Thursday, April 23, 2015

Answers in John 15:1-17

John 15:1-17 is such a beautiful passage (one of my favorites) in which Jesus teaches us about growth. One of my friends sent me the following outline, where he saw Jesus answering his questions about fruit bearing throughout the passage. I hope you enjoy this unique way to read this section of Scripture and are encouraged as you seek to bear fruit and to grow in Christ! Blessings, Christina

1. How do we "bear fruit​"?
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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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. 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.

​2. How do we abide in Him?​
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

​3. How do we "abide in His love"?​
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.

​4. Why should I want to abide?​
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

​5. ​Okay, I I have that settled. Now what is this commandment you're talking about?
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.

​6. What does being your friend mean?​
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.

​7. How are we your friends and what are we to do now?
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. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

​"And that's it."

Levi Pierpont - https://levipierpont.wordpress.com

Soli Deo Gloria ~ To God Alone Be the Glory!