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John 15:1-27 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. (2)Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (3)Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. (4) 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. (5) 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. (6)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. (7)If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (8)By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (9) As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. (10)If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (11) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Introduction • Vine – familiar symbol • Grapes & Grapevines were common; • Mentioned in Old Testament • Fruit of the vine - Lord’s Supper • Branches are Individuals • Not Denominations (vs. 6) • Describes a Relationship • Christ & Individual Christian
In What/Whom Are We to Abide? • Israel had been a vine (Psa 80:8) • Sought to abide in Abraham/Law of Moses • Worldly Sources • Trusting in Man’s Word • Trusting in Themselves • Trusting in Materialism • Christ is the True Vine (Jn 15:1) • Scripture is clear – We must abide in Him
John 15:1-27 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. (2) Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (3) Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. (4) 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. (5) 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. (6) 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. (7) If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (8) By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (9) As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. (10) If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (11) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Pruning & Grafting Pruning Grafting Inserting tissues from one plant into those of another so that the two sets of vascular tissues may join together One plant is selected for Roots The other is selected for its stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits • Deadwood removal, • Shaping, • Improving health, • Preparing specimens for transplanting, • Increasing the yield or quality of flowers and fruits
“Abide In” • Context: Part of the plant; share the vascular system • Abide: (Greek) – meno (μένω) – stay; an inward, enduring personal communion • Knowing • Sharing fellowship • Unity in thought/purpose
Why Are We to Abide in Christ? • Christ is the true vine (John 15.1) • If we do not abide in Christ… • Cannot bear fruit • Would be lifeless • Taken away, thrown into fire; burned • Can do nothing • No man can save himself • In Christ, we can do all things • …and dependent on Christ for Spiritual life • Salvation requires abiding in Christ
How Do We Abide in Christ? • We must: • Get “in” Christ • Continue to be “in Christ.” • Grow & Bear Fruit (Jn 15:5) • Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Matt 10:22 And ye will be hated by all for my name's sake, but the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Conclusion • We Must Abide in Christ • Nowhere else provides Joy and Eternal Life • John 6:68 - Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,… • Resolve to Abide in the True Vine
