Sermon on John 15: The True Vine and its Fruit

Jesus is the true vine.

He proves to be our real strength and real nourishment unifying all believers.

The Father is the husbandman or vinedresser and gardener who takes care of; looks after, watches over; prunes (cuts back), cultivates, cleans and protects what grows on the Vine (John 15:1).

The Branch growingfrom the Vine represents Believers for the purpose of bearing fruit. The branch that doesn’t bear fruit shallbe removed. However, the branch that bears fruit will be purged (cleansed, purified, or pruned) in order topromote more growth; to bring forth more fruit (John 15:2).

The Word the Lord had spoken to His disciples willmake them clean (John 15:3). Jesus commands us to abide in Him and He will abide in us. Except the branchabide in the vine, it could not bear fruit on its own (John 15:4).

The Vine and the branches are to abide in eachother to bring forth more fruit (John 15:5). Not abiding causes withering, and it is then cast into the fire to beburned (John 15:6). But, when the branch abides in the Vine to where God’s Words abide also, the believercan ask what they will, and it shall be done for them (John 15:7).

This is where you will see the glory of the Father and will begin to bear much fruit in becoming Christ’s disciples. The bottom line is: attached branches prove they are disciples by bearing fruit which glorify the Father—touching the lives of others(John 15:8)

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1. It is Necessary to Remain in Christ (John 15:4):

In John 15:4, Jesus tells us, "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." The first and most fundamental truth we must grasp is the necessity of remaining in Christ. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit unless we abide in Him. This requires an ongoing, intimate relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and communion with Him.

God wants you to know:

(1) That you are now a child of God (1 John 3:2).
(2) That you have been made the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21 and ROM. 10:1-4).
(3) That you are now a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
(4) That you are now God's son and heir (Galatians 4:7).

2. It Originates from Intimacy and Prayer (John 15:7):

In John 15:7, Jesus says, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Our connection with Christ originates from intimacy and prayer. When we remain in Him and let His Word dwell in us, our desires align with His will, and our prayers become powerful. This verse reminds us that prayer is not just a religious duty but a vital means of deepening our relationship with our Lord.

You have to believe to see prayer work (James 1:5-8).
If we do not believe, our prayers will not be answered. (James 5:16).
They believed before they received the blessing. (Acts 8:37).
You have to believe to see heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1-10).
We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24).

3. It is Necessary to Have Love and Obedience (John 15:9-10):

Jesus emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in John 15:9-10: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my 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." Our love for Christ and our willingness to obey His commandments are intrinsically tied to our ability to abide in Him. True obedience flows from a heart filled with love for the Lord.

Loving your neighbor as yourself fulfills the law when your love treats your neighbor with kindness as you want to be treated (Galatians 5:14; Mt. 22:39; Luke 10:27; Rom. 13: 8-10; Jas. 2:8)
We owe nothing but love (ROM 13:8)
Christian Life at the Center of God's Love: Eph. 2:4, 5:2
Love is more than words, but it involves actions (Romans 12:9-16).

4. Bearing Fruit for the Glory of God (John 15:8):

John 15:8 teaches us, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." The ultimate purpose of abiding in Christ and bearing fruit is to bring glory to God. Our lives, as fruitful branches of the true vine, serve as a testament to our discipleship. When we bear fruit in the form of love, kindness, righteousness, and the spread of the Gospel, we magnify God's glory before the world.

(a) A holy desire to share spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11).
(b) A sacred purpose to bear fruit (Romans 1:13).
(c) The sacred obligation to pay a spiritual debt (Romans 1:14).
(d) A holy desire to share the gospel (Romans 1:15).
(e) A holy boldness to exalt the cross (Romans 1:16)

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5. Fulfill Our Role (John 15:16):

In John 15:16, Jesus reminds us, "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." We are chosen and appointed by Christ to fulfill our role in His divine plan. Our mission is to go and bear fruit that remains, and as we do so, our prayers become effective instruments in the hands of our Heavenly Father.

Sermon on John 15: The True Vine and its Fruit

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the teachings of Jesus in John 15 reveal the profound truth that we are called to abide in Him, to cultivate intimacy through prayer, to love Him, obey His commandments, and bear fruit that brings glory to God. Let us remember that we are chosen and appointed by our Savior to fulfill this essential role in the Kingdom. As we remain in Christ, may our lives be a living testimony to His love and grace, and may our fruits be a source of joy and blessing to all those we encounter.

Sermon on John 15: The True Vine and its Fruit