R.I.P.E. CHRISTIANS II“WE ARE THE PLANTING OF THE LORD”
Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry
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Scripture Reference/Review
Isaiah 61:3 - To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty
for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the
LORD, that he might be glorified.
The greatest problem among Christians is grossly linked to a “lack of identity” or an “assumed
identity” apart from what we are identified with Christ
If people do not see the genuineness of the gospel lived out in God’s servants, then they won’t be able
to recognize the counterfeit.
While this world is full of deception in the church, focused on bringing disunity, confusion, and
rebellion, the world still needs to know what true Christianity is
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Review
Under Satan’s system, unbelievers minds are blinded so that
they cannot discern the truth. Believers are deceived so that
they may turn away from the truth (read 2 Cor 4:4)
Psalms 1:1-3 declares that we are to be like a tree planted
by the rivers of waters, that bring forth fruit in due season.
That brings forth its fruit in its season: The righteous
man bears fruit, such as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians
5:22,23). The fruit should come naturally in our lives,
because we are planted in the rivers of waters (God’s
life giving Spirit)
The goal of being “God’s planting is that God may be
glorified in our lives
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Trees of Righteousness: Isaiah 61:3
Distinguished by their relationship with God and are under his care and culture
The Nature of Trees
Jeremiah 17:8: He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the
stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not
anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
A tree stays connected to the source (Colossians 2:7: “…Rooted and built up in him and
established in the faith”) – The Holy Spirit is represented as living water
A tree bears fruit in its seasons - Psalms 1:3 - He will be like a tree firmly planted by
streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in
whatever he does, he prospers.
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Fruit also has a season
John 15:4 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can
ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:8 - Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Trees of Righteousness
Psalms 1:3: He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in
its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
God delights in “fruit bearing” Christians (Galatians 5:22,23). What farmer plants,
waters, and cultivates and doesn’t expect to harvest
Proverbs 11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls
is wise.
Standard Religion produces “works” but True Religion produces fruit. What is this
fruit?
Disciples – evangelizing and instructing others to become disciplined followers of God
Deliverance – restoring and recovering people for the kingdom of God
Devoted Acts- ministering to those who are in need, support, counseling, and love
Fruit is developed and sustained by abiding in Christ, the ministry of God’s Spirit, God’s Word,
and obedience
Just as fruit identifies its plant, our fruit identifies us. Jesus said bearing much fruit (which happens
when we abide in Him) shows we are His disciples (John 15:8)
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R.I.P.E. Fruit
Who wants to eat fruit that is unripen? As a matter of fact, unripen or rotten
fruit it is not even good for you
Psalms 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that
trusteth in him.
We know that fruit must grow to maturity. We do not plant an apple tree
expecting ripened fruit to appear the next day. Spiritual fruit also takes
time to develop and mature.
Fruit is for the benefit of others not just to the fruit. As believers we are
called to fellowship and encourage one another, bearing spiritual fruit for
the benefit of all.
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Rotten Fruit
Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn
bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good
fruit. 19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into
the fire. 20 "So then, you will know them by their fruits.
We are to examine fruit constantly, especially among those who present themselves
within the five-fold ministry
Jesus identified that one of the fruits of false prophets is “self-interest.” If we
observe men and women promote themselves or their doctrine over God - Beware
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Examine Fruit
How should we examine and ensure that what is being preached,
taught and ministered is true or not; good or bad fruit?
We should pay attention to the manner of living a teacher shows. Do they show
righteousness, humility and faithfulness in the way they live?
Do you observe a lifestyle of worldliness, pride, arrogance, or extravagance?
We should pay attention to the content of their teaching. Is it true fruit from
God's Word, biblically sound and proven? (2 Tim 2:15; 2nd Cor 4:2; 1st Tim 4:1)
Is it man-centered, seducing to the flesh or appealing to ears that want to be
tickled?
What do they teach about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit
We should pay attention to the effect of their teaching.
Are people growing in Jesus or merely being entertained, made more religious,
and eventually falling away?
Is what is being taught life changing (John 1:12); producing after its kind?
You may observe the rituals, but is it producing relationship?
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Example9
Practices: grave soaking, fire tunnels, prophetic practicing (example: sensing what’s in an envelope), releasing spiritual encounters (God, angels, spiritual
stuff), treasure hunting, mantle importing & glory clouds
___________mission is to create a vibrant
family of hope filled believers who deeply
experience the love and presence of God and
partner with Jesus to express the joy and
power of His kingdom in every area of life.
Church’s Mission/Vision Appears Sound
What They Practice
Spiritual Movement seems Authentic
Teaches that Jesus “had NO supernatural capabilities”; He was totally and completely a man but “in right
relationship to God” by the Holy Spirit:
As a side note: While these teachings represent a serious stray from doctrine, remember the Judaizers were the denominational structure that brought spiritual
bondage as well
However…..
Terms:
Fire tunnels: This is where you go between 2 rows of ministry people and
they reach out and pray for you and bless you. During this operation they
will, as they learn, give you a piece of the Holy Spirit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqGLJ0b5lh4
Grave soaking (sucking) or Mantle grabbing – Soaking up the anointing
from a dead person, preferably an anointed man or woman of God.
Treasure Hunting: A group of people (three to five per team) asks God for
words of knowledge about people’s names, clothing, appearance and prayer
need(s). They plot on their map and go to a location where they find people
who fit this description
http://www.croydonchurch.org.uk/Articles/224149/Croydon_Churches/Church_in_th
e/Treasure_hunting.aspx
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Observing Fruit
1 Timothy 4:1 - But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall
away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of
demons,
1 Timothy 4:6 - In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good
servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of
the sound doctrine which you have been following.
Pointing out what? Apostasy and Error
We put warning labels on food. We may even give advice to others to where we
can find good produce. Maybe we should consider that when we discover unsound
doctrine
Discern carefully and remember you are not the final authority. There are many
Christians in error who proclaim they see the error in others
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Reaping What You Sow
Galatians 6:8 - For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap
corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
A farmer reaps the same as he has sown. If he plants wheat, wheat comes up. In
the same way, if we sow to the flesh, the flesh will increase in size and strength.
This principle has application beyond giving finances – sowing and reaping
Sowing to the Spirit is like sowing apple seeds. Not only do you get one tree,
and one apple, but even that apple has many seeds. As we sow to the Spirit
consistently, we will reap godly fruit in so many areas of our lives
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• To sow is to satisfy the nature and yearnings
of your flesh or your spirit (yes, your spirit
yearns)
• Corruption relates to moral decay; a loss of
eternal salvation; eternal misery
Sowing to the Flesh
When we sow seeds of strife and discord, we reap
bitterness and disharmony in our lives and destroy others
(Proverbs 16:28)
When we sow to our flesh constant worldliness, consuming
corrupt media, and unbalanced teachings we reap a carnal
mind (1st Cor 3:3) and the works of the flesh (Galatians
5:19-21)
If you sow seeds of pornography, substance abuse, etc. you
will reap a corrupt mindset, oppressed by addiction and
lasciviousness (Gal 5:19; Ephesians 4:19)
i.e. Lasciviousness which is a gross form of wickedness with sexual
overtones begins with a sinful heart (Mark 7:21, 22), then
manifests itself in fleshly, carnal actions (Galatians 5:19) until it
becomes a state of “past feeling” (becoming insensitive, callous,
and hardened to the sin) (Ephesians 4:19)
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Sowing to the Flesh
Sowing to the flesh begins in the thought-life. Every
time you hold a grudge, entertain an impure fantasy,
wallow in self-pity, speak ill of another person, or fail
to carry out your responsibilities through
procrastination or laziness, you are sowing to the flesh.
To be self-centered, critical of others, or envious of
others is sowing to the flesh (Galatians 5:15, 26).
When we sow seeds of doubt, fear, unbelief,
accusation, bitterness, we will reap depression,
anxiety, financial instability, oppressive spirits, etc.
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Sowing to the Spirit
When we are sowing seeds by reading, speaking God’s Word, we are
reaping strong faith. (Romans 10:17; Psalms 119:10,11)
When we sow seeds of praise and worship, fasting, praying in the spirit,
and prayer, we reap faith and spiritual power (Jude 1:20; Matt 17:21)
When we sow to our faith, virtue and knowledge, we reap temperance,
patience, and godliness (2nd Peter1:5-7)
When we sow faithfulness we reap blessings in our spirit and in our lives
The fruit of the Spirit is rooted in Love (Galatians 5) and from God’s love
being shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5), we produce godly fruit.
Therefore to walk in love is sowing to our human spirit
When we faithfully endure trials, sowing good works in the midst of them,
we will reap joy and gladness (Psalms 126:5)
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Points of Emphasis
If people say to you that they are not growing, then you have to
ask them how they are sowing
Observing and fulfillment of religious obligations and attendance
is not sowing
It is the individual who surrenders to Christ in faith, becoming
rooted and grounded in him, abiding in the presence of His Spirit
on a consistent, daily
basis
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Sowing into Others
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what
he sows (Galatians 6:7)
What are you sowing into your marriage? Your family? Are you observing the
fruit of it?
What are you sowing into your children?
What are you sowing into the people God has connected you with?
All our thoughts, words, and acts—are seeds. They have in them a quality
which makes them grow where they fall, reproducing themselves, producing
life or death, encouraging others, building up, maturing in others, or even
destroy and cause the spiritual fruit in others to grow stale or stagnated.
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Sowing Seeds18
“I don’t know why you get so
stressed out? You must be crazy
or something!” You need peace!“Why won’t you talk to me? I an going
to pray that God drives that demon of
laziness and stupidity out of you! DO
you hear me?”
“You’re never going to be
anything but a whiny
crybaby the rest of your
life!”
Parents
Be careful what you sow
Always observe and watch it grow
For [our earthly fathers] disciplined us for only a short period of time and chastised us
as seemed proper and good to them; but He disciplines us for our certain good, that we
may become sharers in His own holiness. 11 For the time being no discipline brings joy,
but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of
righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in
righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in
right living and right standing with God]. Hebrews 12:10-12 (Amplified)
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This Goes Both Ways
"Sow a thought—and you will reap an act;
Sow an act—and you will reap a habit;
Sow a habit—and you will reap a character;
Sow a character—and you will reap a destiny!“
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The root of almost all of our sins – our thoughts.
When we act in a particular way, those actions already lived inside our
hearts and minds
Be more careful of what you sow, for if you sow
You will reap
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Becoming R.I.P.E. Christians
Christians are best used for God’s glory when they are R.I.P.E.
Renounce the works of darkness and Reprove them (Ephesians 5:11)
Imitate - Be ye imitators
Pattern - a pattern of good works
Exhort, Edify, and Enlighten others
R.I.P.E. Christians need good soil
Luke 8:15 - But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people]
who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just ( noble, virtuous) and worthy
heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience.
It does matter where you are planted and to be planted in a place
where you can grow and mature spiritually
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Renounce: To Give Up22
Keeping Oneself Unspotted – Avoiding contamination
From the book of Genesis, Lot is an example of a man who was spotted by the
world. He started living towards Sodom, disregarding the spiritual climate of the
area because of the prosperity of the area. Eventually he moved to the wicked
city and became a part of the city's leadership. Although he may have hated
the sin in that area, he was contaminated by his association with them.
You can’t come out of the world physically, but you can reject the world’s system
2 Corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
(expose) them. (means call sin for what it is)
2 Corinthians 4:2 - But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness,
nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Joshua 3:5 , “And Joshua said unto the people, sanctify yourselves: for
tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
We used to say that we are in the world, but not of the world (John 17:
15,16). Today it seems that many believers are of the world, but not in it.
We bring so much worldliness into the church proceeding to contaminate it
with a corrupt culture, new age thinking, mysticism, and cultic teachings in an
effort to make it relevant to the current culture
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Imitate – Be True to the Model
Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; (read vs 2-5)
1 Corinthians 11:1 - PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I
imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).
We must make God our example and model; we are not to compare
ourselves among others
We must have an accurate and spiritual knowledge of God and Jesus to
understand how we are to imitate them. Christ gave us an example during
his life here on earth. God is revealed throughout the scriptures
To imitate God means to be like him. For example, in Leviticus 11:45 God
said, "Be holy, for I am holy.“
Are you a imitator of Christ or a Jesus impersonator?
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Imitate Christ, but do not be an “Imitation”
Pattern
Titus 2:7 - In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:
in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
The definition of a pattern is someone or something used as a model to
make a copy, a design, or an expected action.
A person or thing considered worthy of imitation or copying; a predictable
or prescribed route, movement, etc
To be effective as a teacher, one must be an example
Paul was encouraging Titus to be an example, to show doctrinal stability
and integrity
Can someone look at your spiritual life today and express an interest or
desire to pattern themselves after you?
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Exhort, Edify, and Enlighten Others
1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to
doctrine.
Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but
that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one
another, even as also ye do.
Have you taken any time to edify or exhort someone lately?
Edify means to build up
Exhort means to encourage men to perform their duties
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Final Note27
As you continue to grow in grace and be an imitator or Christ,
showing forth a pattern of good works, and be an example
for others to follow, try not to overestimate yourself.
Practical Living Ministry
Practical Living Ministry exists to assist individuals, groups, and
organizations to operate to their full God-given ability by sharing life
changing principles for spiritual growth and development.
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If you would like to contact Dr. Jones for a speaking engagement at your
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culture. Please contact Pastor Kenneth Jones at
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