Subject: A Funky Favor (Digging Past Unproductivity)
Scripture: Luke 13:6-9 (New Living Translation) Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ 8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
Introduction: Unproductivity has no place in God's space! Our claim as recipients of God's generous grace, must be proved with the production of good fruit in our lives by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Transition: When someone does you a favor, certain steps must be taken by the recipient in order to not squander the opportunity of another chance. This text is tailored teach us how to dig deeper in three major movements...
Exposition:
1) Be Still...Psalm 1:2-3 encourages us to be a planted tree in God's word. Stop squirming and moving, so God can work on you! (Read James 1:2-4 in your leisure)
2) Be Quiet...Philippians 2:14 admonishes us to "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Don't make the mistake of being ungrateful for God's favor, because the good and the bad works out for your good! First Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
3) Be Productive...We all have been given a funky favor, of another year so let's make it count! God has gotten his hands dirty to help you be better. So, will you come up or be cut down?
Conclusion: Mercy and grace are close kin but aren't one in the same. Mercy doesn't give us what we deserve; that's pity. However, grace gives us what we don't deserve; that's favor!
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