Abiding in Jesus: Building a Rule of Life

Devotional

Day 1: Abiding in Jesus as the Source of Life

To truly flourish, we must remain connected to Jesus, just as branches must stay attached to the vine to receive life and bear fruit. Our spiritual practices—like prayer, Sabbath, solitude, and reading Scripture—are not ends in themselves, but channels that keep us close to Christ, allowing His life to flow through us. Without this connection, we risk spiritual dryness and fruitlessness, but with it, we experience growth and vitality. The invitation is to intentionally organize our lives around abiding in Him, making space for His presence to shape us each day. [10:16]

John 15:5-8 (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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

Reflection: What is one daily practice you can begin or adjust this week to help you stay connected to Jesus as your source of life?

Day 2: A Rule of Life as a Trellis for Growth

A rule of life is like a trellis for a grapevine: it doesn’t produce fruit itself, but it provides the structure and support needed for healthy growth and abundant fruitfulness. Without a trellis, the branches may survive but will not thrive; with it, they are lifted, protected, and guided. In the same way, a thoughtfully crafted rule of life—your schedule, practices, and relational rhythms—creates space for you to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. It’s not about rigid rules, but about intentionally organizing your life around what matters most. [12:32]

Reflection: What is one “trellis” or supportive structure you could add or adjust in your life to help you grow spiritually in this season?

Day 3: Bearing Fruit for God’s Glory

The ultimate goal of abiding in Jesus is not self-improvement or productivity, but to bear fruit that glorifies God and blesses others. This fruit is seen in Christlike character—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as well as in acts of justice, mercy, humility, reconciliation, and forgiveness. We do not produce this fruit by our own effort; our role is to remain in Christ, and He produces the fruit in us. As we abide, our lives become a testimony to God’s transforming power. [22:00]

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 cultivate more intentionally this week, and what is one step you can take to nurture it?

Day 4: The Power of Community in Spiritual Formation

We are not meant to walk the journey of spiritual growth alone; Jesus’ call to abide and bear fruit is given to a community. In community, we can help one another build supportive structures, encourage each other, share ideas, and hold each other accountable. Whether it’s asking for help, joining a small group, or simply sharing your struggles and victories, community provides the encouragement and support needed to persevere and flourish in your walk with Jesus. [24:57]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to this week for encouragement or accountability in your spiritual practices, or how can you support someone else in their journey?

Day 5: Embracing the Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Jesus invites us to walk with Him in rhythms of grace that are light and freeing, not burdensome or rigid. Crafting a rule of life is not about earning God’s favor or following a one-size-fits-all formula, but about finding practices and routines that help you abide in Him in your unique season of life. Start where you are, try something new, and be willing to adjust as needed. The goal is to experience the rest, joy, and transformation that come from keeping company with Jesus. [48:31]

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of striving and instead receive Jesus’ invitation to walk in His unforced rhythms of grace?

Sermon Summary

Every one of us already has a “rule of life”—a set of habits, rhythms, and priorities that shape our days and ultimately our hearts. The real question is not whether we have one, but whether we are aware of it, and if it is leading us toward the life we truly desire in Christ. Drawing from John 15, the image of the vine and branches, it becomes clear that abiding in Jesus is not optional for a fruitful life; it is essential. Just as a grapevine needs a trellis to support its growth, we need intentional structures—practices and rhythms—that help us remain connected to Jesus, our true source of life.

These practices—prayer, scripture, Sabbath, solitude, generosity, community, and more—are not ends in themselves. They do not produce fruit by their own power. Rather, they are the means by which we stay close to Jesus, allowing his life to flow through us. The “rule of life” is like the trellis: it doesn’t make us holy, but it supports us so we can abide in Christ and bear fruit. Without such intentionality, we are prone to drift, becoming distracted and disconnected, and our spiritual lives wither.

Abiding in Jesus is not about rigid rules or earning spiritual points. It is about creating space to be with him, to become like him, and to do what he did. The fruit that results—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—glorifies God and blesses others. Importantly, this is not a solo endeavor. Jesus’ words are addressed to a community; we need each other to build and sustain these rhythms, to encourage and support one another as we seek to abide.

Crafting a rule of life is not about perfection or one-size-fits-all solutions. It is about starting where you are, trying something, and paying attention to what helps you abide. It is flexible, changing with seasons of life. The goal is not productivity, but presence with Jesus. As we walk with him, learning the unforced rhythms of grace, we find rest, renewal, and the true fruitfulness that only comes from abiding in him.

Key Takeaways

1. Everyone Has a Rule of Life—But Is It Intentional? Whether written or unwritten, conscious or subconscious, each of us lives by a set of rhythms and habits that shape our days and hearts. The challenge is to become aware of these patterns and ask if they are leading us toward the life Jesus offers, or away from it. Intentionality in our spiritual rhythms is the first step toward transformation. [05:18]
2. Abiding in Jesus Is Essential, Not Optional The metaphor of the vine and branches in John 15 reveals that spiritual fruitfulness is impossible apart from abiding in Christ. Disconnection leads to withering, not because of a single dramatic choice, but often through slow drift—distraction, busyness, and neglect. Abiding is the only way to experience true spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. [16:13]
3. Practices Are Channels, Not Producers, of Spiritual Life Spiritual disciplines like prayer, scripture, Sabbath, and community are not the source of life themselves. They are the trellis that supports our connection to Jesus, the true vine. These practices create space for his life to flow into us, shaping our desires and tuning our hearts to his will, rather than simply checking spiritual boxes. [13:24]
4. Fruitfulness Is God’s Work, Community Is Our Context We are called to bear fruit, not produce it. God is the one who brings transformation as we abide. Moreover, Jesus’ teaching is addressed to a community—spiritual growth is not a solo project. We need each other to build supportive structures, encourage perseverance, and share the journey of abiding together. [24:38]
5. Start Small, Stay Flexible, and Seek Grace Over Perfection Crafting a rule of life is not about rigid rules or spiritual heroics. Begin with one keystone discipline that helps you abide, and let it grow and change with your season of life. The goal is not to impress God or others, but to create space for his presence. Embrace the unforced rhythms of grace, knowing that Jesus invites us to walk with him freely and lightly. [46:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - Brainstorming “Rules of Life”
[03:26] - Life Mottos vs. Rule of Life
[04:44] - You Already Have a Rule of Life
[06:07] - Defining Rule of Life and the Trellis Metaphor
[07:39] - John 15: The Vine and the Branches
[11:46] - The Importance of the Trellis
[13:24] - Rule of Life as Intentional Structure
[14:48] - The Warning: Withering Without Abiding
[18:04] - The Promise: Prayers Aligned with God’s Will
[22:00] - Bearing Fruit to God’s Glory
[24:38] - Community and Building Trellises Together
[29:29] - Flexibility and Keystone Disciplines
[32:45] - A Personal Rule of Life Example
[40:54] - Closing Prayers and Reflections
[46:38] - Practical Encouragements for Crafting Your Rule
[48:31] - Invitation to the Unforced Rhythms of Grace
[50:18] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 15:5-8 (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. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

Observation Questions

In John 15:5-8, what does Jesus say is the result of abiding in Him? What happens if we don’t abide?
According to the sermon, what is the purpose of a “rule of life” and how is it similar to a trellis for a grapevine? [[11:46]]
What are some of the spiritual practices mentioned in the sermon that help us stay connected to Jesus? [[11:05]]
How does Jesus describe the relationship between the vine, the branches, and bearing fruit? [[10:16]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that everyone already has a “rule of life,” whether they realize it or not. What does it mean to have an “unintentional” rule of life, and how might that affect someone’s spiritual growth? [[05:18]]
Why is abiding in Jesus described as “essential, not optional” for a fruitful life? What are some ways people might slowly drift away from abiding? [[16:13]]
The sermon emphasizes that spiritual practices are “channels, not producers, of spiritual life.” What is the difference between using practices to connect with Jesus versus just checking off spiritual boxes? [[13:24]]
Jesus’ teaching in John 15 is addressed to a group, not just individuals. Why do you think community is important for building and sustaining a rule of life? [[24:38]]

Application Questions

Take a moment to reflect: What are some of your current daily or weekly habits that shape your life? Are they leading you toward the life you want in Christ, or away from it? [[05:18]]
The sermon warns that spiritual withering often happens through slow drift—distraction, busyness, and neglect. Is there an area of your life where you feel you’ve been drifting? What is one small step you could take this week to reconnect with Jesus? [[17:16]]
Think about the spiritual practices mentioned (prayer, scripture, Sabbath, solitude, generosity, community, etc.). Which one do you feel most drawn to right now as a way to help you abide in Jesus? Why? [[30:34]]
The “rule of life” is meant to be flexible and to fit your current season. Is there a practice or rhythm you’ve tried in the past that no longer works for you? What might you try instead? [[31:48]]
The sermon encourages starting small—maybe with just one “keystone discipline.” What is one simple practice you could add (or subtract) from your routine this week to create space for Jesus? [[46:38]]
Community is key for encouragement and accountability. Who in your life could you invite to help you build or sustain your rule of life? How might you support someone else in their journey? [[24:38]]
The goal is not perfection, but presence with Jesus. When you think about “unforced rhythms of grace,” what would it look like for you to walk with Jesus more freely and lightly this week? [[48:31]]

Sermon Clips

A grapevine on its own, it's just going to trail along in the dirt. And when that happens, the branches get all tangled. The leaves sometimes smother the grapes. The fruit is vulnerable to pests and to rot. And that's why every good, healthy vineyard has a trellis. The trellis, it doesn't produce the grapes at all. It's not what does that. It's not the engine that drives it. What it does is it gives the vine and the branches a structure on which to grow. It lifts the branches so they can get sunlight and air. It guards the fruit from lying in the mud where it can spoil. And it guides the vine's growth in a direction that leads to healthy abundance. [00:11:59] (55 seconds) #TrellisForGrowth

So our connection to the rule of life here is that a rule of life is like the trellis. It doesn't make you holy, but it helps you remain. It helps you abide. It supports you so that you can stay connected. And in that connection with Jesus, in that remaining, that abiding in him, that's where we bear fruit. [00:13:19] (27 seconds) #RuleOfLifeSupport

A rule of life just helps us. It helps us to intentionally organize our lives around what matters most. And if we've set it up properly, it helps us to organize our lives around God. It's a plan to follow Jesus and to stay true to our commitment to apprentice under him. [00:14:01] (22 seconds) #IntentionalFaithJourney

Practices like scripture reading and prayer, they're not about checking off boxes on some kind of spiritual to-do list. They're about keeping his words in us. And to try to bring it all back together, a rule of life is the structure and the schedule that allows us the space, the margin in our time, in our schedule, in our attention, to seek Jesus. And to spend time with him and to abide in him. [00:21:20] (33 seconds) #BearingFruitNotProducing

The goal of a rule of life isn't productivity or self-improvement. It's to become the kind of people who reflect Jesus and glorify God. That's another JMC banger. Notice, too, the words that Jesus uses here. You will bear much fruit. It's my father's glory that you bear much fruit. We bear it. We don't produce it. Those are different words. Those are different concepts. When you bear something, you hold it. You're not in charge of producing the fruit. Jesus does that. God does that. When we abide in Jesus, and then the fruit can pop. The fruit can be produced. We just bear it. Our job is to abide in Jesus. God's job is to produce that fruit. [00:22:49] (68 seconds) #CommunitySupportsGrowth

See, we're meant to do this in community. We're not meant to do this alone. Because a beautiful thing about community is that we can help one another. We can help each other build trellises, support systems. We can help each other uphold our rules of life that we're setting. And we can ask for help. [00:24:49] (24 seconds) #AccountabilityInFaith

We can ask our friends to help keep us accountable. We can say, Hey, I want to do this or I want to not do this. Will you check in? Will you come with me and see if I'm staying to the plan? We can do reading challenges or book studies or even small group experiences like practicing the way. And when those things happen, we bear fruit and folks, I'm seeing it. I'm I'm seeing it happening around us. We're learning to abide and we are bearing fruit. [00:26:11] (40 seconds) #AdaptYourRuleOfLife

That's the real encouragement for today to just think of one thing that you can do that sets you up to abide. I mentioned this a second ago, but rules of life. They change as we change, right? Some things are going to work in certain seasons of life and certain context and they weren't they're not going to work in others. There's going to be some things that feel impossible right now, but maybe someday down the line. Maybe they could be doable. And then there are things that used to be doable that are no longer an option, right? [00:31:37] (45 seconds) #DailyAbidingPractice

A rule of life. It's a schedule. It's a set of practices and relational rhythms that create space for us to be. To be with Jesus. To become like him. And to do what he did. And we're not going to do it perfectly because we can't. But we can try. [00:48:16] (22 seconds)

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