ABIDE IN THE VINE | 04.03.22
Yerrr! What’s goodie Joy Way Church! We’re back again sharing what went down this past Sunday at 58 Studios. In this sermon from our series titled "John: The Story of The Promised Messiah" Pastor David walked us through John 15 and showed us how Jesus is the true vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and how the Spirit keeps us close.
1. Jesus is the True Vine
Jesus is the cornerstone of the true people of God, the one in whom all of the promises and benefits of the community are fulfilled.
Jesus is the one through whom people are connected to God.
Jesus is the single and only source for our living!
2. The Father is the Vinedresser
The Father is actively at work in His People.
He takes away those that do not bear fruit!
“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away” (John 15:2)
“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)
He prunes those that bear fruit! (Ouch)
“and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)
3. Fruitfulness
Those that do not bear fruit are those that are in close proximity, pretending to be a part, and are wolves in sheep’s clothing.
To be disconnected from the vine means you are good for destruction. (Ouch again!)
Those that do bear fruit are those that abide in the vine.
We do not fear for the purity of the church, we trust in God to actively do what He is committed to doing.
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Heb. 12:6)
Discipline feels painful, it feels like harm yet it produces sweet fruit. Let us welcome it!
Let Us Abide
“By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:8-11)
The love of the Father flows to the son, flows to us, and we then are to share that love with one another as a community.
The Holy Spirit is the Helper who will lift Jesus in front of us, empower us to remain connected to the vine, and seal us.
THIS WEEK'S TAKEAWAYS:
- Abide in the Vine.
- The Vinedresser loves His community!
- Let us become a community of JOY and LOVE. (No pun intended)