God wants us.
“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.
- John 15:1-3
God wants us to abide in Christ and be fruitful.
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.
- John 15:4-5
What kind of “fruit” does God want us to bear?
Love (John 15:10)
Joy (John 15:11)
Other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
New Disciples
35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
- John 4:35-36
If we don’t abide in Christ, then we won’t receive the things that only Christ can give.
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.
- John 15:6
God provides us with a choice: abide in Christ and live, or be absent from Christ and slowly die.
How do we abide in Christ?
1. By reading the Bible, the Word of God.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you…
- John 15:7
2. By talking to God in prayer.
...ask whatever you wish…
- John 15:7
3. By obeying God.
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. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
- John 15:10, 14
If we abide in Christ, His fruit will abound and abide in us.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
- John 15:7