Abide In Christ – John 15 (Winter SWO)

Abide In Christ

John 15:1–17

[1] “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 does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. [3] Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. [5] 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. [6] If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. [7] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. [9] As the Father has loved me, so have I 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 be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

[12] “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. [17] These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

What’s The Point?

There is so much goodness packed in this section of Scripture! Jesus starts this teaching saying, “I am…” This is not a coincidence. There are seven “I am” statements in John. We are not going to break down all of those here—although that would be an awesome study. In this statement, Jesus is identifying himself as God by using the same language that God the Father used of himself in the Old Testament,

“Say to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14).

Each of these “I am” statements identifies something specific about Jesus. In saying he is the vine, he is making the point that life comes from him. As the rest of this passage makes clear, we can only produce good fruit if we abide with Christ. Jesus uses this analogy because it is obvious to us. If you cut a branch off of a grape vine, you would not expect it to continue growing grapes. Jesus is making the point that he is the source which blessing and abundance come from.

Lastly, throughout the Old Testament, God’s chosen people, Israel, are referred to as a vineyard. This is beautiful because Jesus is identifying with his people. They have been spoken of as a vineyard, so Jesus is telling them that he has been and will always be the source of their fruit.

There is a lot going on under the surface in this passage of Scripture, but it is all pointing towards the clear and simple reading of the passage: abide in Jesus. John takes a lot of words to state it and restate it, but the simple idea is remain in Christ. Part of the reason John takes so many words to convey this idea is because we are so quick to forget and pursue our own lusts and desires.

John’s words are kind but should have the effect of a battering ram. In the medieval days when an invading army was trying to get into a town or castle they would have to break down massive wooden doors. This couldn’t be done in one quick hit; the invading army took a tree, shaped it, and then slammed it into those huge doors over and over and over until the wood finally gave way.

John’s words are not nearly this violent, but the telling, retelling, and rewording should break down the hardness that we have built up over years of selfish living. Then the truth of Jesus’ words can sink into our hearts and minds as we realize our need for Jesus. That is what this passage is getting at. You need Jesus. I need Jesus. We need Jesus!

Jesus warns us of what happens if we do not abide with him. If we are in Christ, we have all we need and will bear fruit (vv. 7-8), but if we are not in Christ, there will be wrath and judgment (v. 6). Jesus’ commands are not new. He is simply telling us to stay with him and live as he lived. Because Jesus lived a perfect life, he is able to command us to live as he lived; he uses himself as the example.

So, do you want to produce fruit? Abide in Christ. Do you want your prayers answered? Remain with Jesus. Do you want to experience Christ’s love and forgiveness? Stay with him. How can we love people as Jesus has commanded us? Love other people like Christ has loved you. What a wonderful God we serve who has rescued us and made a way for us to obey because he lived in a way that we could follow him and live as he lived.

Words like remain and abide can sound really spiritual, but what do they actually mean? What does it mean to abide in Christ? It means we submit ourselves to the Lord by reading his Word and seeking him in prayer. There is nothing new here. God has given us his Word so that we would know him and worship him, and the Father has made a way for us to boldly approach him through the blood of his Son. So, make it a priority in your life to abide with Christ by reading your Bible and praying to the Lord every day.

Scripture Memorization

1 John 3:6–7

“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.”

Prayer

Lord, I want to abide with you. I want to be in your presence and be changed because of it. I confess that my actions do not always align with this desire, but please, shape my affections and cause me to want more of you and less of this world. Grow my appetite for your Word so that I would wake up wanting it. Satisfy me with your Scriptures and time in prayer more than with the things of this world. Help me to be a branch that bears good fruit and brings glory to your name. Amen.

Reflection

1. Is there anything in your life that keeps you from abiding in Christ? What is it that you are tempted to rest in other than Jesus?
2. Most of us would say we want to abide with Christ, but in reality we spend more time on our phones than with the Lord. Make a plan to study your Bible and spend time in prayer, and submit that time to the Lord. The only way to actually abide in Christ is to make time for him.

 

Discussion Questions

1. Look up some of the other “I am” statements in John. What does Jesus claim about himself in these statements?
2. Read all of John 15 and discuss the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit described in this passage.