Connection to the Vine

Sermon Title: The Power of Abiding

Main Point:

Imagine a billionaire dies and leaves behind a massive fortune. The world rushes in to see who the rightful heir will be. All eyes land on a small-town guy named Longfellow Deeds. He’s eccentric, kind-hearted, a little awkward — but somehow he ends up in the middle of all the attention. Lawyers hand him control. The media calls him the heir. Everyone plays along—some out of greed, some out of curiosity.

But at the end of the story, the truth comes out: Deeds isn’t the heir. The real heir was there all along—Emilio, the quiet butler in the background. He wasn’t flashy, didn’t force his way to the front, but when the dust settles, it’s revealed that he alone has the right to the inheritance. Suddenly, every other claim falls flat. The world had it wrong. Only one person was ever truly worthy of the title: heir.

That twist speaks to something deep: being close to power, fame, or even goodness doesn’t make you the rightful heir. There can only be one. And in a world full of spiritual claims, philosophies, and religious voices, Scripture points to one man—Jesus—as the true Son, the rightful heir of all things.

If he’s the true heir, then everything belongs to him. He’s the one through whom the inheritance flows.

That’s the language Scripture uses for Jesus. He’s not one voice among many—He is the true heir, the one through whom all things were made, the one through whom salvation comes. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through this heir.

And in John 15, Jesus gives us another image: He is the true vine. Just like He’s the true heir, He is the true source of life. And if you’re connected to Him—if you abide in Him—then His life flows through you. You’ll persevere. You’ll bear fruit. And the fruit shows that you’re truly His.

Not everyone who appears close to the vine is actually abiding in it. But those who do—those who remain in the true vine—will show it.

Abiding in Christ empowers us to bear fruit, love deeply, and live with joy. Therefore, when we abide in Jesus, we become fruitful, prayerful, joyful, and loving disciples.

I. Abiding Produces Fruitfulness (vv. 1–8)

The imagry of the vine isnt anything new to the bible. There are Old Testement imagry that allows us to understand what purpose there is of Jesus calling himself the true vine.

In Isaiah 5, we’re introduced to a vineyard planted with loving care. God cleared the land, tilled the soil, planted it with choice vines, built a watchtower, and even hewed out a winepress. Everything was in place for it to flourish and bear beautiful grapes. But the vineyard failed—it produced wild, bitter grapes unfit for consumption.

Psalm 80 later reveals the identity of this vineyard: it is the nation of Israel. God brought them out of Egypt like a vine and planted them in the Promised Land. They were meant to bear fruit for Him—to show His character to the world. But over time, the vine became corrupt. It failed in its mission.

So when Jesus says in John 15, “I am the true vine,” He is making a powerful, even shocking statement. He is saying that He is everything Israel was meant to be—and more. The path to fruitfulness, to life with God, is no longer found in a physical nation, a lineage, or a set of laws. It's found in a person. Jesus is the true vine that produces good fruit.

This is deeply comforting for us. You don't need to be born into a particular ethnicity or heritage to belong to God. You don't need to trace your lineage back to Abraham. The way to God is not through nationality or tradition—it’s through Jesus, and Jesus alone. True followers of God are not identified by race or ritual, but by their connection to Christ.

And then comes the warning—verse 6. Jesus says that branches that do not bear fruit will be cut off, thrown away, and burned. But those that are part of the vine—those truly connected to Christ—are not left alone either. They are pruned. God trims, cuts, and shapes them so that they will bear more fruit.

Again, notice the stark contrast Jesus makes: not everyone who is around Jesus is in Jesus. Proximity to spiritual things isn’t the same as spiritual life. Some may appear close—attending church, knowing the language, even doing ministry—but if there's no real, life-giving connection to Jesus, there's no fruit. And if there’s no fruit, Jesus says, there's no life.

But if you are connected—if you truly abide in Him—God will not leave you as you are. He is committed to your growth. He will do whatever it takes to make you more like Jesus. That means pruning. It may be painful. It may be confusing. But it's purposeful. God is not content to let you dangle like a tiny sprout. He is determined to shape you into a fruitful branch that reflects His Son.

Those who abide in Christ are being pruned into the shape of the vine—formed more and more into the image of Jesus—so that they will bear much fruit, and in doing so, glorify the Father.

The hardship you’re facing right now may actually be evidence of God's kindness. He hasn’t abandoned you—He’s at work in you. God loves you too much to leave you as you are. And sometimes, His shaping comes with a sharp edge. It’s uncomfortable, even painful, but it’s not pointless. It’s purposeful. It’s His way of forming you into something more—more like Jesus. He’s committed to your growth. And if you belong to Him, He will not stop working until your life begins to bear fruit.

So here's the question: Are you truly connected to the vine? Not, Do you go to church? Not, Do you believe in God? But—Are you abiding in Jesus?

That word abide means to remain, to dwell, to stay rooted. It's not a casual connection. It's not a Sunday-only relationship. It's a daily, ongoing dependence on Christ for life, strength, direction, and fruit.

And here’s what Jesus promises: if you are connected to Him, God will be actively at work in you. That means He will prune you. He will cut away what doesn't look like Jesus. He will remove habits, attitudes, and attachments that are holding you back. It won’t always be comfortable—but it will always be loving. Because He’s committed to your growth.

So let me ask you:

Are there signs of fruit in your life? (love, joy, peace, patience… not perfection, but direction)

Are you growing more like Jesus over time?

Can you look at the last year and see how God has been shaping you, even through hard seasons?

And maybe the most important question—are you willing to be pruned?

Some of us are holding onto things God is trying to cut away—sin, pride, comfort, bitterness. But fruit only grows when we let the Gardener work.

Abiding in Jesus isn’t about trying harder. It’s about staying close. Resting in Him. Trusting His Word. Letting His life flow into yours.

II. Abiding Leads to a Powerful Prayer Life (v. 7)

The abiding nature of the christian leads to a powerful prayer life.

Key verse: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

The christians connection with Jesus is like a branches connection with the vine. Then that means that prayer is where the nutrients flow back and forth.

There is a relational aspect of the Christian to Christ and that relationship is seen in communitcation. Just as a husband communicates with his wife. So does those who are in a union with Christ talk with him.

Communication comes from the word of God as he is speaking to us through it. and we respond to the word through prayer.

Prayer is the life blood of the Christian. Prayer is also an essential fruit of the Christian. As we pray the Lord answers. As we call out to his name, he responds.

The word as Hebrews 1:1-3

Hebrews 1:1–3 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Prayer is a response to the word of God teaching us how to abide in Christ. Prayer is in response to the word of God rebuking us when we fail to abide and need pruning. It corrects our growth toward the Son. It trains us in how we are to grow. AS it does this, we pray to the Lord.

God hears our prayers and responds to us. He listens as we offer us prayers to him through our obedience to his Word. He is shaping us, molding us to be more like him. He changes our desires, he answers prayers as we are growing in him.

So the question is. Are you praying? If you arnt seeing God work, is your prayers shaped by your own desires. or are they shaped by scripture.

Praying Scripture is a good habit to get into.

One commentator equates prayer to breathing he says this, “

Exalting Jesus in John Answered Prayer

What does the latter look like? It looks like breathing. You breathe without thinking because blood is pulsing through your veins. When the Holy Spirit is pulsing through you, you pray without thinking. You just talk to God. An e-mail chimes, mention it to God. Someone steps into your office, mention it to God. You can’t find your keys, mention it to God. Prayer is as important to the soul as breathing is to the body”

I remember a saying that was given to me by one of my dearest friends, she said, “We often pray for the big things, but God is a God of the little things too.” If God is a God of the little things then we need to be praying continuously.

Through Prayer the father is glorified, through prayer we bear fruit and show we are disciples of Christ. Do we prioritize prayer. Do we pray for brothers and sisters here in the church? Do we seek to pray while the sermon is being given? we can always pray because of the relationship that we have with Jesus. He is near if we are abiding with him. We are connected to him every day.

III. Abiding Produces Deep, Sacrificial Love (vv. 9–13)

Another Characteristic or fruit of a Disciple that is abiding in Christ is a deep sacrificail love.

This love is different than that of the world. The love of the world is defined by desire of both sex and affection. The Love that comes from those who abide in Christ is deep and it is sacrifical.

It is deep

The deepness of the love that we are to show is seen in how we relate to one another.

Our love for others comes from the love that we have been given by the Lord.

God loves Jesus and in turn Jesus loves us with the same love.

We show that love that we have toward Jesus by being obedient to who he is.

We arnt obeying to earn love. We obey because we love. We dont earn love through obedience. We have the love of Christ and a fruit of abiding in Christ is seen in our love.

This speaks to the person that claims to be a Christian but is living aganst the will of the Lord, one who is persistently disobedient to Jesus. We can tell those who are abiding in Christ, if they are obeying the word of God. If the word is presented and they argue against the correction of the word, and live in disobedeience then that is saying they are not apart of the vine and they are to be pruned and thrown into the fire.

True Christians obey.

All across our country—and honestly, all around the world—you’ll find people who claim to follow Jesus, but their lives tell a different story. It’s spiritual nonsense to say, “I follow Jesus,” while ignoring what Jesus says. To say, “I love Jesus,” but then have no interest in His Word or His ways—that’s not love. That’s lip service.

Let’s be clear: faith that doesn’t lead to obedience is not biblical faith. A disciple who refuses to obey Jesus isn’t a disciple at all—he’s fooling himself.

But here’s the good news: when Jesus truly lives in you—when you’re connected to the true vine—obedience isn’t forced. It’s not just about checking boxes. His life in you begins to shape your heart. You start to love what He loves. You begin to treasure His words. And obedience flows—not from guilt, not from pressure, but from joy.

You’ll find yourself wanting to follow Him, because the more you abide in Him, the more your heart starts to look like His.

We are looking and abiding in someone who has loved us first, he has followed all the father commands.

Imagine a tree in a park, which not only grows tall and strong but also provides shade for anyone who cares to rest under its branches. Like that tree, our faith should feed our personal growth and extend to those around us. When we truly abide in Christ, our love becomes a shelter for others, nourished by our growth but always looking outward to share that love generously.

In your workplace, you may be facing conflicts with colleagues that leave you feeling frustrated and disconnected. Take a moment each day to pause and pray for your coworkers, asking God to give you a heart for them. Implement a 'kindness agenda' where you intentionally do something nice for at least one coworker each week—whether that's bringing coffee, offering help on a project, or simply sending an encouraging text. This approach embodies a practic

While navigating public spaces, such as your neighborhood or local store, you might notice others who seem downcast or overwhelmed. Take initiative to engage them in conversation, perhaps by complimenting something they’re wearing or asking how their day is going. This small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and create unexpected opportunities to share about God’s love. When you reach out amidst the busyness, you radiate the spirit of Christ, demonstrating that abiding in Him translates into tangible love for others.

al application of abiding in Christ and spreads His love throughout your workplace.

In your church community, consider the possibility that some members may feel isolated or neglected. Actively look for opportunities to invite someone who typically sits alone or hasn't attended small group recently for lunch or coffee. Show genuine interest in their lives and listen without judgment. This not only helps build connections but also encourages them to feel valued and loved within the body of Christ, cultivating a culture of abiding love.

While navigating public spaces, such as your neighborhood or local store, you might notice others who seem downcast or overwhelmed. Take initiative to engage them in conversation, perhaps by complimenting something they’re wearing or asking how their day is going. This small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and create unexpected opportunities to share about God’s love. When you reach out amidst the busyness, you radiate the spirit of Christ, demonstrating that abiding in Him translates into tangible love for others.

The love that we are to have is not just deep, but it is sacrificial.

The story of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel epitomizes sacrificial love. Jonathan, heir to the throne, recognized God's anointing on David and chose to protect him over his own interests. He risked his father's wrath and ultimately his own future. This friendship challenges us to consider how we place the needs of others above our own desires, mirroring Christ's selfless love for humanity. True love often requires us to lay aside our plans for the sake of another's well-being.

The love that we are called to have as followers of Jesus isn’t just deep—it’s sacrificial. It’s not a love of mere words or warm feelings. It’s a love that costs something.

Jesus didn’t say, “Feel affection for one another,” or “Be nice when it’s convenient.” He said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). And how did He love us? By laying down His life.

Sacrificial love is the kind of love that chooses others when it’s inconvenient. It’s the kind of love that forgives when it’s hard, that serves when no one is watching, that gives without expecting anything in return.

It's the love that steps into someone’s mess, that walks with people in their pain, that stays when others walk away. It’s the love that says, “I will carry the weight so you don’t have to.”

This is the love Jesus modeled—and if we’re abiding in Him, it’s the love that will start to flow through us. Because branches connected to the vine begin to carry the character of the vine.

So we’re not just called to feel love. We’re called to give it—freely, sacrificially, consistently. That kind of love is the fruit of someone abiding in Christ. It’s not easy. It’s not always natural. But it’s what happens when His life is flowing through yours.

Explanation: Abiding isn’t

IV. Abiding Results in Enduring Joy (vv. 10–11)

Key Verse: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:11

Explanation: The joy Jesus offers isn’t circumstantial. It’s not the kind of joy that rises and falls with the stock market, your health, or how people treat you. It’s not the shallow happiness the world offers that fades when life gets hard.

Jesus is talking about His joy—divine joy, rooted in the unshakable relationship between the Son and the Father. And He’s saying, “I want that joy to live in you.”

That kind of joy comes not from comfort or ease, but from abiding in Him. It flows from obedience, intimacy, and trust. When we walk closely with Jesus—when we remain in His love and follow His commands—joy grows deep within us like fruit on a healthy branch.

So if you're lacking joy, the answer isn't to chase better circumstances. The answer is to press in closer to Jesus. Joy is the natural byproduct of abiding in Christ. And He doesn’t offer a halfway version—He says, “that your joy may be full.”

Joy in Jesus is insepreable from knowing and following him. You can know, be united, follow him, without Joy.

This doesnt mean that there wont be darkeness or days that are not easy. But there is a confidence that Jesus is greater than anything else.

Jesus had joy. Is joy hard? Look to Jesus

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus had joy—and not just any joy, but a joy that could carry Him through the suffering of the cross. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that “for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” That’s not circumstantial happiness. That’s a deep, unshakable joy rooted in the will of the Father and the redemption of His people.

And here’s the amazing part: Jesus doesn’t keep that joy to Himself. In John 15:11, He says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” He wants His joy—divine, enduring, eternal joy—to live in us.

How do we experience it? Through relationship and obedience. Joy is the fruit of abiding in Jesus. The more closely we walk with Him, the more we obey His Word, the more we experience the joy He designed us for. Obedience doesn’t steal our joy—it deepens it. Because we’re not just following rules; we’re walking in step with the One who loves us and gave Himself for us.

So if you’re searching for joy, don’t look to circumstances. Look to Christ. Stay close to the vine. Abide in His love. And His joy will begin to take root and grow in your heart.

Application: Joy comes from being rooted in something unshakeable—Jesus.

Just look at the Apostle Paul. He wrote the letter to the Philippians while sitting in a prison cell—chained, confined, and uncertain of his future. And yet, that letter overflows with joy. Over and over again he says, “Rejoice!” Why? Because Paul’s joy wasn’t tied to comfort or freedom—it was tied to Christ. His relationship with Jesus was the source of his strength, his peace, and his joy. He could rejoice in suffering because he was abiding in the One who never changes. Paul shows us that joy isn’t about what’s happening around us—it’s about who lives within us. And that’s the same joy Jesus offers to all who remain in Him.

V. Abiding Forms Us Into Christlike Friends (vv. 14–17)

Key verse: “I have called you friends” (v. 15)

Explanation:As we abide in Christ, we don’t just become more like Him—we grow into deeper friendship with Him. Jesus says in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants... I have called you friends.” That’s not a casual acquaintance. That’s an intimate, abiding relationship where He brings us close, shares His heart, and walks with us daily. We’re not kept at arm’s length. We’re invited into closeness.

To have Jesus as a friend means you are fully known and still deeply loved. He sees every part of you—your strengths, your struggles, your sins—and doesn’t walk away. Instead, He draws closer. As a friend, He gives us access to His heart, inviting us into the deep things of God rather than keeping us in the dark like mere servants. He doesn’t just rule over us—He walks beside us, present in every valley and every victory. His friendship is marked by loyalty; He proved that at the cross when He laid down His life for us. And even now, He remains our advocate, always interceding for us before the Father. To be a friend of Jesus means you walk with someone who never abandons you, who shapes you through love, and who fills your life with a joy that suffering can’t steal. Friendship with Jesus is not shallow or sentimental—it is deep, faithful, and life-changing.

So here’s the question: What does it really mean to live as a friend of Jesus? It means we listen to Him. We trust Him. We walk in step with Him. Obedience isn’t a cold command—it’s a warm response to love. Friends of Jesus don’t obey to earn love; they obey because they have been loved. Love always comes first. Charles Spurgeon once said, “He who has Christ for his friend has a wealth the world cannot match.” That’s the kind of friendship that changes everything.

So don’t think of obedience as a burden—it’s a blessing. It’s not legalism, it’s love. It’s the joyful response of a heart that’s found its home in Jesus. The more we abide in Him, the more we’ll want to walk with Him. And as we walk with Him, His joy becomes our joy, and His life flows through us—producing fruit that points the world to Him.

Encouragement: You are not just a servant—you are His friend.

Conclusion:

Restate Main Point: Abiding in Christ empowers us to bear fruit, love deeply, and live with joy.