Abiding in The Vine

Intro- In the history of Israel, they often referred to their nation as a vine that was planted by God.

In the history of Israel, they often referred to their nation as a vine that was planted by God.

The psalmist wrote in

Psalm 80:8 ESV

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.

Israel had a lot of pride in being God’s chosen race. They began to think of themselves more highly than they ought to. They thought salvation and power came just from their bloodline rather than their connection to God.

Jesus begins this text with 5 powerful words… “I am the true vine”. Implying that there were false vines… connection to physical Israel was not going to save them, Connection with Jesus was.

What does it mean to Abide in Jesus?

The word “abide” comes from the Greek word - μένω/ meno which literally means - “To remain ; to continue to live in”

Break down the text...

What kind of people will be fruit bearing people? What does “Abiding in the Vine” look like?

Holding on to His teaching.

1 John 2:24 ESV

24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.

OT writers often referenced writing God’s word on their heart. it needed to be part of who they were.

This is very different from someone who simply looks up a verse every now and then. This is someone who makes God’s Word part of who they are.

This is done with consistent study, meditation, prayer,

Obeying Him.

John 15:10 ESV

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.

I cannot claim to abide “remain, continually live in Christ” if I don’t heed what He says.

There have been so many people throughout the years that believe that their salvation was secure simply because they believe in Jesus, or because they live a “moral life”. Jesus, says, it requires obedience.

total surrender to Him as king.

Living Like Him.

1 John 2:27 ESV

27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

1 John 2:6 ESV

6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

This is pretty straightforward language from John. If you say you abide in Christ, then you need to live like Christ.

Meaning we have to do away with all of the excuses as to why we aren’t living like Christ.

Well, I was raised a little different,

I can’t help it, that’s just the way I am

I know this is wrong, but...

If I say I’m abiding in Him, I have to live like Him.

Conclusion- As we consider the true vine of God, all there is for us to do is honestly determine if we are abiding in it, or if we will be cut off and cast into the fire.

If we are abiding- Holding on to His teachings, Obeying Him, Living like Him… There is an everlasting love that we will remain in. If we choose to hold to another teaching, or choose not to fully submit in obedience, and just sort of live on the edge of christianity, or if we are comfortable reading the pages of scripture and looking at His life and saying, “that is nothing like me… we will be cut off by the Father.

Are you abiding in Him?

Are you in Him?