Abiding in Jesus
Steve McKenzie August 18, 2019
John 15:1-17
Abiding in Jesus

Mission Statement: Compelled by the Gospel to become disciples who make disciples.

Definition of a Disciple: Someone who worships Jesus through ongoing surrender, with obedience to God in everyday life, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Three Characteristics of a Disciple:

  1. Abiding in Jesus
  2. Growing in Jesus
  3. Fruitful in Jesus

 

Jesus is the True Vine (15:1)

  • The vine was a historical reference and identity to the nation of Israel. (Isaiah 5:1-7)

Abiding: Produces Fruit (15:2-6)

  • Fruit is an image for good results coming from the life of a believer, probably in terms of bringing benefit to the lives of others and advancing the work of God in the world. (ESV Study Bible)
  • Fruitfulness is the result of abiding in Jesus (John 15:4-6)

 

Abiding: Glorifies God (15:7-8)

  • Abiding produces fruit and the fruit produced glorifies God.
  • “That many do not advance in the Christian progress because they stick in penances, and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of God, which is the end.” Brother Lawrence

 

Abiding: Completes Our Joy (15:9-11)

  • God’s joy (Nehemiah 8:10, Hebrews 12:2) is what fills us with joy. Our joy is from God.

 

Abiding: Love One Another (15:12-17)

  • God’s love for us demonstrates and empowers our ability to love others.

 

Application

  • Abiding – Trust Jesus to meet all our needs and to be our greatest treasure
  • John 15:7, “Abide in me and my words in you…”
    • “Abide in me” – an ongoing awareness of and dependence on God’s continual presence with us
    • “My words in you” – meditating on the Word of God
      • Practical Resource: Memorize John 15:5, or John 15:1-11