“Friends,” John 15:1-15

Introduction:  Israel described in Psalm 80:14, 15, “Have regard for this vine, the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.”

Where did they mess up, ceasing to bear fruit?

I.        “I am the true vine” [Psalm 80:17, 18]

A.     (v1) “My Father is the vine dresser.”

1.      We fail to bear fruit when we live for our own glory

2.      Wild vines on my property vs. trained vines on a trellis

B.     (v2) “Every branch that does not bear fruit he takes away.”

1.      “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes/cleans [Hebrews 12:5-6]

2.      (v3) “Already you are clean/pruned because of the word I have spoken to you.”  Ouch.

II.       When the IV becomes disconnected

A.     (v4) “Abide in me as I abide in you.”  [John 14:15]

1.      What is the nature of the fruit being produced and is it important that we ID it?

2.      “You cannot bear fruit unless you abide in me.”  [John 14:12]

B.     How do we remain (abide) in Jesus?

1.      v10--Keep his commandments [John 14:21]

2.      What is his command?  (v12) “…that you love one another as I have loved you.”

III.      Let’s say it again:  “I am the true vine”

A.     (v5) “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

1.      (v6) “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers.”

2.      By remaining connected to vine we remain connected to each other.  [Ephesians 3:17-19]

B.     (v7) “If you abide in me and my words abide in you…”

1.      “…ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”  [Also in 14:13, 15:16]

2.      Why such power?  (v8) “My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit and show yourself to be my disciple.”

Conclusion:   What is the mark of his disciples?  What is his commandment?  John 13:34-35

So what kind of fruit do you think a branch connected to him would produce?