I am the Vine 04/18/21

Series: Jesus – In His Own Words

I am the Vine

John 15:1-11

seven “I AM” statements  

·      They show that Jesus publicly embraced His divinity. 

·      They reveal the importance of believing in Christ. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.

John 15:1-4a

This passage is Good News.  It is intended to encourage believers, not discourage them. 

Good News

Jesus actively works in your life to bring fruit from you.     

Your connection to Christ is already secure.

Your connection to Christ enables you to love.

Union with Christ can refer to your position in Christ.

Union with Christ can refer to the intimacy you have with God through Christ. 

Christianity IS NOT doing something so God will love you.

Christianity IS receiving His love and doing something. 

Remain in His Love:  The Gospel Response

1.   Understand what things stir your affection for Jesus.

2.   Limit activities that rob your love for Him.  

“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

the Gospel Response: 

         Remain in His love; Trust in His goodness.