Christ’s Vision of Discipleship

What do people think of today when they hear the word ‘disciple’? Maybe a fanatic? One that follows some moral example? One who forsakes the rest of the world in order to focus on some form of teaching? In his article Knowing God: Discipleship, Tim Challies says, “To be a disciple means to be a learner and a follower. As people learn the gospel and follow Christ, they become disciples of Jesus. This is the calling of the church—to go and make disciples of all nations ().”[1] He goes on to say, “Discipleship is not one of the things that the church does—it’s what the church does.”[2] In tonight’s passage we’re going to be looking at Christ’s vision of discipleship. To Jesus, a disciple is one who is so rooted in Him as the True Vine —that is one who abides in Him, His Word, and His love—that he or she bears fruit to the glory of the Father and to their own joy. To do this, we’re going to be looking at this through the lens of the cast of the metaphor: 1) the Father as the Vinedresser, 2) Jesus as the True Vine, and 3) we, the Church, as the branches.

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6.13.19

6.15.19

6.13.19

Christ’s Vision of Discipleship

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Tonight, before we delve in to this passage on the Vine and the Branches, we should ask ourselves, “What do people think of today when they hear the word ‘disciple’?” Maybe a fanatic? One that follows some moral example? One who forsakes the rest of the world in order to focus on some form of teaching? In his article Knowing God: Discipleship, Tim Challies says, “To be a disciple means to be a learner and a follower. As people learn the gospel and follow Christ, they become disciples of Jesus. This is the calling of the church—to go and make disciples of all nations ().”[1] He goes on to say, “Discipleship is not one of the things that the church does—it’s what the church does.”[2] In tonight’s passage we’re going to be looking at Christ’s vision of discipleship—a discipleship that is rooted in Him as the True Vine and works both to the glory of the Father and to the enjoyment of man. To do this, we’re going to be looking at this through the lens of the cast of the metaphor: 1) the Father as the Vinedresser, 2) Jesus as the True Vine, and 3) we, the Church, as the branches.

Christ’s Vision of Discipleship

What do people think of today when they hear the word ‘disciple’? Maybe a fanatic? One that follows some moral example? One who forsakes the rest of the world in order to focus on some form of teaching? In his article Knowing God: Discipleship, Tim Challies says, “To be a disciple means to be a learner and a follower. As people learn the gospel and follow Christ, they become disciples of Jesus. This is the calling of the church—to go and make disciples of all nations ().”[1] He goes on to say, “Discipleship is not one of the things that the church does—it’s what the church does.”[2] In tonight’s passage we’re going to be looking at Christ’s vision of discipleship—a discipleship that is rooted in Him as the True Vine and works both to the glory of the Father and to the enjoyment of man. To do this, we’re going to be looking at this through the lens of the cast of the metaphor: 1) the Father as the Vinedresser, 2) Jesus as the True Vine, and 3) we, the Church, as the branches.

What do people think of today when they hear the word ‘disciple’? Maybe a fanatic? One that follows some moral example? One who forsakes the rest of the world in order to focus on some form of teaching? In his article Knowing God: Discipleship, Tim Challies says, “To be a disciple means to be a learner and a follower. As people learn the gospel and follow Christ, they become disciples of Jesus. This is the calling of the church—to go and make disciples of all nations ().”[1] He goes on to say, “Discipleship is not one of the things that the church does—it’s what the church does.”[2] In tonight’s passage we’re going to be looking at Christ’s vision of discipleship. To Jesus, a disciple is one who is so rooted in Him as the True Vine —that is one who abides in Him, His Word, and His love—that he or she bears fruit to the glory of the Father and to their own joy. To do this, we’re going to be looking at this through the lens of the cast of the metaphor: 1) the Father as the Vinedresser, 2) Jesus as the True Vine, and 3) we, the Church, as the branches.

This section of the Gospel of John is a part of what’s known as Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse.” In it, Jesus is telling His disciples how to carry on after He is gone. The disciples are left with questions of how they are to carry on their ministry in the world without their Lord by their side. This is the context of this passage on the Vine and the Branches. So, let’s get started with taking a look at…

What do people think of today when they hear the word ‘disciple’? Maybe a fanatic? One that follows some moral example? One who forsakes the rest of the world in order to focus on some form of teaching? In his article Knowing God: Discipleship, Tim Challies says, “To be a disciple means to be a learner and a follower. As people learn the gospel and follow Christ, they become disciples of Jesus. This is the calling of the church—to go and make disciples of all nations ().”[1] He goes on to say, “Discipleship is not one of the things that the church does—it’s what the church does.”[2] In tonight’s passage we’re going to be looking at Christ’s vision of discipleship. To Jesus, a disciple is one who is so rooted in Him as the True Vine —that is one who abides in Him, His Word, and His love—that he or she bears fruit to the glory of the Father and to their own joy. To do this, we’re going to be looking at this through the lens of the cast of the metaphor: 1) the Father as the Vinedresser, 2) Jesus as the True Vine, and 3) we, the Church, as the branches.

This section of the Gospel of John is a part of what’s known as Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse.” In it, Jesus is telling His disciples how to carry on after He is gone. The disciples are left with questions of how they are to carry on their ministry in the world without their Lord by their side. This is the context of this passage on the Vine and the Branches. So, let’s get started with taking a look at…

The Father as the Vinedresser (v1-2)

“…and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”[3]

The Father as the Vinedresser (v1-2)

In our passage tonight, we are smacked in the face with the unavoidable reality that we will all one day stand before a righteous God as sinners in wait of ultimate judgment. As we read here in verses 1 and 2, this holy Judge is shown to us as a capable vinedresser. This metaphor can be lost on us a bit today, but in the agrarian society of ancient Israel it would be a powerful, well-known word picture. The vinedresser was responsible for the health of the vine and quality of the fruit being produced. Here, He masterfully tends the “True Vine”, that is Christ, so that it may bear more fruit. And how does a vinedresser go about his work? The tool of His trade is the knife. With this knife, He cuts off the branches that don’t bear fruit, allowing the life-giving nourishment of the vine to be utilized by the other branches that are actually producing fruit, but it doesn’t stop there. To these fruit-bearing branches, He also lovingly prunes them in order that they might be even more fruitful. The fact of the matter is that regardless of how good or bad the branch actually is, the good Vinedresser will inflict some painful, stretching act that must be endured for the betterment of the vine. [Pause] This isn’t the god of some prosperity gospel that wants you to, “Have your best life now,” this is the God of the Bible! This is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! [Pause] This is the holy God that your sin and my sin violates on a regular basis. And, this is the very God that gave us His Son that those who believe in Him would not die, but have eternal life—the True Vine—ironically giving you your best life now. The God of love that Jesus speaks of in verse 10 is the same righteous God that prunes the good branches and cuts off the bad ones so that they can be thrown into the fire and burned.

In our passage tonight, we are smacked in the face with the unavoidable reality that we will all one day stand before a righteous God as sinners in wait of ultimate judgment. As we read here in verses 1 and 2, this holy Judge is shown to us as a capable vinedresser. This metaphor can be lost on us a bit today, but in the agrarian society of ancient Israel it would be a powerful, well-known word picture. The vinedresser was responsible for the health of the vine and quality of the fruit being produced. Here, He masterfully tends the “True Vine”, that is Christ, so that it may bear more fruit. And how does a vinedresser go about his work? The tool of His trade is the knife. With this knife, He cuts off the branches that don’t bear fruit, allowing the life-giving nourishment of the vine to be utilized by the other branches that are actually producing fruit, but it doesn’t stop there. To these fruit-bearing branches, He also lovingly prunes them in order that they might be even more fruitful. The fact of the matter is that regardless of how good or bad the branch actually is, the good Vinedresser will inflict some painful, cutting act that must be endured for the betterment of the vine. [Pause] This isn’t the god of some prosperity gospel that wants you to, “Have your best life now,” this is the God of the Bible! This is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! [Pause] This is the holy God that your sin and my sin violates on a regular basis. And, this is the very God that gave us His Son—to die on the cross for our sins—that those who believe in Him would not die, but have eternal life—the True Vine—ironically giving you your best life now. The God of love that Jesus speaks of in verse 10 is the same righteous God that prunes the good branches and cuts off the bad ones so that they can be thrown into the fire and burned.

“…and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”[3]

In our passage, we are smacked in the face with the unavoidable reality that we will all one day stand before a righteous God as sinners in wait of ultimate judgment. As we read here in verses 1 and 2, we can glean a bit of the character of the Father. This holy Judge is presented to us here as a capable vinedresser. This metaphor can be lost on us a bit today, but in the agrarian society of ancient Israel it would have been a powerful, well-known word picture. The vinedresser was responsible for the health of the vine and quality of the fruit being produced. He masterfully tends the “True Vine”, that is Christ, so that it may bear even more fruit. And how does a vinedresser go about his work? The tool of His trade is the knife. With this knife, He cuts off the branches that do not bear fruit, allowing the life-giving nourishment of the vine to be utilized by other branches that are actually producing fruit, but it doesn’t stop there. To these fruit-bearing branches, He also lovingly prunes them in order that they might be even more fruitful. The fact of the matter is that regardless of how good or bad the branch actually is, the Vinedresser will inflict some kind of painful and cutting act that must be endured for the betterment of the vine. We are sinners and, as such, we should experience a deep existential state of crisis before this holy God. We offend His holiness on a regular basis and should fear the fire of eternal judgement that is to come! [Pause] The God of love that Jesus speaks of in verse 10 is the same righteous God that prunes the good branches and cuts off the bad ones so that they can be thrown into the fire and burned.

In our passage, we are smacked in the face with the unavoidable reality that we will all one day stand before a righteous God as sinners in wait of ultimate judgment. As we read here in verses 1 and 2, we can glean a bit of the character of the Father. This holy Judge is presented to us here as a capable vinedresser. This metaphor can be lost on us a bit today, but in the agrarian society of ancient Israel it would have been a powerful, well-known word picture. The vinedresser was responsible for the health of the vine and quality of the fruit being produced. He masterfully tends the “True Vine”, that is Christ, so that it may bear even more fruit. And how does a vinedresser go about his work? The tool of His trade is the knife. With this knife, He cuts off the branches that do not bear fruit, allowing the life-giving nourishment of the vine to be utilized by other branches that are actually producing fruit, but it doesn’t stop there. To these fruit-bearing branches, He also lovingly prunes them in order that they might be even more fruitful. The fact of the matter is that regardless of how good or bad the branch actually is, the Vinedresser will inflict some kind of painful and cutting act that must be endured for the betterment of the vine. [Pause] The God of love that Jesus speaks of in verse 10 is the same righteous God that prunes the good branches and cuts off the bad ones so that they can be thrown into the fire and burned.

Do you feel the weight of that? [Pause] I think that so often, especially in the American churches, we tend to focus on the loving God of the Bible, but do we really spend time on the holiness of God. Do we think about Him with the same awe and wonder and fear that we see in the Bible? Do you remember the, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” from ? [4] He knew he was a sinner and he knew He was toast before this holy God. [Pause] How laissez-faire are we when we approach this magnificent King in our daily lives? [Pause] This is the sovereign God of the universe that is tending this Vine according to His good plan, and we need to be made painfully aware of this truth. [Pause] Judgment is coming and those who do not abide in the True Vine will be cut off, they will wither, be gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned as we see here in verse 6. This is the reality that awaits those sinners outside of the “True Vine,” that is outside of Jesus Christ. [Pause] Thankfully, this Vinedresser is also the one who grafts new branches into the True Vine.

Jesus as the True Vine

Do you feel the weight of that? [Pause] I think that so often, especially in the context of American churches, we tend to focus on the loving God of the Bible, but do we really spend time on the holiness of God? [Pause] Do we think about Him with the same awe and wonder and fear that we see in the Bible? [Pause] Do you remember the, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” from ? [4] He knew he was a sinner and he knew that He was toast before this holy God. [Pause] How laissez-faire are we when we approach this magnificent King in our daily lives? [Pause] This is the sovereign God of the universe that is tending this Vine according to His good plan, and we need to be made painfully aware of this truth. [Pause] Judgment is coming and those who do not abide in the True Vine will be cut off, they will wither, be gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned as we see here in verse 6. This is the reality that awaits those sinners outside of the “True Vine,” that is outside of Jesus Christ. [Pause]

Jesus as the True Vine

Jesus says, “I am the true vine…”2

This passage stands as a sobering reminder for us in the sense that these branches being cut off, withered, gathered together, thrown into the fire, and burned are already a part of the True Vine, that is they are a part of the Visible Church. It is also sobering in the sense that we never “arrive” this side of glory and, even if we do bear fruit, we need continual pruning in order to bear more fruit to the glory of God. Who is it that wants to be pruned anyways? Those who want to be pruned are those who know that this pruning is good, those who know that it glorifies God, and those who want to have joy as we read in verse 11, where it says, These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.[5]

Jesus says, “I am the true vine…”2

This passage stands as a sobering reminder for us in the sense that these branches being cut off, withered, gathered together, thrown into the fire, and burned are already a part of the True Vine, that is they are a part of the Visible Church. It is also sobering in the sense that we never “arrive” this side of glory and, even if we do bear fruit, we need continual pruning in order to bear more fruit to the glory of God. Who is it that wants to be pruned anyways? Those who want to be pruned are those who know that this pruning is good, those who know that it glorifies God, and those who want to have joy as we read in verse 11, where it says, These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.[5] The determining factor between the good branch and the bad branch is the fruit.

That being said, there is the amazing hope we have in Jesus Christ, the “True Vine.” This image of the vine is one that is given throughout the Old Testament to symbolize Israel. For instance, in we read:

Thankfully, this Vinedresser is also the one who grafts new branches into the True Vine, into Christ—the only source of life—where they get what’s necessary to bear fruit and fulfill their purpose glorifying God and experiencing a joy that is full.

That being said, there is the amazing hope we have in Jesus Christ, the “True Vine.” This image of the vine is one that is given throughout the Old Testament to symbolize Israel. For instance, in we read:

5 Let me sing for my beloved

Jesus as the True Vine

5 Let me sing for my beloved

Jesus says, “I am the true vine…”2

my love song concerning his vineyard:

My beloved had a vineyard

Here is the amazing hope we have in Jesus Christ, the “True Vine.” This image of the vine is one that is given throughout the Old Testament to symbolize Israel. Turn with me if you will to . We’re going to be looking a verses 1-7:

My beloved had a vineyard

Here is the amazing hope we have in Jesus Christ, the “True Vine.” This image of the vine is one that is given throughout the Old Testament to symbolize Israel. Turn with me if you will to . We’re going to be looking a verses 1-7:

5 Let me sing for my beloved

on a very fertile hill.

5 Let me sing for my beloved

on a very fertile hill.

2 He dug it and cleared it of stones,

my love song concerning his vineyard:

2 He dug it and cleared it of stones,

my love song concerning his vineyard:

and planted it with choice vines;

My beloved had a vineyard

and planted it with choice vines;

on a very fertile hill.

he built a watchtower in the midst of it,

2 He dug it and cleared it of stones,

and hewed out a wine vat in it;

2 He dug it and cleared it of stones,

and he looked for it to yield grapes,

and planted it with choice vines;

and he looked for it to yield grapes,

and planted it with choice vines;

he built a watchtower in the midst of it,

but it yielded wild grapes.

he built a watchtower in the midst of it,

and hewed out a wine vat in it;

3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem

and men of Judah,

and he looked for it to yield grapes,

judge between me and my vineyard.

but it yielded wild grapes.

4 What more was there to do for my vineyard,

3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem

and men of Judah,

that I have not done in it?

and men of Judah,

that I have not done in it?

When I looked for it to yield grapes,

judge between me and my vineyard.

4 What more was there to do for my vineyard,

why did it yield wild grapes?

5 And now I will tell you

that I have not done in it?

5 And now I will tell you

that I have not done in it?

When I looked for it to yield grapes,

what I will do to my vineyard.

When I looked for it to yield grapes,

what I will do to my vineyard.

I will remove its hedge,

why did it yield wild grapes?

I will remove its hedge,

and it shall be devoured;

5 And now I will tell you

and it shall be devoured;

what I will do to my vineyard.

I will break down its wall,

what I will do to my vineyard.

I will break down its wall,

I will remove its hedge,

and it shall be trampled down.

6 I will make it a waste;

and it shall be devoured;

I will break down its wall,

it shall not be pruned or hoed,

I will break down its wall,

it shall not be pruned or hoed,

and it shall be trampled down.

and briers and thorns shall grow up;

and it shall be trampled down.

6 I will make it a waste;

I will also command the clouds

6 I will make it a waste;

I will also command the clouds

it shall not be pruned or hoed,

that they rain no rain upon it.

it shall not be pruned or hoed,

that they rain no rain upon it.

and briers and thorns shall grow up;

7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts

and briers and thorns shall grow up;

I will also command the clouds

is the house of Israel,

I will also command the clouds

that they rain no rain upon it.

and the men of Judah

are his pleasant planting;

7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts

are his pleasant planting;

is the house of Israel,

and he looked for justice,

and the men of Judah

but behold, bloodshed;

and the men of Judah

for righteousness,

are his pleasant planting;

for righteousness,

are his pleasant planting;

and he looked for justice,

but behold, an outcry![5]

and he looked for justice,

but behold, an outcry![5]

but behold, bloodshed;

Israel failed in their mission as a vine to the nations, but here we see Jesus taking on His role of the “True Vine.” Israel was to be God’s conduit to the nations. Through His chosen people, God’s Law was to go forth and the nations were meant to come to salvation in Him, but, as revealed in the Old Testament, this was not the case. Israel, rather than being that cultivated vine nourishing the nations and producing good fruit, becomes wild and unruly. It became like the very wild grapes of the nations it was intended to go out and save.

Here we see Jesus taking on His role of the “True Vine.” Israel was to be God’s conduit to the nations. Through His chosen people, God’s Law was to go forth and the nations were meant to come to salvation in Him, but, as revealed in the Old Testament, this was not the case. Israel, rather than being that cultivated vine nourishing the nations and producing good fruit, becomes wild and unruly. It became like the very wild grapes of the nations it was intended to go out and save.

Christ is everything Israel was supposed to be, but wasn’t, and more. His active and passive obedience, that is His righteous life of committing no sin and His suffering in our place on the cross to pay for our sins, fulfills God’s Covenant made with Abraham all the way back in and the Law given to Moses and the Israelites as they entered the Land of promise in . The truth is Jesus came and died to rescue us from the Father, to appease His holy and just wrath.

for righteousness,

Christ is everything Israel was supposed to be, but wasn’t, and more. His active and passive obedience, that is His righteous life of committing no sin and His suffering in our place on the cross to pay for our sins, fulfills God’s Covenant made with Abraham all the way back in and the Law given to Moses and the Israelites as they entered the Land of promise in . The truth is Jesus came and died to rescue us from the Father, to appease His holy and just wrath.

As verse 3 of our passage today explains, “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.”[6] Jesus, the incarnate Word, provides the life-giving nourishment believers need. In verses 4 and 5, Jesus commands the Christian to abide in Him, the “True Vine,” that he or she may gain access to the riches of Himself and, in-so-doing, gain a right relationship with the Father when He says:

but behold, an outcry![6]

As verse 3 of our passage today explains, “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.”[6] Jesus, the incarnate Word, provides the life-giving nourishment believers need. In verses 4 and 5, Jesus commands the Christian to abide in Him, the “True Vine,” that he or she may gain access to the riches of Himself and, in-so-doing, gain a right relationship with the Father when He says:

but behold, an outcry![6]

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.

The vine of old Israel is rotten and there is nothing living there to be grafted into! The world had no saving hope or help. Israel failed in their mission as a vine to the nations, but here we see Jesus taking on His role of the “True Vine.” Israel was to be God’s conduit to the nations. Through His chosen people, God’s Law was to go forth and the nations were meant to come to salvation in Him, but, as revealed in the Old Testament, this was not the case. Israel, rather than being that cultivated vine nourishing the nations and producing good fruit, becomes wild and unruly. It became bad fruit like the very wild grapes of the nations it was intended to go out and save. Praise God that now there is an objective Something, or better Someone, to be grafted into in order for us to glorify God the Father and experience the joy for which we were created!

The vine of old Israel is rotten and there is nothing living there to be grafted into! The world had no saving hope or help. Israel failed in their mission as a vine to the nations, but here we see Jesus taking on His role of the “True Vine.” Israel was to be God’s conduit to the nations. Through His chosen people, God’s Law was to go forth and the nations were meant to come to salvation in Him, but, as revealed in the Old Testament, this was not the case. Israel, rather than being that cultivated vine nourishing the nations and producing good fruit, becomes wild and unruly. It became bad fruit like the very wild grapes of the nations it was intended to go out and save. Praise God that now there is an objective Something, or better Someone, to be grafted into in order for us to glorify God the Father and experience the joy for which we were created[DVD1] !

As verse 3 of our passage today explains, “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.”[7] Jesus, the incarnate Word, provides the life-giving nourishment the first disciples needed to start them off clean and fruitful. He is what makes this fruit possible. D.A. Carson says:

But what does it mean to “abide?” This isn’t a typical word that we use today. It’s clearly important. After all, John uses some form of it 10 times in these 11 verses. The word here means to remain, continue, or stay in Christ. J.C. Ryle in his commentary on John puts it this way:

As verse 3 of our passage today explains, “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.”[7] Jesus, the incarnate Word, provides the life-giving nourishment the first disciples needed to start them off clean and fruitful. He is what makes this fruit possible. D.A. Carson says:

But what does it mean to “abide?” This isn’t a typical word that we use today. It’s clearly important. After all, John uses some form of it 10 times in these 11 verses. The word here means to remain, continue, or stay in Christ. J.C. Ryle in his commentary on John puts it this way:

The cleansing power of the word Jesus has spoken to his disciples, then, is equivalent to the life of the vine pulsating through the branches. Jesus’ word is not assigned magical power. What is meant, rather, is that Jesus’ ‘teaching’, in its entirety, including what he is and what he does, has already taken hold in the life of these followers.[8]

To abide in Christ means to keep up a habit of constant close communion with Him, to be always leaning on Him, resting on Him, pouring out our hearts to Him, and using Him as our Fountain of life and strength, as our chief Companion and best Friend. To have His words abiding in us, is to keep His sayings and precepts continually before our memories and minds, and to make them the guide of our actions, and the rule of our daily conduct and behavior.[7]

Life is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Him alone does the Christian find that which is needed to bear fruit and this is made possible only through the process of abiding in Him.

Are you spending time in His word? Are you regularly attending worship and receiving the means of grace? Are you regularly reaching out to Him in prayer as He commands us later in verse 7 when He calls us once more to abide in Him and commands us to, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This isn’t a privilege, it’s a duty. This asking isn’t a “name it and claim it” sort of thing, but rather a being so in tune with God and His Word that you desire the things that He desires and find yourself wanting and resting in His promises. These largely passive acts of abiding and asking are what leads to bearing fruit. In inundating ourselves with the truth of God’s word and regularly engaging with the means of grace (i.e. the preaching of the Word, the sacraments, and prayer) the believer will start to exhibit Christlikeness. Though the list of the fruits of the Spirit found in are not necessarily exhaustive, they do point to some evidences of our union with Christ. They are listed as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [8] They point us to the evidences of being grafted into the True Vine. I think we need to seriously reflect on our lives and ask ourselves the tough question, “Do I see any of these evidences in my life?” As we read above, the eternal consequences and implications of this question are simply staggering.

Are you spending time in His word? Are you regularly attending worship and receiving the means of grace? Are you regularly reaching out to Him in prayer as He commands us later in verse 7 when He calls us once more to abide in Him and commands us to, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This isn’t just a privilege, it’s a duty.[8] This asking isn’t a “name it and claim it” sort of thing, but rather a being so in tune with God and His Word that you desire the things that He desires and find yourself wanting and resting in His promises. These largely passive acts of abiding and asking—passive in the sense that they are relying on Christ rather than our own actions or will— are what leads to bearing fruit. In inundating ourselves with the truth of God’s word and regularly engaging with the means of grace (i.e. the preaching of the Word, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and prayer) the believer will start to exhibit Christlikeness. Though the list of the fruits of the Spirit found in are not necessarily exhaustive, they do point to some evidences of our union with Christ. They are listed as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [9] They point us to the evidences of being grafted into the True Vine. I think we need to seriously reflect on our lives and ask ourselves the tough question, “Do I see any of these evidences in my life?” As we heard earlier, the eternal consequences and implications of this question are simply staggering.

Life is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Him alone does the Christian find that which is needed to bear fruit and this is made possible only through the process of abiding in Him.

Verse 8 continues, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” The aim of all of this is to bring glory to the Father. [Pause] Christ’s vision of discipleship is bearing fruit to the glory of the Father and to the enjoyment of man. THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST! Boys and girls, does this remind you of your catechism lessons? [Pause] It should. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A #1 asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” How different is this notion of our chief end is from what we see in life today? If a friend were to ask you what you thought society’s chief end was today, what would your answer be? Consumerism? Convenience? Success? Maybe comfort?

Verse 8 continues, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” The aim of all of this is to bring glory to the Father. [Pause] Christ’s vision of discipleship is bearing fruit to the glory of the Father and to the enjoyment of man. THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST! Boys and girls, does this remind you of your catechism lessons? [Pause] It should. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A #1 asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” How different is this notion of our chief end is from what we see in life today? If a friend were to ask you what you thought society’s chief end was today, what would your answer be? Consumerism? Convenience? Success? Maybe comfort? The text says our aim should be to bear fruit so that the Father may be glorified.

In verses 4 and 5 we see how the disciple bears fruit. Jesus commands the Christian to abide in Him, the “True Vine,” that he or she may gain access to the riches of Himself and, in-so-doing, gain a right relationship with the Father when He says:

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.

Christ goes on to say, “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.” Christian, are you abiding in the love of Christ today? Are you experiencing that same love the Father has shown to the Son? Are Christ’s commandments even on your radar? The agricultural metaphor breaks down a little bit here, as D.A. Carson points out in his commentary on the Gospel of John, because it does not depict the unfathomable love that sets the disciples in this new intimacy. We read, “As the Father has loved me,” probably signals the perfection, the completeness of the Father’s love for his Son, including his love for him before time began—"so have I loved you.” Jesus depicts his love for his own as a completed thing, so imminently does the cross stand in view. Of course the Father himself loves the disciples (later in ), but there is a peculiar sense in which Jesus is the mediator of that love, a love whose only adequate analogy is the love of the Father for the Son.[9]

Christ goes on to say, “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.” Christian, are you abiding in the love of Christ today? Are you experiencing that same love the Father has shown to the Son? Are Christ’s commandments even on your radar? The agricultural metaphor breaks down a little bit here, as D.A. Carson points out in his commentary on the Gospel of John, because it does not depict the unfathomable love that sets the disciples in this new intimacy. We read, “As the Father has loved me,” probably signals the perfection, the completeness of the Father’s love for his Son, including his love for him before time began—"so have I loved you.” Jesus depicts his love for his own as a completed thing, so imminently does the cross stand in view. Of course the Father himself loves the disciples (later in ), but there is a peculiar sense in which Jesus is the mediator of that love, a love whose only adequate analogy is the love of the Father for the Son.[10]

Jesus is the power by which all of this is done, but what does it mean to “abide?” This isn’t a typical word that we use today, but it’s clearly important. After all, John uses some form of it 10 times in these 11 verses. The word here means to remain, continue, or stay in Christ. J.C. Ryle in his commentary on John puts it this way:

We, the Church, as the Branches

To abide in Christ means to keep up a habit of constant close communion with Him, to be always leaning on Him, resting on Him, pouring out our hearts to Him, and using Him as our Fountain of life and strength, as our chief Companion and best Friend. To have His words abiding in us, is to keep His sayings and precepts continually before our memories and minds, and to make them the guide of our actions, and the rule of our daily conduct and behavior.[9]

The Father is the Vinedresser, the Son is the life-giving True Vine, and we, the Church, get to be the branches. [Pause] This passage is a sobering reminder for us in the sense that these branches being cut off, withered, gathered together, thrown into the fire, and burned are already a part of the True Vine, that is they are a part of the Visible Church. It is also sobering in the sense that we never “arrive” this side of glory and, even if we do bear fruit, we need continual pruning in order to bear more fruit to the glory of God. Who is it that wants to be pruned anyways? Those who want to be pruned are those who know that this pruning is good. Those who know that it glorifies God. Those who want to have joy as we read in verse 11. The determining factor between the good branch and the bad branch is the fruit. In saying this, I think there can be the danger of legalism with, “How much fruit do I need in order to be ‘good?’” Please don’t get bogged down with this notion. When asking the question, “How much fruit should there be?” The answer is, “some.” Christ invites us to abide in Him, His Word, and His love. He is the One who accomplishes our justification (i.e. our declaration of righteousness) before the Father and we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This passage is teaching us that the Christian can have assurance in their salvation through seeing the fruit or evidences brought about by their union with Christ. They can see that their faith in Him actually means something, that their faith is more than just intellectual assent. A real faith changes you.

The Father is the Vinedresser, the Son is the life-giving True Vine, and we, the Church, get to be the branches. [Pause] This passage is a sobering reminder for us in the sense that these branches being cut off, withered, gathered together, thrown into the fire, and burned are already a part of the True Vine, that is they are a part of the Visible Church. It is also sobering in the sense that we never “arrive” this side of glory and, even if we do bear fruit, we need continual pruning in order to bear more fruit to the glory of God. Who is it that that wants to be pruned anyways? Those who want to be pruned are those who know that this pruning is good. Those who know that it glorifies God. Those who want to have joy as we read in verse 11. The determining factor between the good branch and the bad branch is the fruit. In saying this, I think there can be the danger of legalism with, “How much fruit do I need in order to be ‘good?’” Please don’t get bogged down with this notion. When asking the question, “How much fruit should there be?” The answer is, “some.” Christ invites us to abide in Him, His Word, and His love. He is the One who accomplishes our justification (i.e. our declaration of righteousness) before the Father and we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This passage is teaching us that the Christian can have assurance in their salvation through seeing the fruit or evidences brought about by their union with Christ. They can see that their faith in Him actually means something, that their faith is more than just intellectual assent. A real faith changes you.

Are you spending time in His word? Are you regularly attending worship and receiving the ordinary means of grace? Are you regularly reaching out to Him in prayer as He invites us later in verse 7 when He calls us once more to abide in Him and commands us to, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This isn’t just a privilege, this is an imperative is to the glory of God and the joy of man! We actually get the opportunity to do these things! This asking isn’t a “name it and claim it” sort of thing, but rather a being so in tune with God and His Word that you desire the things that He desires and find yourself wanting and resting in His promises. These largely passive acts of abiding and asking—passive in the sense that they are relying on Christ rather than our own actions or will—are what leads to bearing fruit. In inundating ourselves with the truth of God’s word and regularly engaging with the means of grace (i.e. the preaching of the Word, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and prayer), the believer will start to exhibit Christlikeness.

Conclusion

Are you spending time in His word? Are you regularly attending worship and receiving the ordinary means of grace? Are you regularly reaching out to Him in prayer as He invites us later in verse 7 when He calls us once more to abide in Him and commands us to, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This isn’t just a privilege, this is an imperative is to the glory of God and the joy of man! We actually get the opportunity to do these things! This asking isn’t a “name it and claim it” sort of thing, but rather a being so in tune with God and His Word that you desire the things that He desires and find yourself wanting and resting in His promises. These largely passive acts of abiding and asking—passive in the sense that they are relying on Christ rather than our own actions or will—are what leads to bearing fruit. In inundating ourselves with the truth of God’s word and regularly engaging with the means of grace (i.e. the preaching of the Word, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and prayer), the believer will start to exhibit Christlikeness.

Conclusion

Just to wrap things up, we need to ask ourselves, “Am I abiding, remaining, continuing in Christ, or is my focus in the wrong place?” [Pause]

Verse 8 brings us to goal of what it means to be a disciple, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” [DVD2] [MOU3] The aim of all of this is to bring glory to the Father. [Pause] Christ’s vision of discipleship is bearing fruit to the glory of the Father and to the enjoyment of man. THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST! Boys and girls, does this remind you of your catechism lessons? [Pause] It should. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A #1 asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” How different is this notion of our chief end—that thing for which we are made—from what we see today? If you were to ask a friend what they thought the world’s chief end was what do you think their answer would be? Consumerism? Convenience? Success? Maybe comfort? The text says our aim should be bearing fruit so that the Father may be glorified, and in-so-doing that our joy would be complete.

Verse 8 continues, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” The aim of all of this is to bring glory to the Father. [Pause] Christ’s vision of discipleship is bearing fruit to the glory of the Father and to the enjoyment of man. THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST! Boys and girls, does this remind you of your catechism lessons? [Pause] It should. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q&A #1 asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” How different is this notion of our chief end—that thing for which we are made—from what we see today? If you were to ask a friend what they thought the world’s chief end was what do you think their answer would be? Consumerism? Convenience? Success? Maybe comfort? The text says our aim should be bearing fruit so that the Father may be glorified, and in-so-doing that our joy would be complete.

Just to wrap things up, we need to ask ourselves, “Am I abiding, remaining, continuing in Christ, or is my focus in the wrong place?” [Pause]

• Are you pushing through life, picking yourself up by your own bootstraps the whole way?

Christ goes on to say, “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.” Christian, are you abiding in the love of Christ today? [Pause] Are you experiencing that same love the Father has shown to the Son? [Pause] Are Christ’s commandments even on your radar? [Pause]

• Are you pushing through life, picking yourself up by your own bootstraps the whole way?

The agricultural metaphor breaks down a little bit here, love has nothing to do with a vine. So, what is this love we are reading about? Christ is saying that if we remain in him and keep His commandments, we will abide in His love—and this is no ordinary love. This love is the perfect, full, never-changing, always on, intra-Trinitarian love shared between the Father and the Son. What could possibly be greater than that?

• Are you trying to control the kids at home on your own strength?

The agricultural metaphor breaks down a little bit here, love has nothing to do with a vine. So, what is this love we are reading about? Christ is saying that if we remain in him and keep His commandments, we will abide in His love—and this is no ordinary love. This love is the perfect, full, never-changing, always on, intra-Trinitarian love shared between the Father and the Son. What could possibly be greater than that?

• Are you working hard to kick that besetting sin "cold turkey”?

We, the Church, as the Branches

• Are you working hard to kick that besetting sin "cold turkey”?

We, the Church, as the Branches

• Maybe you're checking all the right boxes and, from the outside it looks like you're doing all the right things, but you know you're trying to do it all on your own power and recognizing that pride is the issue.

The Father is the Vinedresser, the Son is the life-giving True Vine, and we, the Church, get to be the branches. [Pause] We, as disciples of Christ, are designed to bear fruit to the glory of God and to our own enjoyment. There is also significance to the fact that it is “branches,” plural. When you look at the Greek, all of the “you’s” are “y’all’s.” We are called to engage in this bearing of fruit corporately to the glory of God and our joy. R.C. Sproul in his commentary on this passage says it this way:

• Are you regularly attending Church and taking part in the means of grace?

The Father is the Vinedresser, the Son is the life-giving True Vine, and we, the Church, get to be the branches. [Pause] We, as disciples of Christ, are designed to bear fruit to the glory of God and to our own enjoyment. There is also significance to the fact that it is “branches,” plural. When you look at the Greek, all of the “you’s” are “y’all’s.” We are called to engage in this bearing of fruit corporately to the glory of God and our joy. R.C. Sproul in his commentary on this passage says it this way:

I remember the story of a man who joined a church but never attended worship services. However, he came to the church picnic, and the minister spoke to him. He said, “I haven’t seen you in church lately.” The fellow said: “That’s true. I have learned that I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian. I can commune with God in my own way. I don’t need to be a part of the worshiping community on Sunday morning.” The pastor said, “I understand what you’re saying.” Then he casually walked over to a nearby charcoal grill, where hamburgers were sizzling. Using tongs, he moved one of the white-hot coals over to the side of the grill. He continued to chat with his wayward parishioner for a few minutes, then said: “Look at this coal. A few moments ago, this coal was radiant in its heat and warmth, and was useful for grilling these burgers. But what has happened since I removed it from the fire and set it apart by itself? It has grown cool and has become worthless for the task it was created to do.”[10]

You're not going to find the answers you're looking for there. You simply can’t! Christ doesn’t mince words when He says in verse 5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”[10] [Pause]

I remember the story of a man who joined a church but never attended worship services. However, he came to the church picnic, and the minister spoke to him. He said, “I haven’t seen you in church lately.” The fellow said: “That’s true. I have learned that I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian. I can commune with God in my own way. I don’t need to be a part of the worshiping community on Sunday morning.” The pastor said, “I understand what you’re saying.” Then he casually walked over to a nearby charcoal grill, where hamburgers were sizzling. Using tongs, he moved one of the white-hot coals over to the side of the grill. He continued to chat with his wayward parishioner for a few minutes, then said: “Look at this coal. A few moments ago, this coal was radiant in its heat and warmth, and was useful for grilling these burgers. But what has happened since I removed it from the fire and set it apart by itself? It has grown cool and has become worthless for the task it was created to do.”[10]

• Are you regularly attending Church and taking part in the means of grace?

You're not going to find the answers you're looking for there. You simply can’t! Christ doesn’t mince words when He says in verse 5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”[11] [Pause]

So, What does this look like? [Pause]

Together, only in the True Vine that is Jesus, can we accomplish what we were made to do. And, though we don’t have the time to get there tonight, later in verse 16 we see—as in the Great Commission—that this is also to the ends of producing the abiding fruit of new converts, that is evangelism.

In saying this, I think there can be the danger of legalism with, “How much fruit do I need in order to be ‘good?’” Please don’t get bogged down with this notion. When asking the question, “How much fruit should there be?” The answer is, “some.” Christ invites us to abide in Him, His Word, and His love. He is the One who accomplishes our justification (i.e. our declaration of righteousness) before the Father and we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This passage is teaching us that the Christian can have assurance in their salvation through seeing the fruit or evidences brought about by their union with Christ. We can see that faith in Him actually means something, that our faith is more than just intellectual assent. A real faith changes you.

• Maybe this looks like setting a regular time each day for the word & prayer.

In saying this, I think there can be the danger of legalism with, “How much fruit do I need in order to be ‘good?’” Please don’t get bogged down with this notion. When asking the question, “How much fruit should there be?” The answer is, “some.” Christ invites us to abide in Him, His Word, and His love. He is the One who accomplishes our justification (i.e. our declaration of righteousness) before the Father and we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. This passage is teaching us that the Christian can have assurance in their salvation through seeing the fruit or evidences brought about by their union with Christ. We can see that faith in Him actually means something, that our faith is more than just intellectual assent. A real faith changes you.

So, What does this look like? [Pause]

• Maybe you're not a believer & need to devote your life to Christ. If this is the case, I’d like to invite you to speak with one of the elders after the service. Just ask someone here to point you in the right direction. We’d love to speak with you and help in any way we can.

Though the list of the fruits of the Spirit found in are not necessarily exhaustive, they do point to some evidences of our union with Christ. They are listed as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [11] They point us to the evidences of being grafted into the True Vine. I think we need to seriously reflect on our lives and ask ourselves the tough question, “Do I see any of these evidences in my life?” As we read earlier, the eternal consequences and implications of this question are simply staggering.

• Maybe this looks like setting a regular time each day for the word & prayer.

Though the list of the fruits of the Spirit found in are not necessarily exhaustive, they do point to some evidences of our union with Christ. They are listed as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [11] They point us to the evidences of being grafted into the True Vine. I think we need to seriously reflect on our lives and ask ourselves the tough question, “Do I see any of these evidences in my life?” As we read earlier, the eternal consequences and implications of this question are simply staggering.

Conclusion

• Maybe you're not a believer & need to devote your life to Christ. If this is the case, I’d like to invite you to speak with one of the elders after the service. Just ask someone here to point you in the right direction. We’d love to speak with you and help in any way we can.

• Maybe you're checking all the right boxes and, from the outside it looks like you're doing all the right things, but you know you're trying to do it all on your own power and recognizing that pride is the issue.

Conclusion

R.C. Sproul in his commentary on this passage says it this way:

Just to wrap things up, we need to stop and wonder first of all what God has actually done for us in Jesus Christ. He has provided the True Vine by which we find our life and purpose. We need to ask ourselves if we are actually in that True Vine. If you are in the True Vine, are you producing fruit? We have to ask the tough questions of, “Am I abiding, remaining, continuing in Christ, or is my focus in the wrong place?” [Pause]

• Are you pushing through life, picking yourself up by your own bootstraps the whole way?

I remember the story of a man who joined a church but never attended worship services. However, he came to the church picnic, and the minister spoke to him. He said, “I haven’t seen you in church lately.” The fellow said: “That’s true. I have learned that I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian. I can commune with God in my own way. I don’t need to be a part of the worshiping community on Sunday morning.” The pastor said, “I understand what you’re saying.” Then he casually walked over to a nearby charcoal grill, where hamburgers were sizzling. Using tongs, he moved one of the white-hot coals over to the side of the grill. He continued to chat with his wayward parishioner for a few minutes, then said: “Look at this coal. A few moments ago, this coal was radiant in its heat and warmth, and was useful for grilling these burgers. But what has happened since I removed it from the fire and set it apart by itself? It has grown cool and has become worthless for the task it was created to do.”[11]

• Are you pushing through life, picking yourself up by your own bootstraps the whole way?

I remember the story of a man who joined a church but never attended worship services. However, he came to the church picnic, and the minister spoke to him. He said, “I haven’t seen you in church lately.” The fellow said: “That’s true. I have learned that I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian. I can commune with God in my own way. I don’t need to be a part of the worshiping community on Sunday morning.” The pastor said, “I understand what you’re saying.” Then he casually walked over to a nearby charcoal grill, where hamburgers were sizzling. Using tongs, he moved one of the white-hot coals over to the side of the grill. He continued to chat with his wayward parishioner for a few minutes, then said: “Look at this coal. A few moments ago, this coal was radiant in its heat and warmth, and was useful for grilling these burgers. But what has happened since I removed it from the fire and set it apart by itself? It has grown cool and has become worthless for the task it was created to do.”[12]

Whatever the case may be, know that a better way exists. Abide in Christ, the True Vine, and experience the life and joy made available to you in Him. In Him you will glorify the Father and do what you were created to do. As Jesus says at the end of our passage here tonight in verse 11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”[12]

Whatever the case may be, know that a better way exists. Abide in Christ, the True Vine, and experience the life and joy made available to you in Him. In Him you will glorify the Father and do what you were created to do. As Jesus says at the end of our passage here tonight in verse 11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”[13]

• Are you trying to control the kids at home on your own strength?

Let God grand it. Amen.

• Are you working hard to kick that besetting sin "cold turkey”?

Let God grand it. Amen.

• Are you working hard to kick that besetting sin "cold turkey”?

• Are you checking all the right boxes and, from the outside it look like you're doing all the right things, but you know you're trying to do it all on your own power?

[1] https://www.challies.com/sponsored/knowing-god-discipleship/

• Are you regularly attending Church and taking part in the ordinary means of grace?

[1] https://www.challies.com/sponsored/knowing-god-discipleship/

You're not going to find the answers you're looking for there. You simply can’t! Christ doesn’t mince words when He says in verse 5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”[12] [Pause]

[2] Ibid

What does this look like? [Pause]

• Maybe this looks like setting a regular time each day for the word & prayer.

[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

• Maybe you're not a believer & need to devote your life to Christ. If this is the case, I’d like to invite you to speak with one of the elders after the service. Just ask someone here to point you in the right direction. We’d love to speak with you and help in any way we can.

[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Whatever the case may be, know that a better way exists. Abide in Christ, the True Vine, and experience the life and joy made available to you in Him. In Him you will glorify the Father and do what you were created to do. Again, Jesus says at the end of our passage here tonight in verse 11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”[13]

Let God grant it. Amen.

[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

Let God grant it. Amen.

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[1] https://www.challies.com/sponsored/knowing-god-discipleship/

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[2] Ibid

[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[7] J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, 3 vols. (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1999), 3:116–17.

[8] Richard D. Phillips, John, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, 1st ed., vol. 2, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2014), 309.

[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[9] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[9] D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 520.

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[10] D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 520.

[10] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[11] R. C. Sproul, John, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009), 288.

[11] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[8] D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 515–516.

[12] R. C. Sproul, John, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009), 288.

[12] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[9] J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, 3 vols. (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1999), 3:116–17.

[13] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[9] J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, 3 vols. (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1999), 3:116–17.

[10] R. C. Sproul, John, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009), 288.

[11] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[12] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[13] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

[DVD1]Excellent!

[DVD2]You’ve already explained the “How”, I would clearly mark this point as the “goal”, purpose or “end”. “What’s the purpose of a disciple?”

[MOU3]