Abiding in Christ: The Joy of Connection
Summary
In John 15, Jesus invites us not just to do more for God, but to be with Him—to remain, to abide, to stay connected. This is the heart of what it means to be the body of Christ. Just as a healthy parent-child relationship is built on attachment love, our relationship with God is rooted in choosing to be with Him, not out of obligation, but out of joy. Attachment love, the kind that compels a parent to run into danger for their child, is the same love that led Jesus to endure the cross for us. This love is sustained and deepened by joy—joy in being together, joy in relationship.
Remaining in Jesus is not about withdrawing from life or becoming a monk, but about living in constant connection with Him in the midst of our everyday realities. Jesus gives us practical ways to remain: through covenant community, through the gospel, through His Word, and through choosing Him daily. Remaining in community means showing up, being present, and sharing life with other believers. It’s in these relationships that we experience the joy and attachment that deepen our connection to Christ.
The gospel is not just a one-time event but a daily reality. It shapes how we respond to the world around us—whether we’re a teenager facing peer pressure, a young adult making life decisions, a parent in the chaos of family life, or a seasoned believer wondering about our purpose. The gospel reminds us that our worth and direction come from Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, not from the approval of others or our own performance.
Remaining in Jesus also means letting His Word shape us. Scripture is a mirror, revealing where we need to grow and inviting us to let God’s truth transform us. Conviction and growth come as we marinate in God’s Word, allowing it to root out what doesn’t look like Jesus.
Finally, remaining in Jesus means boldly acknowledging Him, sharing our faith, and trusting Him with the outcomes. Our fruitfulness is not self-generated; it flows from our connection to the Vine. God’s desire is not for our perfection, but for our presence. He wants us to choose Him, to remain in Him, and to let His love and joy overflow in our lives.
Key Takeaways
- Attachment Love and Joy in Relationship
Attachment love is the deep bond that compels us to choose relationship even when we don’t have to. This is the love that carried Jesus through the cross, rooted in the joy set before Him. Our relationship with God is meant to be marked by this same joy-filled attachment, not by duty or performance, but by the delight of being with Him. When we experience joy with God and with one another, our attachment to Him grows stronger. [51:42]
- Remaining in Community as a Spiritual Practice
Remaining in Jesus is not a solitary pursuit; it is lived out in authentic, confessional community. The act of gathering, sharing, and walking together as the body of Christ is a primary way we abide in Him. Community is where we practice the new covenant, experience the gospel together, and are shaped by the presence of others who point us to Jesus. Our spiritual health is deeply tied to our willingness to remain connected to the people of God. [55:41]
- Applying the Gospel to Everyday Life
The gospel is not just a theological truth but a living reality that speaks into every moment—our temptations, decisions, frustrations, and doubts. Whether facing peer pressure, difficult choices, or the mundane chaos of life, the gospel reorients our hearts to God’s love and grace. It gives us courage to act differently, to forgive, to trust, and to find our worth in Christ rather than in circumstances or the opinions of others. [57:28]
- Letting God’s Word Transform and Convict
True spiritual growth happens as we remain in God’s Word, allowing it to reveal our hearts and shape our lives. Scripture is not just information but transformation—it exposes what needs to change and invites us into deeper alignment with Jesus. Conviction from the Holy Spirit often comes after the fact, but it is the fruit of a life steeped in God’s Word and open to His correction. [59:58]
- Choosing Jesus Over Comfort and Bearing Fruit
Remaining in Jesus means daily choosing Him over our own comfort, anxieties, or desire for control. It’s a posture of trust—believing that He has given us all we need to live and to share His love with others. Our fruitfulness—love, selflessness, forgiveness—flows not from striving, but from staying connected to the Vine. God’s greatest desire is not our performance, but our presence with Him, and as we remain, His life and love bear fruit through us. [01:08:32]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to “This Is Us” Series
[02:10] - Parenting with Relationship in Mind
[05:30] - Attachment Love and the Example of Jesus
[08:00] - The Joy That Fuels Attachment
[10:20] - God’s Desire: Presence Over Performance
[13:00] - What Does It Mean to Remain in Jesus?
[16:00] - Remaining in Community
[18:30] - Remaining in the Gospel Daily
[22:00] - Applying the Gospel to Real Life
[27:00] - Remaining in God’s Word
[31:00] - Boldly Acknowledging Jesus
[35:00] - Fruitfulness Flows from Connection
[38:00] - The Power of Choosing Presence
[41:00] - Invitation to Remain and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Remaining in Jesus (John 15)
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### Bible Reading
- John 15:1-17 (Main text: Jesus as the Vine, our call to remain/abide in Him)
- Hebrews 12:2 (“For the joy set before him he endured the cross…”)
- 1 John 4:15 (“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 15, what does Jesus say about the relationship between the vine and the branches? What does He mean when He says, “Remain in me as I also remain in you”?
2. According to Hebrews 12:2, what motivated Jesus to endure the cross? How does the idea of “joy” connect to His sacrifice?
3. The sermon described “attachment love” as a love that compels someone to choose relationship even when they don’t have to. What examples did the pastor give to help us understand this kind of love? [[51:42]]
4. In 1 John 4:15, what is the result of acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God? How does this relate to “remaining” in Him?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon said that God’s greatest desire is not for us to do more for Him, but to be with Him. Why do you think God values our presence over our performance? [[51:42]]
2. How does “attachment love” between a parent and child help us understand the kind of relationship God wants with us? [[51:42]]
3. The pastor mentioned that remaining in Jesus is not about withdrawing from life, but about staying connected in the middle of our everyday realities. What might this look like for someone who is busy or facing challenges? [[53:42]]
4. The sermon described community as a primary way we remain in Jesus. Why is community so important for spiritual growth and staying connected to Christ? [[55:41]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “choose Jesus” daily, not out of obligation but out of joy. What is one practical way you can choose to be with Jesus this week, even when you don’t have to? [[51:42]]
2. Think about your closest relationships (family, friends, church). Where do you see “attachment love” at work? Where is it missing? How can you help create more joy-filled attachment in those relationships? [[51:42]]
3. The pastor gave examples of how the gospel can shape our responses in everyday situations—like peer pressure, work decisions, or parenting. Can you share a recent moment when you needed the gospel to reorient your heart? What would it look like to let the gospel guide you next time? [[57:28]]
4. Remaining in Jesus means letting His Word shape us. Is there a specific area of your life where you sense God’s Word is inviting you to grow or change? What step could you take to let Scripture “marinate” in your heart this week? [[59:58]]
5. The sermon said that community is where we practice the new covenant and experience the gospel together. How can you be more present and engaged in your church or small group community? What might be holding you back? [[55:41]]
6. The pastor talked about boldly acknowledging Jesus and sharing our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable. Is there someone in your life you feel prompted to talk to about Jesus? What’s one step you can take to move toward that conversation? [[01:08:32]]
7. The fruit of remaining in Jesus is love, selflessness, and forgiveness. Which of these do you want to see grow in your life? What is one specific action you can take this week to practice it? [[01:08:32]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for the courage to remain in Jesus, to experience joy in relationship with Him and each other, and to bear fruit that comes from staying connected to the Vine.
Devotional
Day 1: Remaining in Jesus Means Choosing to Be With Him
God’s greatest desire is not for us to do more for Him, but to choose to be with Him, to stay connected and attached to Him in a relationship rooted in joy and love. Just as a loving parent longs for their children to want to spend time with them, God longs for us to desire His presence, not out of obligation but out of genuine love. This attachment love is what carried Jesus through the cross and is the foundation of our relationship with God. When we choose to remain in Jesus, we experience the fullness of His presence—peace, freedom, and victory—rather than striving for perfection or performance. The invitation is simple: will you choose to remain in Jesus today, to be with Him above all else? [51:42]
John 15:4 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally choose to spend time with Jesus today, simply to be with Him and not to accomplish something for Him?
Day 2: Remaining in Jesus Through Covenant Community
Remaining in Jesus is not just an individual pursuit but a call to live in authentic, biblical, confessional community with others. Jesus invites us into a new covenant, where we are united with Him and with one another, sharing in His body and blood as a family. This means showing up for each other, worshiping together, and living out our faith in community. When we gather, whether on Sundays or in small groups, we are reminded that we are not alone; we are part of God’s family, called to encourage, support, and grow together as we remain in Him. [55:41]
John 6:56 (ESV)
"Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to encourage or support, strengthening your connection to the body of Christ?
Day 3: Remaining in Jesus by Applying the Gospel Daily
To remain in Jesus is to let the gospel shape every part of our daily lives, reminding ourselves often of Jesus’s sacrifice, resurrection, and the new life we have in Him. The gospel is not just a message for salvation but a living truth that guides our decisions, gives us courage, and anchors our worth in God’s love rather than the world’s approval. Whether facing peer pressure, difficult choices, or moments of frustration, the gospel whispers a better way, empowering us to respond with grace, trust, and purpose. [57:28]
1 John 2:24a (ESV)
"Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you."
Reflection: In what specific situation today do you need to let the truth of the gospel guide your response or attitude?
Day 4: Remaining in Jesus by Abiding in His Word
Remaining in Jesus means allowing His Word to dwell in us richly, shaping our hearts, convicting us, and transforming us to look more like Him. The Word of God is a mirror that reveals our true selves and roots out anything that does not reflect Christ. As we spend time in Scripture, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and guidance, learning to pray, to listen, and to grow. Making God’s Word a daily priority is essential for spiritual growth and for remaining connected to Jesus. [59:58]
1 John 3:24 (ESV)
"Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to make time in God’s Word a non-negotiable part of your daily routine?
Day 5: Remaining in Jesus by Boldly Confessing and Sharing Faith
Remaining in Jesus also means boldly acknowledging Him as the Son of God and sharing our faith with others, trusting that God’s power is at work in us. This is not about having all the right answers or being fearless, but about choosing Jesus over our comfort and trusting Him with the outcomes. When we share our faith, we are reminded of God’s presence in us and His desire to reach others through us. Our fruitfulness depends on our connection to Jesus, and as we remain in Him, we grow in love, selflessness, and boldness. [01:08:32]
1 John 4:15 (ESV)
"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your faith story or invite into a conversation about Jesus with this week, trusting God with the results?
Quotes
Attachment love is what carries us as parents into a burning building to rescue our children. It was the strength attachment love was the strength that allowed Jesus to endure in the garden of gethsemane and then ultimately endure the cross and Jesus stayed faithful and enjoyed the cross because of attachment love and attachment love was rooted get this it was rooted in joy. [00:49:51] (28 seconds)
When your kids experience joy with you attachment is developed to you when I experience joy with you as we sit at the table together and we dine together we have experiences together and we experience joy together we develop an attachment to one another and when we share joy we together we become attached. [00:50:53] (22 seconds)
Jesus says whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in them. And so this is a command. Jesus commands us to take his blood and his body and this is a new covenant right. So the old covenant was was was with God's people Israel his chosen people and now now we are now God's chosen people. We have now come into the family of God and this is his new covenant with us. [00:54:23] (27 seconds)
It looks like us being here together. It looks like us being in covenant community together. It looks like us showing up on Sunday together. It looks like us showing up on Tuesdays this summer doing family discipleship together. It looks like us being in community together. That's first and foremost. [00:55:47] (20 seconds)
Could you imagine waking up every single day, just stating that over yourself? I believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I believe that I'm a new creation in Christ Jesus. My old is gone. My new has come. Could you imagine like what it would look like if you were to just state those things over your life every single morning before your feet hit the ground? How it would change your day? How it would change your perspective? [01:10:53] (26 seconds)
What if we decided to do those things? What if we chose Jesus? God's purpose isn't ultimately for us to do more for him, but to be more with him, to be with Jesus. If we actually did that, the fruit would develop. [01:11:45] (22 seconds)
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