How do we walk with Jesus?

John 15:4–11 ESV

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

INTRODUCTION

Where we left off this morning: The only way to live out Jesus’ teaching is to find Jesus’ healing and saving power.

Christianity isn’t about choosing new actions, but about changing the roots of our lives.

As we close out our time together, I want to challenge you with this question: where will I plant the roots of my soul?

UNDERSTANDING JESUS’ WORDS

The Picture

On trees and fruit.

The key: abiding (dwelling, remaining).

Faith in Jesus is truly about relationship. How do we relate to the people we are closest to? We listen to them, we talk to them, and we embrace their love.

The Result

Disciples ask what we want of Jesus (v. 7)

John 15:7 “7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Disciples embrace the love of God (v. 9-10)

John 15:9–10 “9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

Disciples live in the joy of God (v. 11)

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

The Practice

You soul will “abide” somewhere. Something will fuel the movement of your life. What will it be?

Some people dwell in their own sufficiency.

Some people dwell in their pursuit of comfort and pleasure.

Some people dwell in the drifting ideas of the culture around them.

None of these “roots” lead to lasting joy.

What would it look like if you committed to finding your roots in Jesus alone?