Tensions: Intimacy & Involvement

Scripture References: John 15:1-17 (Main Text) Luke 10:38-42; 1 Corinthians 7:35

Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Abide and Go: The Intimacy/Involvement Tension)

• Recap of the series on living in biblical tensions (Grace/Truth, Cohesion/Inclusion, Supernatural/Natural).
• This week's tension: Intimacy (being connected with God) vs. Involvement (actively doing for God and others).
• We often feel pulled between needing to refuel (like needing gas) and needing to meet commitments (places to be). Illustrated by Mary and Martha (Luke 10).

Key Points:

1. Both Essential, Like Breathing:
   • The Christian life requires both intimacy (connection) and involvement (commitment) to thrive, like needing two legs to walk or breathing both in and out.
   • Intimacy without involvement leads to isolation and stagnation.
   • Involvement without intimacy leads to burnout, ineffectiveness, and prayer becoming a rubber stamp instead of a rudder.
2. Jesus Modeled the Rhythm:
   • Jesus lived in this tension perfectly. He consistently withdrew for prayer and solitude (intimacy) amidst His active ministry (involvement).
   • He embraced limits, said "no" when necessary, and prioritized connection with the Father. Discipleship involves learning to withdraw/leave like Jesus, not just engage.
3. Abiding is the Source of Fruitfulness (John 15):
   • In His final teaching, Jesus emphasized remaining or abiding in Him (the Vine) as the key to bearing fruit (v. 4-5).
   • Effective involvement flows naturally from a vital connection. "Apart from me you can do nothing" (v. 5) of lasting value.
4. Essentials for Abiding (John 15):
   • Jesus highlights key aspects of maintaining this connection: 
     • Pruning (v. 2): God's necessary "knife" cuts back even good things to produce more and better fruit. If we remain, we're cut back, not cut off.
     • Joy (v. 11): Delight in the relationship, not just duty, sustains us.
     • Friendship (v. 14-15): Jesus calls us friends; transformation flows from relational closeness.
     • Love (v. 9, 12-13): Receiving and remaining in His initiating love is foundational.
5. Secure Your Devotion & Protect Your Roots:
   • Connection with God isn't automatic; it requires intentional effort to "secure your devotion" (1 Cor 7:35) from drifting.
   • Protect this vital connection time. Life's busyness ("foot traffic") can erode our spiritual roots if we don't create "sacred enclosures" (Sequoia story).

Conclusion:

• Lasting fruitfulness and effective involvement are the natural result of intentionally cultivating and protecting our intimate connection (abiding) with Jesus Christ. We need both the "being with" and the "doing for."

Call to Action:

• Honestly assess your personal balance: Are you leaning too heavily toward intimacy or involvement? Are you a "clinger" or a "runner"?
• Intentionally prioritize and "secure" your time for connection with God. Protect your spiritual roots.
• Embrace God's pruning process, trusting it leads to greater fruitfulness if you remain in Him.
• Take communion, remembering Jesus is the Vine, the source of all life and fruit.

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