The Gospel According To John March 18, 2012 Sermon Lesson 73 John 15:1-8
Abiding in Christ: The Perseverance of True Disciples True disciples will abide in Christ. They are like fruitful branches on a grapevine (1-3) The vine = Christ (1a) The vinedresser = God the Father (1b) The branches = those who claim to be Jesus' disciples (2, 3, 6) Those who do not bear fruit are removed (2a) Those who do bear fruit are pruned (2b-3) They are organically attached to Christ (4-8) They understand the “abide” command (4a) Abide in Me (4a) And I in you (4a) They are fruitful (4b, 5, 7-8) What is “fruitfulness”? Fruit of the Spirit/virtues (Gal 5:22-23) Good works (Phil 2:12-13; Eph 2:10) Converts (15:17; 12:23-26) Answer to prayer in Jesus' name (7; 14:14) They depend upon the vine for fruitbearing (4b-5) Their prayers are answered (7) They glorify the Father (8) The bearing of “much fruit” (8a) The proof of true discipleship (8b) Those not abiding in Christ face condemnation (6) Applications: Are you truly “in Christ”? Are you “abiding in Christ”? Are you fruitful? Is the Father pruning you back?
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