we are concerned about God”s standard in this series. May the Lord open our spiritual eyes to see those things that are of God in Jesus, Name. Amen.

1. JESUS CHRIST”S LIFE IS A PATTERN OF A FRUITFUL LIFE.

Col. 1:17-19; Matt. 28:18; Rev. 1:10-11; John 7:5; I Cor. 8:6; Heb. 13:8; Pro. 3:35; Dan. 6:1-4; Phil. 2:15; I Pet. 2:12; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 4:19; Matt. 4:19; I Cor. 11:1; I Thess. 3:9; Eccl. 4:5.

A fruitful life is one that puts Jesus first in all things. A life that starts with Jesus and ends with Him. A life that recognises that Jesus never changes and His standards remain the same today as ever. A life of wisdom, gloriously lived in the fear of God; a life without a casino online stain, without a blemish; an honest life, of hard work and soul-winning, spent in turning sinners to righteousness.

2. A FRUITFUL LIFE IS A LIFE OF LOVE.

Deut 6:5; Ps. 119; 162; Ps. 138:2; Ps. 119:97; John 14:23; John 15:14; Ps. 119:163, 165; Is. 26:3.

A fruitful life is a life that loves God. A life spent joyfully reading the word of God and meditating therein. A life spent obeying God and keeping His commandments. A life of peace, double portion of peace, based on holiness and absolute trust in God.

3. CONCLUSION:

In view of tonight’s study, how relevant and instructive are the following scriptures: Eccl. 1:1, 14, 17; 2:11, 17, 22, 26; 4:4, 16; 6:9?

Date: 11 August 2010