Abiding in Christ
Notes
Transcript
We all remember Hurricane Michael. We had extensive power loss. For several days we were cut ooff from electricity. The first few hours weren’t so bad—phones were charged, food was still cold. But a few days later, everything had changed. Food spoiled, devises died, and what seemed like minor inconveniences became major disruptions to daily life.
What struck me during that time was how our community came together. Neighbors sharing generators, checking on the elderly, cooking meals together before food could spoil. In our disconnection from power, we found connection with each other that made the hardship bearable.
This is much like our spiritual lives. We might feel fine disconnecting from our source for a little while. We coast on yesterday’s devotional time or last Sunday’s worship. But eventually, without that connection to our true power source, our spiritual lives begin to wither.
Last week, we looked at the call to follow Jesus-to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This week, we move deeper into what following Jesus looks like day by day. It’s not just a one-time decision. It’s a lifelong connection.
Imagine a branch trying to live without being attached to a vine. It might look okay for a moment, but soon, it withers. Jesus tells us clearly in John 15:5 “5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” If we’re going to follow Jesus, we must stay rooted in Him.
(Hold up a small vine branch or grapevine as a visual aid)
Look at this branch. As long as it's connected to the vine, it receives everything it needs. The moment it's cut off, the clock starts ticking on its life. This isn't just a cute illustration—it's the reality of our spiritual lives.
Pruning for Purity
John 15:1–3.”
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
Jesus begins with a powerful metaphor: He is the true vine, the source of life and nourishment.
God the Father is the gardener, and we are the branches.
Sometimes, God prunes us-not to harm us, but to grow us. Pruning removes what is dead, distracting, or damaging.
Illustration:
A grapevine will only produce healthy fruit if the gardener prunes it. Left alone, it might look full of growth, but the fruit will be small—or none at all. Similarly, just because something in your life seems full doesn’t mean it’s fruitful.
Application:
Some of you are going through painful seasons—not because God is absent, but because He’s present. He’s pruning. Let that pain point you back to Him. Ask: What is God trying to remove or reshape in my life so I can bear more fruit?
The pruning process can be uncomfortable, even painful. But pruning isn’t the end goal—it’s just preparation. God doesn’t prune us and leave us to heal on our own. He prunes us so we can connect more deeply to our source of life.
Hebrews 12:11
11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
God’s pruning doesn’t just remove the dead parts of our lives; it makes us more fruitful in our walk with Him.
This brings us to our second point...
2. Power of Presence
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Jesus makes it clear: life apart from Him is powerless.
“Abide” means to remain, stay connected, dwell—this is daily, not once-a-week.
The more we abide, the more we are filled with His strength, not just striving in our own.
Illustration:
Think of a phone that’s not plugged in. It may work for a while, but eventually, the battery dies. We’re the same way spiritually.
Our culture celebrates independence and self-sufficiency like never before. Social media constantly feeds us messages of “you’ve got this” and “believe in yourself.” Self-help books top the bestseller lists with promises that the power is within you. but Jesus offers a radically counter-cultural message: “Without Me you cna do nothing.” True strength doesn’t come from self-sufficiency but from Christ-dependency.
Application:
What does it look like to abide? Daily time in the Word. Honest prayer. Worship. Community with other believers. Let me suggest one specific practice that has transformed my own connection with Christ: the 5-5-5 method. Spend 5 minutes in silence, clearing your mind and preparing your heart. Then 5 minutes reading a short passage of Scripture, perhaps just a few verses. Finally, 5 minutes in prayer, responding to what God has shown you. Just 15 minutes, but done consistently, this simple practice can dramatically deepen your connection to the vine. Are you plugged into the vine—or are you running on spiritual fumes?
When we remain connected to Jesus, something beautiful happens. We don't just survive spiritually—we thrive.
The Greek word for “abide” (*menō*) carries a deeper meaning of remaining permanently, dwelling intimately. It’s not just about a visit here and there, but about a committed, ongoing relationship with Jesus. It’s like a vine deeply embedded into the soil, its roots growing deep and wide to receive nourishment. Without such deep roots, no lasting fruit can be born.
Practical Reminder: I encourage each of you to set a daily reminder on your phone labeled "Abide." When it goes off, take just a moment to reconnect with Jesus, even if it's just a breath prayer saying, "Jesus, I abide in you."
This brings us to our final point about the fruit that naturally grows from a life connected to Christ...
3. Promise of Productivity
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Jesus doesn't just call us to survival; He calls us to fruitfulness.
But He also gives a sobering warning—if we don’t abide, we become spiritually dry and disconnected.
Illustration:
Have you ever seen a branch lying on the ground after a storm? It’s brittle, lifeless. That’s what happens when we drift from Christ.
Application:
What fruit is your life bearing? Are you glorifying God with your words, relationships, and priorities? The fruit isn't just for you—it's a witness to others and a glory to God.
What does this fruit look like in everyday life? It shows up as:
Patience with your family when you're exhausted
Integrity at work when cutting corners would be easier
Generosity with your resources when culture says "hoard"
Kind words spoken about others when gossip is tempting
Peace in your heart when circumstances are chaotic
Gospel Connection:
Gospel Connection:
In the Old Testament, Israel was called God’s vine—but they failed to bear good fruit. Now Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” He fulfills what Israel could not. He is the life-giving vine, and when we trust in Him, we are grafted into His life. He’s calling us to bear fruit that glorifies the Father.
Following Jesus means remaining in Him. Not just admiring the vine, not visiting it occasionally, but being rooted in it.
Prayer Partners Moment:
Before we conclude, I'd like us to take a moment for connection. Turn to someone near you—a family member or friend—and take just two minutes to pray for each other. Pray that this week, God would help that person remain connected to Jesus, the true vine. Pray that they would sense God's presence and bear much fruit.
(Allow 2-3 minutes for paired prayer)
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Are you abiding—or just visiting?
Are you connected to the source—or trying to bear fruit on your own?
Call to Action:This week, I challenge you to make space to abide in Christ daily. Let Him prune, nourish, and bear fruit in you. He’s not asking you to produce fruit without Him. He’s inviting you to stay connected to Him—because apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Take a moment to assess your spiritual life. How would you rate your connection to the vine? Are you thriving, or are you running on spiritual fumes?
Father, we come before You today, thankful that You are the true vine and we are Your branches. Help us to abide in You every day, drawing near through prayer, Scripture, and worship. May Your pruning lead us to greater fruitfulness, and may our lives reflect Your glory. We confess that we can do nothing apart from You, and we ask for Your strength to remain rooted in Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
