Abiding in Christ: The Path to Fruitfulness
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we have the joy of starting our service with baptisms. Baptism is a symbolic act, much like a wedding ring, signifying a covenant. It doesn't cleanse us; only the blood of Jesus does that. We have Daini, Sarah Schultz, and her son Bentley being baptized today. As they come forward, let's worship together, celebrating this moment of faith and obedience.
Now, let's turn to John 15:1-11 as we conclude our series on the "I Am" statements of Jesus. Remember those school projects where you tried to grow a plant, but it withered away? Plants are meant to bear fruit, and so are we. Jesus' teaching in John 15 comes right after the Last Supper, as He and His disciples walk through the Kidron Valley filled with vineyards. Jesus uses this setting to teach about remaining in Him and bearing fruit.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of remaining or abiding in Him. This is not for our glory but for His. Fruit-bearing is evidence of genuine faith. Jesus identifies two key characters: the gardener (God) and the vine (Jesus). We are the branches, and our role is to bear fruit. If there's no fruit, it means we are not truly His disciples.
Jesus loves us and showed it by dying on the cross. If we love Him, we will abide in Him and keep His commands. This abiding relationship produces obedience and joy. Jesus promises that if we remain in Him, His joy will be in us, and our joy will be complete.
Pruning is a crucial part of this process. God prunes us through His Word, trials, and difficulties to make us more fruitful. This pruning, though painful, is an act of love. It removes what hinders our growth and shapes us into more fruitful followers of Christ.
Without Jesus, we can do nothing. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it needs the vine. Similarly, we need to be connected to Jesus to bear fruit. Society tells us to believe in ourselves, but Jesus says we are nothing without Him. Our strength comes from being connected to Him.
If we abide in Jesus, He will abide in us. This reciprocal relationship means that even if Jesus ascends to heaven, He remains with us through the Holy Spirit. This connection is vital for our spiritual vitality and identity.
To abide means to grow closer to the Lord, to be in deep fellowship with Him. It's not about doing more but about being more connected to Jesus. This connection will make God's Word come alive in our lives and make our prayer life powerful.
Finally, bearing fruit brings glory to God. The purpose of our fruit is not to glorify ourselves but to honor God. When we bear fruit, it feeds others and reproduces more fruit, fulfilling our purpose as disciple-making disciples.
Let's pray. Father God, thank You for Your Word and what it teaches us about abiding in You. Help us to remain connected to You and not be choked out by the pleasures of this world. May we be a church that bears much fruit for Your glory. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Baptism as a Symbolic Act: Baptism is like a wedding ring; it signifies a covenant but doesn't cleanse us. Only the blood of Jesus can do that. This act is a public declaration of faith and obedience, symbolizing Jesus' cleansing power and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. [09:15]
2. The Importance of Abiding in Jesus: Jesus emphasizes the need to remain or abide in Him. This abiding is not for our glory but for His. Fruit-bearing is evidence of genuine faith, and without it, we are not truly His disciples. Abiding in Jesus means staying connected to Him, which produces obedience and joy. [20:53]
3. The Painful but Necessary Process of Pruning: God prunes us through His Word, trials, and difficulties to make us more fruitful. This pruning, though painful, is an act of love. It removes what hinders our growth and shapes us into more fruitful followers of Christ. [29:52]
4. Our Inability to Bear Fruit Without Jesus: Without Jesus, we can do nothing. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it needs the vine. Similarly, we need to be connected to Jesus to bear fruit. Our strength comes from being connected to Him, not from our own efforts. [31:27]
5. The Reciprocal Relationship of Abiding: If we abide in Jesus, He will abide in us. This reciprocal relationship means that even if Jesus ascends to heaven, He remains with us through the Holy Spirit. This connection is vital for our spiritual vitality and identity. [32:50]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:15] - Baptism as a Symbolic Act
[19:35] - Introduction to John 15
[20:53] - The Importance of Abiding in Jesus
[29:52] - The Painful but Necessary Process of Pruning
[31:27] - Our Inability to Bear Fruit Without Jesus
[32:50] - The Reciprocal Relationship of Abiding
[34:23] - What It Means to Abide
[35:55] - Evidence of Abiding
[37:19] - Obedience and Joy in Abiding
[38:52] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 15:1-11
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener"? (John 15:1)
2. How many times does Jesus use the word "remain" or "abide" in John 15:1-11? Why is this repetition significant? [23:05]
3. What are the consequences mentioned for branches that do not bear fruit? (John 15:2, 6)
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways God prunes us to make us more fruitful? [29:52]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "abide" in Jesus, and how does this abiding relationship produce obedience and joy? [20:53]
2. How does the process of pruning, though painful, demonstrate God's love for us? [29:52]
3. Why is it impossible for us to bear fruit without being connected to Jesus, according to John 15:4-5 and the sermon? [31:27]
4. How does the reciprocal relationship of abiding in Jesus and Him abiding in us impact our spiritual vitality and identity? [32:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel disconnected from Jesus? What steps can you take to reconnect and abide in Him more deeply? [34:23]
2. Have you experienced a season of pruning in your life? How did it shape your faith and character? How can you embrace future pruning as an act of God's love? [29:52]
3. Society often tells us to believe in ourselves, but Jesus says we are nothing without Him. How can you shift your mindset to rely more on Jesus rather than your own strength? [31:27]
4. In what ways can you make your prayer life more powerful and aligned with God's will as you abide in Him? [34:23]
5. Bearing fruit brings glory to God. Identify one specific way you can bear fruit in your daily life that honors God and serves others. [34:23]
6. Think about a time when you felt the joy of Jesus in your life. How can you cultivate that joy more consistently by remaining in Him? [37:19]
7. How can you help others in your small group or community to remain connected to Jesus and bear fruit? What practical steps can you take together to support each other in this journey? [27:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Covenant Symbol
Baptism is a symbolic act, much like a wedding ring, signifying a covenant. It doesn't cleanse us; only the blood of Jesus does that. This act is a public declaration of faith and obedience, symbolizing Jesus' cleansing power and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. When we witness baptisms, we are reminded of the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and the commitment we make to follow Him. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, a testimony to the world that we belong to Christ.
As we reflect on the significance of baptism, we should remember that it is not the act itself that saves us but the faith in Jesus Christ that it represents. Baptism is a step of obedience, a way to publicly declare our faith and commitment to Jesus. It is a powerful reminder of the new life we have in Christ and the community of believers we are now a part of. [09:15]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Think about your own baptism or the moment you decided to follow Jesus. How does this commitment influence your daily life and decisions today?
Day 2: The Necessity of Abiding in Jesus
Jesus emphasizes the need to remain or abide in Him. This abiding is not for our glory but for His. Fruit-bearing is evidence of genuine faith, and without it, we are not truly His disciples. Abiding in Jesus means staying connected to Him, which produces obedience and joy. When we remain in Jesus, we draw our strength and sustenance from Him, much like a branch draws life from the vine. This connection is vital for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom.
Abiding in Jesus is not a passive state but an active, ongoing relationship. It involves spending time in His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. As we abide in Him, we become more like Him, and our lives begin to reflect His character and love. This abiding relationship is the source of true joy and fulfillment, as we live out our purpose in bringing glory to God. [20:53]
John 15:4-5 (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. 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."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally abide in Jesus today? Consider setting aside specific times for prayer, Bible reading, or worship.
Day 3: The Painful but Necessary Process of Pruning
God prunes us through His Word, trials, and difficulties to make us more fruitful. This pruning, though painful, is an act of love. It removes what hinders our growth and shapes us into more fruitful followers of Christ. Just as a gardener prunes a plant to encourage healthy growth, God prunes us to remove anything that prevents us from becoming the people He created us to be. This process can be challenging, but it is essential for our spiritual development.
Pruning may involve letting go of certain habits, relationships, or attitudes that are not aligned with God's will. It can also mean enduring trials and hardships that refine our character and deepen our faith. While pruning is not easy, it is a necessary part of our journey with Christ. It helps us to grow stronger, more resilient, and more fruitful in our walk with Him. [29:52]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What areas of your life might God be pruning right now? How can you embrace this process and trust Him to bring about growth and fruitfulness?
Day 4: Our Inability to Bear Fruit Without Jesus
Without Jesus, we can do nothing. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it needs the vine. Similarly, we need to be connected to Jesus to bear fruit. Our strength comes from being connected to Him, not from our own efforts. Society often tells us to believe in ourselves and rely on our own abilities, but Jesus teaches us that true strength and fruitfulness come from our dependence on Him.
When we try to live and serve in our own strength, we quickly become exhausted and ineffective. But when we remain connected to Jesus, we receive the power and guidance we need to live fruitful lives. This connection with Jesus is the source of our spiritual vitality and effectiveness in His kingdom. [31:27]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own strength instead of Jesus? How can you shift your focus to depend more fully on Him?
Day 5: The Reciprocal Relationship of Abiding
If we abide in Jesus, He will abide in us. This reciprocal relationship means that even if Jesus ascends to heaven, He remains with us through the Holy Spirit. This connection is vital for our spiritual vitality and identity. Abiding in Jesus is not just about us staying connected to Him; it is also about Him staying connected to us. This mutual relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of our spiritual strength.
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. This abiding relationship transforms our lives and enables us to live out our faith in meaningful ways. It is a constant reminder that we are never alone and that Jesus is always present, working in and through us. [32:50]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today? What steps can you take to strengthen your connection with Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you look inside this water, it is pretty dirty right now. Straight out of the fire truck. Thankful the water does not cleanse us. It's only through the blood of Jesus Christ. And so this is a symbolic act of Jesus coming into your life, cleansing you of your sins, acknowledging them, and taking over your life for Holy Spirit's will." [09:15]
2. "Do you remember being in school doing like a photosynthesis project where you got this plant with some dirt in a foam cup? Do you remember doing that? Okay, and your goal was to help this plant grow, the seed grow. Okay. Okay. Okay. And it ended up being dead. Anyone relate to that? It did not go as planned. Maybe I put too much water in it. Maybe it got too much sun. Maybe the soil was bad. I don't know. Whatever it was, it did not become fruitful. It just withered away. And every plant's purpose has one purpose. It's to bear fruit." [20:10]
3. "So what does it mean for us to be connected with Jesus, to remain in him and to abide? We keep mentioning this word remain and abide. It's a real simple word. To abide is to grow closer with the Lord, to be in deep fellowship with him. A lot of times we think if I do all these things and do this, I'll grow closer with the Lord. It has nothing to do with that. You grow closer with your relationship with Jesus and you find yourself doing things. It's the opposite of what we think abiding is." [34:23]
4. "You ever been there where your phone is just almost at like five percent or one percent and it causes you an anxiety and you have to get it connected because you can't live without your phone? I used to have an old phone I'd charge it all night finally I pulled out of the plug it would just go to five percent real quick it's time to get a new phone but for some of us that's a good energy for some of us but being connected having a source of energy and being connected to the vine you got to be plugged in to the power source you got to be connected to Jesus or you're going to be depleted or you're not going to survive." [32:50]
### Quotes for Members
1. "In remaining and abiding and bearing fruit is not for your glory, but his. And this is why you remain. Number seven, almost there's evidence of faith. How can you tell if someone is abiding? Fruit is produced. Fruit bearing is authenticator that you have a professed faith in Christ. It's evidence that you abide." [35:55]
2. "Jesus gives you life because he loves you. And Jesus showed the extent of his love on the cross. And he's given his life here for them in an eternal life. And he's given his life for them in an eternal life. For those who remain in him and are rooted in his love. And so if you love Jesus, you're going to want to abide in him. It's because of that love and that grace, you desire to be faithful in him." [37:19]
3. "If you are abiding in Christ, you are seeking the Lord, you're remaining in him. I want you to brace yourself for the pruning. She's going to prune you, is going to cleanse you because he wants you to produce more fruit. He wants you to grow, he wants you to blossom like even never before and he does this because he loves you. But you, we all want to be fruitful but none of us probably don't want process. It's not very pleasant, it can be very painful to go through it." [29:52]
4. "So Jesus is emphasizing this connectivity through him and remaining in him. He's saying if you're not abiding in me, if you're not connected to me, you will not survive. You can't do anything, you can't do anything, you can't do good, you are dead without me. You can't straighten yourself out, you can't make any real change on your own, you don't have the ability to escape sin and this is kind of the whole point of the gospel." [31:27]
5. "Fruit gives glory to God. Verse eight says, this is from my father's glory. The very purpose of the fruit is to give God's glory. It's not to glorify yourself or anything else or your good deeds, but for the father alone. Bearing fruit brings glory and honor to God. And so when a plant takes root and it blossoms, man, it makes the gardener proud and your purpose." [34:23]
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