Abiding in Christ – John’s Gospel chapter 15 verses 1 to 11
How do I grow as a Christian?
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:1-3
Two pitfalls 1) just being passive 2) or chasing novelty. No, we only grow through active, intentional abiding in Jesus. He wants us to bear MUCH fruit.
The Necessity of Abiding in Christ
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
John 15:4-6
Staying close to Him. Just as a baby in the womb must be attached to its mother so must we be attached to Christ Jesus. Just being associated is not enough. Believing in Him means also that He dwells within us.
The Result of Abiding in Christ
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:7-8
Wanting to listen to Him through His word, which is a lamp and our light. What saturates your mind?
The Blessings of Abiding in Christ
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:9-11
God’s love, the same as the Father’s love for the Son, brings lasting joy. “Yes Jesus loves ME, the Bible tells me so”. “To enjoy Him forever.” “Love vast as the ocean”. Jesus obeyed and experienced the joyful love of God. So with us, V10,11. Are we there yet? No, but like Paul says “I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” Stick to Jesus! He will bring it to completion at the day of Christ. A deep and intimate relationship, this is the aim and end.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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