The Source
John 15:1-11
“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 bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have 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 remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
“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 bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have 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 remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
What word stands out in this passage, mentioned 10 times? ABIDE!
Now, think about this—John is hearing these words. This revelator, the one known as "the one Jesus loves," was the only one at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified. Jesus even entrusted John with the care of His mother, Mary. This same John is the one who would later be exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the vision of Revelation.
So, when John hears about abiding, he knows firsthand what it means to stay close to Jesus. He understands what it takes to be rooted in Christ. Abiding is not just a word to him; it’s a life lesson, a command, and the key to living in communion with the Savior. John knows the SOURCE—ABIDE!!
Now, think about this—John is hearing these words. This revelator, the one known as "the one Jesus loves," was the only one at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified. Jesus even entrusted John with the care of His mother, Mary. This same John is the one who would later be exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the vision of Revelation.
So, when John hears about abiding, he knows firsthand what it means to stay close to Jesus. He understands what it takes to be rooted in Christ. Abiding is not just a word to him; it’s a life lesson, a command, and the key to living in communion with the Savior. John knows the SOURCE—ABIDE!!
The phrase "abiding in Christ" describes an intimate, close relationship—far beyond just a superficial acquaintance. It’s about being deeply connected to Him.
Let me make a distinction:
Happiness is an outward emotional response to circumstances.
Joy, on the other hand, is the inner peace we experience from abiding in Christ.
John 15:11
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy [inward peace with Christ] may remain in you, and that your joy[inward peace with Christ] may be full.
The ultimate goal is to be Rooted in Christ, connected to the Source (Jesus), and to become Joyful Christians!
Why? Because joyful Christians bear fruit—living out the life and love of Christ in all they do.
Let me make a distinction:
Happiness is an outward emotional response to circumstances.
Joy, on the other hand, is the inner peace we experience from abiding in Christ.
John 15:11
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy [inward peace with Christ] may remain in you, and that your joy[inward peace with Christ] may be full.
The ultimate goal is to be Rooted in Christ, connected to the Source (Jesus), and to become Joyful Christians!
Why? Because joyful Christians bear fruit—living out the life and love of Christ in all they do.
Big Idea: Abide in the source, Jesus, "That Your Joy May Be Full" to "Bear Much Fruit"
1. God Prunes Us
John 15:2(a)
and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
God prunes us so that we can bear more fruit. He doesn’t prune us out of anger, nor does He prune us because the sacrifice of Jesus wasn’t enough (perish the thought!). Instead, God looks at our lives and sees that we’re not bearing as much fruit as we could. We might be out of balance, with dead branches or distractions—worldly pressures that drain our spiritual vitality.
Example:
A young Christian man once said, "I will never go to that part of town..." But one day, he finds himself there after getting a flat tire. As he sits by the side of the road, a group stops to help him. Initially fearful because of their reputation, he soon learns that they genuinely want to help. Before long, he’s engaging with them, sharing the gospel, and eventually leads a discipleship class in that very neighborhood. God just pruned away his fear, showing him that when He says "All nations," He truly means all nations.
God prunes us to make us more dependent on Him. He doesn't prune us to discourage us but to teach us to abide in Christ—the true Source of life. Abiding in Christ means living in obedient dependence on His constant supply of grace—grace that is Himself.
If you want more, remember Proverbs 3:6:
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths..."
Pruning keeps us from becoming proud or independent, relying on our own strength.
Therefore, God prunes us because He loves us. He wants us to learn that we can do nothing apart from Christ.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'
Pruning is a key part of abiding in Christ. It teaches us to rely on Him fully, growing deeper in our relationship with the Source of all life.
and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
God prunes us so that we can bear more fruit. He doesn’t prune us out of anger, nor does He prune us because the sacrifice of Jesus wasn’t enough (perish the thought!). Instead, God looks at our lives and sees that we’re not bearing as much fruit as we could. We might be out of balance, with dead branches or distractions—worldly pressures that drain our spiritual vitality.
Example:
A young Christian man once said, "I will never go to that part of town..." But one day, he finds himself there after getting a flat tire. As he sits by the side of the road, a group stops to help him. Initially fearful because of their reputation, he soon learns that they genuinely want to help. Before long, he’s engaging with them, sharing the gospel, and eventually leads a discipleship class in that very neighborhood. God just pruned away his fear, showing him that when He says "All nations," He truly means all nations.
God prunes us to make us more dependent on Him. He doesn't prune us to discourage us but to teach us to abide in Christ—the true Source of life. Abiding in Christ means living in obedient dependence on His constant supply of grace—grace that is Himself.
If you want more, remember Proverbs 3:6:
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths..."
Pruning keeps us from becoming proud or independent, relying on our own strength.
Therefore, God prunes us because He loves us. He wants us to learn that we can do nothing apart from Christ.
Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'
Pruning is a key part of abiding in Christ. It teaches us to rely on Him fully, growing deeper in our relationship with the Source of all life.
2. Confirms us by our Fruit
Abiding in Christ reveals whether our connection to the vine is alive and genuine or merely superficial and external. There are times when other vines may wrap around the true vine, pretending to be a part of it, but they cannot bear the same fruit. True connection produces life.
John 15:8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
When we are truly abiding in Christ, His life, love, and joy flow through us. This connection proves that we are His disciples. Bearing fruit is the outward expression of the condition of our hearts, revealing our true connection to the Vine.
Bearing Fruit:
This describes the actions that flow from a heart that is rightly connected to Christ. Good fruit is that which is produced by the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit, this fruit begins to manifest in our lives, showing that we are truly His disciples. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to have free reign in our hearts, the more these fruits become evident, confirming that we are deeply rooted in the Vine and living as true followers of Christ.
John 15:8
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
When we are truly abiding in Christ, His life, love, and joy flow through us. This connection proves that we are His disciples. Bearing fruit is the outward expression of the condition of our hearts, revealing our true connection to the Vine.
Bearing Fruit:
This describes the actions that flow from a heart that is rightly connected to Christ. Good fruit is that which is produced by the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit, this fruit begins to manifest in our lives, showing that we are truly His disciples. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to have free reign in our hearts, the more these fruits become evident, confirming that we are deeply rooted in the Vine and living as true followers of Christ.
3. God is Glorified
John 15:8(a)
By this My Father is glorified...that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
The whole purpose of us not being the vine but rather dependent branches grafted into the vine is to bring glory to God. When we are connected to the Vine, we bear fruit that is a direct result of that connection, and we rely on the Vine for all our spiritual nourishment and strength.
Think of it like the way a tree functions:
In the same way, we depend on the true Vine—Jesus Christ—to provide everything we need spiritually. The vinedresser (God) carefully prunes and shapes us so that we grow and bear much fruit. This entire process is designed to glorify God, who is the ultimate source of our life and fruitfulness.
By this My Father is glorified...that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
The whole purpose of us not being the vine but rather dependent branches grafted into the vine is to bring glory to God. When we are connected to the Vine, we bear fruit that is a direct result of that connection, and we rely on the Vine for all our spiritual nourishment and strength.
Think of it like the way a tree functions:
- The Apple Tree doesn’t bear apples on its own—it depends on its roots, its trunk, and the nurturing care of the gardener to produce fruit.
- The Peach Tree relies on its branches, which are nourished by the trunk and roots, to grow peaches.
- The Grape Vine produces grapes only because the branches are connected to the vine, which supplies all the nutrients necessary for growth.
In the same way, we depend on the true Vine—Jesus Christ—to provide everything we need spiritually. The vinedresser (God) carefully prunes and shapes us so that we grow and bear much fruit. This entire process is designed to glorify God, who is the ultimate source of our life and fruitfulness.
Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Next Step: Abide in Jesus Christ Daily to Experience Joyfulness That Bears Much Fruit.
Q: Have You Experienced the Aspects of Abiding?
Q: Are You Connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ?
By continually abiding in Jesus, we experience a joy that comes from Him alone—a joy that overflows and brings glory to God. As we remain connected, we will bear fruit that reflects the life of Christ within us. Let’s take the next step and choose to abide in Him daily!
Q: Have You Experienced the Aspects of Abiding?
- Pruning: Are there areas in your life that God is refining and shaping to help you bear more fruit?
- Confirmed by Your Fruit: Do your actions and attitudes reflect the fruit of the Spirit? Is your life demonstrating love, joy, peace, and all the qualities that show you are abiding in Christ?
- Bringing God Glory: Are you living in a way that glorifies God through your connection with the Vine?
Q: Are You Connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ?
- Are you staying rooted and connected to Christ daily, relying on Him for spiritual nourishment and growth? If not, today is the day to deepen that connection and experience the abundant life and fruit He promises.
By continually abiding in Jesus, we experience a joy that comes from Him alone—a joy that overflows and brings glory to God. As we remain connected, we will bear fruit that reflects the life of Christ within us. Let’s take the next step and choose to abide in Him daily!
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