John 15:1-11

The Fullness of Joy is found in Christ

Introduction:

A child went to Toy Kingdom because he enjoyed seeing the different toys. Big, small, colorful, fluffy toys. When the child had selected his favorite toys, with a big smile, he brings the toys he likes so much with him and went out of the store. The attendant stopped him and told him that he could not bring the toys home. The smile and joy vanished from his face. The Father on the side noticed the situation, he came along and paid for the toys, and the child was so full of Joy again.

We are like that little child. We look for happiness and joy in the world (the toy kingdoms of the world), and we actually find some happiness and joy but only to find that it vanishes because it is only temporary. Only in the Father and in Jesus Christ we find the fullness of Joy.

This is what Jesus is trying to impress in the mind and heart of the disciples here in John 15:1-11.

Let us read John 15:1-11, and then we will pray.

I have entitled this sermon “The fullness of joy is found in Christ”

It was a Thursday evening, 2 days before the feast of the Passover, Jesus and disciples were in the upper room having their supper.

After supper, Jesus spoke to his disciples and encouraged them abide(remain, endure, connected) in him like that of a branch so that they may experience fullness of joy that only Christ can give.

Jesus is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. The day after, he will be arrested and crucified. The disciples will be temporarily left on their own. It just right and important that they need to hear encouragement from Jesus.

The key verse is found in verse 11 - “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

Main Idea: The fullness of joy can only be experienced when a person has a real relationship with Christ.

For us believers to experience the fullness of joy that comes from Christ….there are 2 important things to do.

Main points:

I. You must have a relationship with Christ (vv.1-3)

A. The fullness of joy can only be experienced when a person is connected to Christ.

The relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the disciples. (vv.1-3)

Jesus is the vine

The Father is the vinedresser/gardener.

The branches that bear fruit are the disciples whom the Father will take care of in order to bear fruit.

The branches that do not bear fruit are false believers.

Important truth: Spiritual transformation is a mark of a true disciple of Christ.

Application:

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior so you can experience the fullness of joy that only Jesus can give.

Transition: Professing faith to the Lord Jesus Christ is not a one time event. It is a daily profession and intention. That leads me to the second point.

For us believers to experience the fullness of joy that comes from Christ…

II. You must remain in Christ (vv.4-11).

We need to understand that Jesus Christ is the source of spiritual transformation and the sustainer of our spiritual growth.

A. The command to abide in Christ (v.4)

- The disciples must abide (remain, endure, obey) in Christ in order to experience spiritual transformation.

B. The Benefits of those who are in Christ and the consequences of those who do not

abide in Christ. (vv.5-7)

- Benefits - Bears much fruit (sustained spiritual growth), answered prayers (care and provision)

- Consequence – thrown away and burned (separated from the Lord and will be burned in Hell)

C. The Father is glorified when the disciples bear fruit (vv.8-10)

- Their fruit (transformed lives) is what the Father desires.

- Transformed life is proof of a true disciple of Christ.

- Transformed life happens when there is a continual abiding in Christ.

D. The purpose: For the disciples to experience the fullness of joy in Christ. (v.11)

- The true and lasting fullness of joy can only be found in Christ.

- They can experience the fullness of joy because Christ will be with them always.

fullness of Joy in Christ means - assurance of salvation, help in times of need, abiding presence of God.

- The fullness of joy is not dependent on the circumstances but on the person of Jesus.

What keeps a Christian from experiencing the fullness of joy in Christ?

- Unfaithfulness to Christ

- Looking for joy in the world.

- No blessings from God (as a result of the above).

Application: Let us be faithful to Christ by…

Standing firm in the promises of Christ. (His promises will be fulfilled even if it seems slow)

Do not follow the patterns and principles of the world. (be set-apart)

Daily feeding of God’s Word.

Conclusion:

When we find ourselves like the child looking for joy from the things of the world, let us repent of our sins.

Let us remember that the joy this world can give is only temporary.

We can only find the fullness of joy when we have a relationship with Christ and when we remain in Christ.

Let us hold on to the promise of Jesus - in Jesus you can experience the fullness of His joy!