“Abide: Stay Close to the Source”

John 15:1–8 CSB

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

HOOK

Illustration:

Imagine trying to charge your phone, but it’s not plugged in. You wake up expecting 100%, but it’s still dead.

What if you were to plug it in for a second or two, then unplug it?

Would your phone ever be COMPLETELY CHARGED and working as it should?

This is how many believers live…

disconnected from the source

wondering why they feel spiritually dry, tired, or fruitless.

Ask:

Are you plugged into Jesus, or just visiting Him sometimes?

What if the ONE THING that could change EVERYTHING was learning to stay close?

John 15:4 CSB

4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.

BOOK

Context:

Jesus is speaking to His disciples during His final hours before the cross (John 13–17).

These aren’t casual teachings — they’re deep truths for CLOSE followers.

The word “remain” (abide) is repeated over 10 times in this chapter — it’s that important.

Abide= reside, continue, live in

Abide in me and I in you…

Key Teachings from John 15:1–8:

Jesus is the vine – the source of life, strength, fruit.

Life

if you are desiring life because your life feels dead or stagnant, go to Jesus and abide in Him and He in you!

You have never truly experienced life, until you’ve experienced Jesus Himself

you can go through trials and hard times, but those aren’t truly life, they are events inside of the life that God has breathed into your lungs daily.

Experience Jesus and you will experience life!

John 10:10 CSB

A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

He’s the source of strength

when you are feeling weak and feel helpless, that’s a good place to be, because you know you ain’t got nothing…

Humility sees its need for help, and will be quick to ask for it!

Psalm 73:26 CSB

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.

Jesus is our source of FRUIT

Galatians 5:22–23 LEB

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such things there is no law.

Jesus is the Vine. We are the branches – we are TOTALLY dependent on Him.

Apart from Him, we can do nothing (v. 5).

Is this reality to you?

Whether you realize it or not, you CANNOT do anything without Jesus…NOT. ONE. THING.

Without Him, you can do NOTHING.

Settle this in your hearts!

Without staying plugged into Jesus and Him into you, you are FRUITLESS.

If we remain/abide/continue, we bear MUCH fruit:

Love

joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

growth & effectiveness in Holy Spirit, to the glory of God, and not your own

Your fruit is NOT for your own consumption, but for everyone AROUND YOU.

Important Truth: Jesus doesn’t just want belief — He wants connection. Daily, consistent, real connection.

LOOK – So what?

For New Believers:

It's easy to treat faith like a weekly event instead of a daily connection.

Jesus isn’t just inviting you to believe about Him — He’s inviting you to BELIEVE HIM and to live with Him.

Think of abiding as spending time with a best friend who actually changes you from the inside out.

because IT WILL and IT DOES…

Practical Picture:

Just like a branch stays connected to the tree to stay alive, you stay spiritually alive by staying connected to Jesus.

Start small:

read a little

talk to Him honestly

know that He’s not rushing you — He’s walking with you.

if you are rushed to do something or are panicky and anxious, it’s NOT OF GOD.

He gives PEACE, because He Himself is our PEACE…

The only thing we need be rushed for is to rid ourselves of sin!

For Seasoned Believers:

Be honest: Are you doing things FOR Jesus without being WITH Jesus?

Abiding isn't just about devotions or flattering words to God or other people:

it's about daily dependence.

Are you living today in your own strength or in His?

Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

That includes:

ministry

parenting

marriage

Friendship

leadership

even spiritual disciplines

Fasting

Studying His Word

Praying

Slowing

Challenge Questions:

What part of your life feels disconnected or unplugged from the Vine?

Where has fruit turned into effort — and effort into burnout?

Do people see fruit in your life that can only be explained by His presence, not your performance?

Are you visiting Jesus or abiding in Him?

Where are you trying to bear fruit without staying plugged in?

Power with God is the highest attainment of the life of full abiding.

Andrew Murray

TOOK – Challenge to respond

Takeaway Truth: If you want the fruit of Jesus, you need the life of Jesus flowing through you. And that only comes when you stay connected.

Stay close to Jesus this week by:

Reading one passage a day

meditate and chew on that passage throughout the day

Praying simply and genuinely (talking with Jesus)

Pausing to remember He’s with you

Encouraging someone with what you're learning.

Closing Invitation:

Jesus didn’t say, “Try harder” or “do more” He said, “Remain in me.” He’s not looking for perfect effort — just a heart that stays connected to Him.

John 15:8 LEB

8 My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit, and prove to be my disciples.

CLOSING

If you stay close to Jesus, fruit will grow.

You don’t have to force it — just remain.