Sermon Notes 02 November 2025

Pastor Ryan Perry Sermon 02 November 2025
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Series Theme

• The Holy Spirit doesn’t just give power—He grows the life of Jesus in us.
• Power without character is dangerous; gifts without growth are hollow.
• Discipleship isn’t information—it’s formation:
• Christ-likeness, shaped by the Spirit as we stay rooted in Christ.

The Tree on Stage — Our Series Symbol

• Roots = Hidden life with God (prayer, Scripture, obedience)
• Trunk = Endurance — standing through every season
• Branches = Ministries reaching out in Spirit-empowered service
• Fruit = Visible character of Christ

By year’s end our tree will tell a story—a church rooted in Christ, shining with His light, growing in grace, and bearing fruit that lasts.
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Power and Character

• In Acts, the Spirit’s power (δύναμις / dýnamis) authenticates the message. Miracles, tongues, healings, and bold preaching confirm Jesus is Lord.
• In the Epistles, the Spirit’s character (ἦθος / ēthos) authenticates the messenger. True spirituality is Christ-like character, not performance.
• Gifts (χαρίσματα / charísmata) show what you do; 
• Fruit (καρπός / karpós) shows who you are. The Spirit’s power proclaims the Gospel’s truth; His character embodies it.

Rooted in the Vine — John 15:1-6 - “Abide in Me (μένω / menō)… for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

• “Abide” means make your home in—a living, ongoing connection. 
• Fruit isn’t self-manufactured; it’s the by-product of union.
• You don’t earn it—you stay connected and receive it.

Pruned for More — John 15:2-3 - “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes (καθαίρει / kathairō) that it may bear more fruit.”

• καθαίρω (kathairō) = to cleanse, to purify, to prune— literally, “to make clean by taking away.” 
• God makes fruitful things cleaner by cutting them. 
• Example: A rose bush looks wounded after pruning, yet weeks later it bursts with more blossoms. 
• The gardener cuts not to hurt but to heal; not to punish but to prepare for greater fruitfulness.
• Pruning = Proof of Life. The Father prunes externally through circumstances; the Word cleanses internally through truth.

Fruit That Lasts — Galatians 5:22-25 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

• Fruit (singular) = one integrated Christ-life, not nine separate virtues.
• Each facet reflects Jesus Himself:
• Love → His self-giving heart. Joy → His delight in the Father. Peace → His calm amid chaos.

The Spirit is not a distributor of virtues but the indwelling life of Christ reproducing Himself in us.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step (στοιχῶμεν / stoichōmen) with the Spirit.”

• Stoicheō = to march in line, to keep cadence.
• The Spirit sets the rhythm; we match His pace.
• The flesh (sarx) moves to self’s beat; the Spirit teaches trust, patience, surrender.

Shaped Like Jesus — Romans 8:29 | Philippians 3:10-11

• “Conformed (συμμόρφους / symmorphous) to the image of His Son.”
• “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…”
• God’s goal isn’t our comfort but our conformity to Christ.
• He uses pruning, pressure, and providence to carve His Son’s likeness in us.
• Salvation is not an event but a formation—God’s ongoing artistry in the soul.
• Holiness = trajectory: Repent fast. Return to pace. Keep in step. 
• The Spirit’s goal isn’t performance but progress.

Altar Call & Prayer
“Holy Spirit, form in us the life of Jesus.
We submit our gifts to Your governance and our desires to Your pruning.
Make us trees of righteousness—rooted, fruitful, and faithful.”

Verses:

• John 15:1-6
• Galatians 5:22-25
• Romans 8:29 
• Philippians 3:10-11