Read John 15:1-8
Bear Fruit Or Be Cut Off.
Jesus uses a metaphor comparing himself and us with a Vine and branches. Jesus says that he is the “True Vine.” God is the “Gardener.” We are the “Branches.” The branches, us, are connected to the Vine, Jesus, and we are to bear good fruit. If we do not bear good fruit, then God cuts us off. If we do bear good fruit, God prunes us so that we can bear even more fruit.
The only way we can bear fruit is if we are connected to Jesus. Like a vine, he will provide the nutrients or the power to carry out his plan for us.
Jesus calls us to remain in him meaning stay connected to him because we can’t bear fruit on our own. He says apart from him, we “can’t do anything.” If we don’t stay connected to Jesus, then we don’t bear good fruit for Jesus. It’s then that God, the gardener, will come and cut us off and throw us away until we wither up. It’s then that he picks up the withered, dead branches and throws them into the fire where they are burned.
This is important, Jesus says if we remain in Him and God’s word remains in us, then we can ask whatever we wish and it will be done for us. He says bearing fruit brings glory to God and is a testimony to others that we are his disciples.
Key Points:
1. God has given me gifts and abilities and he wants to use me and the gifts to impact lives for the kingdom.
2. The key to impacting lives is staying connected to Jesus and his Word. That’s where our nutrients/power comes from: the Holy Spirit.
3. Once you disconnect yourself from Jesus and his Word, then you become self-reliant. It’s then that you’re in danger of becoming dead branches and thrown into the fire.
QUESTIONS:
1. What are your gifts and abilities?
2. How is God using you to touch lives?
3. Are you invested in God’s word and walking in his truth?
4. How are you impacting lives for the kingdom?
5. What trials and tribulations are you facing today that will prepare you for tomorrow?
Don’t give up!
