I AM: True Vine
Series: Good News to Believe
February 12, 2023
Frank Foreman
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. --John 15:5 ---------- The concept is not a difficult one. Branches on their own cannot produce fruit. They have to be connected to the main tree or vine. Cut a branch off of a grapevine and it will ceases to produce grapes anymore. ---------- In John 15, Jesus illustrates the importance of our connection to Christ as fundamental in our development as followers of Him. Apart from Him, whatever good deeds we might do, whatever sacrifices we may make, etc. will not truly be beneficial to us in our growth and maturity. In addition, we will not have the type of ongoing relationship with the Father that will be "fruitful" for impact in our community, our neighborhoods, our families, etc.
Episode Notes
(Journal) John 15:1-2, I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 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.
Big Idea: There is no such thing as a fruitless Christian... We are to bear fruit and then more fruit.
1. Sacrifice of Praise.
Hebrews 13:15, Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.
2. Support of Others.
Romans 15:28 (NKJV), Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
3. God Honoring Behavior.
Galatians 5:22-23a, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control….
4. Converts to the Gospel.
Colossians 1:5b-6, Of this you have heard before in the Word of the truth, the Gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth….
Next Step: Spend this week considering what saps your spiritual energy and hinders fruitfulness... Ask God to prune everything that limits righteousness.
Hebrew 4:12, For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
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