John 15: 1-11

Jamie Anderson

The premise of John 15: 1-11 is relationship; He is the vine and we are the branches, if we abide in Him and He in us, there will be fruit in our lives.

Have a quick read of these verses then come back to this.

Here's a bullet list of points that we need to highlight in regards to this chapter:

• Relationship involves pruning (verse 1-2)


• Relationship involves cleansing (verse 3)


• Relationship involves abiding (verse 4)


• Relationship results in the bearing of fruit (verse 5)

Let's pause here for a moment. Have you taken the time to examine the fruit of your life? What does it look like? Does it reflect a true picture of all that God has for you and all the He wants to do through you?

Verse 5 says a tree is known by it's fruit - how do others know you? Are you reaching out to others in your life? Is someone's life being changed by the spirit of Christ that lives in you?

• Relationship is the basis for answered prayer (verse 7)


• Relationship means bringing glory to God the Father (verse 8)


• Relationship is nurtured in obedience (verse 10)


• Relationship is reflective of joy (verse 11)

Think about what you've read and the list above - do you see any holes yet? I know I do.

The word that sticks out in this passage of scripture is abide. In the Greek the word is "meno" and it literally means to live in and this is fundamental to our Christian walk. If what we have with God isn't what it should be, chances are what we have with others isn't what it could be.

Make a decision to be at home IN God, no matter where you are and determine to abide in Him, in such a way that it becomes unconscious in your daily living.

Here's a few thoughts on how you can abide in Him:

1) Keep His word continually; your view of the Bible will affect your decisions
2) Constantly look for moments of intimate connection. Prayer is very good for this
3) Obey His commandments
4) Keep sin out of your life

Remember - He is the vine and the source. He's the life giver and we are the branches. We need to:

1) Stay connected to Him in order to receive anything from Him.
2) Remain totally dependent on Him in order to bear fruit in our lives.

We must abide (remain) in Him in all that we do.

This week 'decide to abide' in Him as you go about your daily living, in a way that is almost like breathing - something you do without even thinking.