ABIDE IN CHRIST
John 15:1-8
Our text paints for us another beautiful picture of the relationship we have with
Christ. Our relationship is pictured for us in many different ways in the Bible.
When we consider the Vine and the branches four things come to mind:
A. CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF OUR LIFE:
Outside the vine, the branches have no life.
B. CHRIST IS THE STRENGTH FOR OUR LIFE:
All the minerals and water that the branches need to survive are received from the vine.
C. CHRIST IS THE STABILITY OF OUR LIFE:
Because we are attached to the vine, the storms may blow and the rain may fall, but we are stable through him.
D. CHRIST IS THE SECURITY OF OUR LIFE:
As long as the vine has life we have life. Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
I. THE DELIGHTFUL PRIVILEGE:
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
In times past we the gentiles were looked upon as dogs, but praise be to God we have been grafted in.
A. THE SERIOUSNESS OF OUR CONDITION:
Romans 11:17a - And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, Wild meaning Raging, untamed, uncontrolled, barren.
B. THE SWIFTNESS OF OUR CONVERSION:
Romans 11:17b wert graffed in among them,
C. THE SWEETNESS OF OUR COMPANION:
Romans 11:17c Partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Fatness - The richness
II. THE DESIRED PRODUCT:
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
To bear REAL fruit. We live in the day of substitutes. We have things that appear to be what there not. A lot of artificial. Salt - Looks like salt, taste like salt, but
not salt. Eggs - look like eggs, taste like eggs, but there not eggs.
How can you tell if the fruit is REAL ?
A. THE SUSTENANCE OF REAL FRUIT:
Fruit is not for the branch itself. It is for others.
B. THE SEED OF REAL FRUIT: Fruit is real when it reproduces. Is what I'm doing causing others to want to do the same.
III. THE DEFINED PURPOSE:
John 15:8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Is God receiving the glory for what we do? Do I preach for him, do you sing for him? I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
IV. THE DIFFICULT PRUNING:
John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Pruning involves removing that which hinders us from being our best for God. Note he does not prune those that bear no fruit he takes those away.
A. THE REALITY OF PRUNING: You are going to be pruned.
B. THE REASON FOR PRUNING: Not to hurt, but help.
C. THE RESULTS OF PRUNING: v.2d More fruit
V. THE DIVINE PRONOUNCEMENT:
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Many Churches are like the Church at Laodicea. They have gone on with the Plans,
and Programs, but they have left the Lord on the outside. Once again he reminds us that without him we can do nothing.
From our message three things we must learn.
1. THE ABSOLUTE HELPLESNESS OF THE BRANCHES:
2. THE AMAZING HOLD OF THE VINE:
3. THE ASSURED HOPE FOR THE FRUIT:_
Morristown, TN