The True Vine
Studies in John’s Gospel
John 15:1-8
v. 4- “I am the vine, the true…”
• Recognition of false vines
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the
spirits to see whether they are from God, for
many false prophets have gone out into the
world. (1 John 4:1 ESV)
These are waterless springs and mists driven by
a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness
has been reserved. (2 Peter 2:17 ESV)
Truth is not
relative,
there IS right
and wrong
v. 2-3- His branches are IN HIM
• Danger in listening to the world
1. Branches are
churches?
2. Saints in all churches?
3. All churches are the
same?
4. Just believe and be a
Christian?
5. Discount difference
between
churches of Christ?
And he put all things under his feet and gave him
as head over all things to the church, which is his
body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
(Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV)
The church IS HIS body, to be in HIM is to be in
the church
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
(Ephesians 1:3 ESV)
Blessings are for those who are IN Christ
Barren branches
are
removed/pruned
v. 4-5- Branches in HIM bear fruit
• No fruit borne outside Christ, off the vine
Let us then with confidence draw near to
the throne of grace, that we may receive
mercy and find grace to help in time of
need. (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the
heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:3 ESV)
Our help is IN CHRIST!
v. 4-5- Branches in HIM bear fruit
• No fruit borne outside Christ, off the vine
• “much fruit” is promised IN Christ
But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control;
against such things there
is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)
Fruit of the Spirit
For this very reason, make every effort to
supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with
knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with steadfastness, and
steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with
brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with
love. For if these qualities are yours and are
increasing, they keep you from being ineffective
or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
(2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV)
The fruit of character growth
But seek first the
kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all
these things will be added
to you. (Matthew 6:33
ESV)
The thief comes only to
steal and kill and destroy. I
came that they may have
life and have it abundantly.
(John 10:10 ESV)
The fruit of abundant living
v. 6- Not “in Him” are dead
• Dried up, barren, useless branches are
burned
And the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of
man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any
wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of
the forest? Is wood taken from it to make
anything? Do people take a peg from it to hang
any vessel on it?
(Ezekiel 15:1-3 ESV)
If we’re not fulfilling our mission we’re no
good at all as branches !
Spiritual sustenance is in Christ
•
•
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•
Strength
Direction
Comes from
Faith
Power
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Study
Understanding
Exercise
prayer
Three great results of being IN CHRIST
• Bear all kinds
of fruit
• The Father is
glorified
• Prove
ourselves to be
His disciples
…to him be
glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus
throughout all
generations, forever
and ever. Amen.
(Ephesians 3:21 ESV)
Does the vine sustain you?