The Wisdom of Abiding In Jesus (John 15)

Caring For a Vine v.1-3

A. “I Am the True Vine”

NOTE: Knowing that Jesus is the “True” vine is important because there is no other support or sustenance for the human condition both physically as well as spiritually.

Colossians 1:15, Matthew 11:28-30

B. “The Father is the vine dresser”

1. Takes away branches that do not produce fruit. v.2a

2. Branches that produce fruit he prunes to bear more fruit. v.2b

C. “You are already clean.”

NOTE: is a branch that bears fruit considered to be “clean”? Jesus says you are clean because of “the word I spoke to you.” Is Jesus word a “pruning” device that cleans and prepares a person to “bear fruit”?

Reasons to Abide V.4-10

A. When we abide in Him He abides in Us. v.4a

B. Abiding in Jesus is the only way to bear fruit v.4b-5

1. Unless a branch abides it cannot bear fruit. v.4b

2. If we abide in Jesus we WILL BEAR FRUIT. v.5a

3. If we do not abide we can do NOTHING. v.5b

NOTE: Nothing meaning, anything of significant and lasting value in the Kingdom of God.

ILLUST: When a Person abides, fruit comes. When a person stops abiding fruit stops producing. (Moses and his arms being lifted Exodus 17:8-16) ?? personal story

C. Branches that do not abide do not produces and are useless except to burn. v.6

D. The Father is glorified when we abide and produce fruit. v.7-8

1. We adide in Him and His Word abides in us . v.7a

NOTE: “His Word” is so important “John 8:31-32 “If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

2. Ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. v.7b

NOTE: What does a branch wish for? Maybe to bear fruit? Maybe to be clean so its not drained of nutrients and can bear more fruit? When a branch understands it’s purpose in life and where it gets its energy from to produce that purpose it just makes natural sense that the branch would ask for what the vine desires. would an apple tree ask for grapes or pears?

ILLUST: Jesus blessed bread and fish and it multiplied to feed hungry people but to glorify His Father. Jesus Gave Thanks and raised Lazarus from the Dead and grieving people were joyful and Lazarus was like really? But again to glorify the Father.

Would asking for a spouse or really hot girlfriend or boyfriend be wise or make my heart sexually pure and make me someone that can love another well?

Would asking my spouse change and start serving me more or help me change to serve them more?

I wish I had more friends or God make me a great friend to others that sticks close even when hurt or discouraged which is so hard to find?

Lord I would love a promotion or raise but not for my own self worth or to buy more stuff but to help others and give to the success of others?

NOTE: When Branches separate themselves from the vine they simply die. But when they find their purpose, to produce fruit and connect to the Vine allowing the vine dresser to teach them and shape them they begin asking for what they know is most important and they shine giving glory to the Father. V.8

E. We are filled with the Love and Joy of the Father and our Life is satisfied which means we get to live a really GOOD LIFE! V.9-11

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