Tempe Nazarene Church
April 15, 2007
Pastor Brian Delbridge


“Yes Or No?”

John 15:16–17; Matthew 25:31–40; John 15:8–12

  1. Introduction
    1. We need more than success, we need significance.
    2. We want to contribute to something that lasts.
    3. We want to give our life to something bigger than us.
    4. We search for meaning in life.
    5. Real meaning comes from a relationship with Jesus.
    6. The identity of a Jesus-follower is wrapped up in service.
  2. Characteristics of A Jesus-Follower
    1. True worship

      (Matthew 25:31–40)
      31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
      “The first,” they answered.
      Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.
      32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

      The Parable of the Tenants
      33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey.
      34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.”

      35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third.
      36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way.
      37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.”

      38 “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ’This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
      40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

      1. We worship God by our actions toward others.
      2. We worship God by being His delivery system to others.
        1. Doing good and serving

          2. (Hebrews 13:16)

          16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

      3. True worship is serving.
    2. Pure love

      3. (John 15:16–17)
      16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
      17 This is my command: Love each other.

    3. Love is service.
      1. Our world needs to see a demonstration of love.
    4. Joy

      (John 15:8–12)
      8 “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

      9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
      10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
      11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
      12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

      1. When we are committed to Jesus, abiding in Him, loving one another through serving, we will experience joy.
      2. We all need a vision of eternity.
      3. God doesn’t need your ability but your availability.
  3. Conclusion
    1. The Word of God to each of today is:
      1. Live Big
      2. Dream Big
      3. Give Big
      4. Serve Big
    2. Will you commit to be a “Follower of Jesus”?

© 2007 Dr. Brian Delbridge, all rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996, 2004.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.