Abiding in Christ: The Source of Lasting Fruit
Summary
In John 15, Jesus calls us to “remain in me,” promising that if we do, we will bear much fruit. This is not just a call to religious activity, but to a deep, ongoing relationship with Christ that transforms our character from the inside out. Our lives, regardless of our backgrounds or stories, are meant to reflect the character of Jesus so that when people encounter us, they see Him. The fruit Jesus speaks of—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not just ideals, but the natural outflow of a life rooted in Him.
We all have influence, whether we realize it or not. Sometimes, our platform outpaces our character, and that’s a dangerous place to be. God, in His mercy, is more interested in developing our character than in elevating our influence. He wants us to be people whose lives can sustain the weight of whatever platform or responsibility He gives us. This is why remaining in Christ is so vital. It’s not about striving to be better on our own, but about staying connected to the source of life so that His character is formed in us.
Who we love shapes who we become far more than what we believe. Belief gives us right standing with God, but love for Jesus transforms our character. The more we love Him, the more we want to be with Him, and the more we become like Him. This is practical: spend time in His Word, in His presence, in authentic community. As we do, the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our lives, and people begin to see Jesus in us.
God’s desire is not just for our personal transformation, but for us to be a unified, multi-ethnic, multi-generational church that reflects the kingdom of heaven. This unity is a spiritual weapon, putting the powers of darkness on notice. But with this calling comes opposition. The fruit God produces in us must be able to withstand storms, persecution, and spiritual warfare. Our character must be anchored in our identity in Christ—knowing that the old is gone and the new has come.
God is preparing us for influence, for blessing, and for battle. He is developing in us a character that will last, so that when we are elevated, we give all glory to Him. No matter what comes against us—criticism, hardship, or spiritual attack—if we remain in Christ, we will bear fruit that endures.
Key Takeaways
- Remaining in Christ is the only way to produce lasting fruit. Our efforts apart from Him are empty, but when we stay connected to Jesus, His life flows through us, shaping our character and making us fruitful in ways we could never achieve on our own. This is a daily, intentional choice to abide in Him, not just a one-time decision. [45:59]
- The fruit of the Spirit is not something we manufacture, but something that grows naturally as we remain in Christ. Love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest are already ours in Him; our task is to operate from that place, letting what is inside us overflow into every interaction and relationship. The world recognizes Jesus in us not by our words alone, but by the fruit our lives bear. [48:13]
- Who we love shapes our character more than what we believe. While belief gives us right standing with God, it is our love for Jesus that transforms us into His likeness. The more we fall in love with Him—by spending time in His Word, in worship, and in community—the more our character reflects His. [51:52]
- Our identity is anchored in Christ, not in our past or our failures. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that we have been crucified with Christ; the old self is dead, and Christ now lives in us. When shame or condemnation tries to define us, we stand firm in our new identity, knowing that God’s grace has made us new and that our character is being shaped for His purposes. [55:58]
- Unity in the church is a spiritual weapon that terrifies the enemy. When we lay down our preferences and pursue a multi-ethnic, multi-generational community that exalts Christ, we display the manifold wisdom of God to the world and to the spiritual realm. This unity will be fiercely opposed, but God is preparing our character to withstand the attacks and to persevere in love and faithfulness. [01:02:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Embracing Our Diverse Church Family
[03:30] - The Power of Engagement and Worship
[06:05] - Lessons from College Football and Influence
[10:45] - Character vs. Platform: A Personal Story
[15:20] - The Supernatural Life Requires a Supernatural God
[18:00] - What Is Character? Responding Like Christ
[20:30] - John 15: The Vine, the Branches, and Bearing Fruit
[23:00] - The Fruit of the Spirit: Markers of Our Character
[26:00] - Living Out the Fruit: Real-Life Encounters
[29:00] - How to Remain in Jesus
[32:00] - Love Transforms Character More Than Belief
[35:00] - Anchoring Identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20)
[39:00] - Blessing, Influence, and Giving God Glory
[43:00] - The Spiritual Power of a Unified, Multi-Ethnic Church
[48:00] - Preparing Our Character for Spiritual Battle
[52:00] - Bearing Fruit That Lasts Through Hardship
[55:00] - Closing Prayer and Commission
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Remaining in Christ and Bearing Fruit”
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### Bible Reading
- John 15:1-8 (Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches)
- Galatians 5:22-23 (The Fruit of the Spirit)
- Galatians 2:20 (Our new identity in Christ)
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 15:5, what does Jesus say is the result of remaining in Him? What does He say happens if we don’t?
2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the specific “fruits” that the Spirit produces in a believer’s life?
3. In the sermon, Pastor Miles shared a story about his character not matching his platform. What was the main point he was making with that story? [43:47]
4. What does Galatians 2:20 say about our old self and our new life in Christ?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus use the image of a vine and branches to describe our relationship with Him? What does this teach us about dependence and connection?
2. The sermon says, “Who we love shapes who we become far more than what we believe.” How does loving Jesus actually change our character, not just our beliefs? [51:52]
3. Why is it dangerous for our influence or platform to outpace our character? How does remaining in Christ protect us from this? [43:47]
4. According to the sermon, why is unity in a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church so important spiritually? [01:02:07]
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### Application Questions
1. Pastor Miles said, “Remaining in Christ is a daily, intentional choice.” What is one practical way you can choose to remain in Christ this week? (For example: time in the Word, prayer, community) [45:59]
2. Think about the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Which one do you see most in your life right now? Which one do you struggle with the most? What is one step you can take to let that fruit grow? [48:13]
3. The sermon talked about how our lives should reflect Jesus so that people “see Jesus in us.” Can you think of a recent time when someone saw Jesus in you—or didn’t? What happened? [49:37]
4. When shame or condemnation tries to define you, how can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ from Galatians 2:20? Is there a specific area of your past that you need to surrender to Jesus? [55:58]
5. Pastor Miles said, “God is preparing our character for influence, for blessing, and for battle.” Where do you sense God is preparing you right now? Is there a responsibility or challenge you feel unprepared for? How can you trust God to develop your character for it? [55:01]
6. The sermon emphasized unity as a spiritual weapon. Is there a relationship in the church or your life where you need to pursue unity, even if it means laying down your preferences? What would that look like this week? [01:02:07]
7. Who is someone in your life that you want to influence for Jesus? How can you focus on your character, not just your words, in that relationship this week?
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person remain in Christ and bear fruit that lasts.
Devotional
Day 1: Remaining in Christ Produces Lasting Fruit
True spiritual fruitfulness comes only from abiding in Jesus.
Remaining in Christ is not a passive act but an intentional, daily choice to stay connected to Him through His Word, prayer, and authentic community. Jesus teaches that apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value; it is only by staying rooted in Him that we bear fruit that reflects His character. This fruit is not just for our benefit but is meant to be seen by others, pointing them to the source—Christ Himself. When we remain in Jesus, our lives become living testimonies of His love, power, and presence, even in the midst of challenges. [46:54]
John 15:5 (ESV)
“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: What is one practical way you can intentionally remain in Jesus today—through prayer, Scripture, or community—so that His fruit can be seen in your life?
Day 2: The Fruit of the Spirit Defines Our Character
The evidence of God’s work in us is seen in the fruit of the Spirit.
The transformation that God desires in us is not measured by outward success or influence, but by the inward qualities that flow from His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not traits we manufacture on our own; they are the natural result of the Holy Spirit’s presence as we remain in Christ. When these fruits pour out of us, others encounter Jesus through our actions and attitudes, even if we never mention His name. Our character becomes a living reflection of Christ, inviting others to experience His love and grace. [48:13]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you sense God inviting you to grow in today, and how can you choose to practice it in a specific relationship or situation?
Day 3: Our Identity Is in Christ Alone
Our old self is gone; our new life is found in Christ.
When we come to Jesus, our identity is no longer defined by our past mistakes, shame, or the labels others have placed on us. Instead, we are crucified with Christ, and it is now Christ who lives in us. This truth anchors us when guilt or condemnation tries to resurface, reminding us that we are new creations. Living from this identity empowers us to walk in freedom, confidence, and purpose, knowing that our worth and value are secure in Him. [55:58]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Reflection: When shame or guilt tries to define you, how can you remind yourself today that your true identity is in Christ and not in your past?
Day 4: Unity in Diversity Displays God’s Wisdom
The unified, multi-ethnic church reveals God’s manifold wisdom to the world.
God’s vision for His church is one of rich diversity—people of every nation, tribe, and tongue united in Christ. This unity is not achieved by human effort or preference but by laying down our own desires at the feet of Jesus. When the church lives out this unity, it becomes a powerful witness to the world and a declaration to the spiritual realm that Jesus is King. Such unity is spiritual warfare, putting the powers of darkness on notice and displaying the wisdom and glory of God. [01:02:07]
Ephesians 3:10 (ESV)
“So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
Reflection: What is one way you can help build unity across differences in your church or community this week, reflecting the diverse beauty of God’s kingdom?
Day 5: God Prepares Our Character for Endurance and Influence
God develops our character to withstand trials and steward influence well.
The journey of following Jesus is not without hardship; storms, opposition, and spiritual battles are guaranteed. Yet, God cares deeply about our character, shaping it to endure and to reflect Christ even when life is difficult. As we remain in Him, He produces fruit that lasts—character that can sustain us wherever He leads and whatever influence He entrusts to us. Our prayer should be that our platform never exceeds our character, and that we give all glory back to God as He works through us. [01:06:41]
2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
Reflection: Where are you facing a challenge or responsibility that feels bigger than your current character? How can you invite God to strengthen and prepare you for what’s ahead?
Quotes
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