1. The Gospel of John contains valuable information that will help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are taught in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. In this lesson we are studying the Lord's instructions found in John 15:1-8 that relate to bearing much fruit. Discussion:
I. IN PRESENTING THIS IMPORTANT LESSON, JESUS TALKED ABOUT THINGS THAT WERE FAMILIAR TO THE APOSTLES [a vine, branches, and a husbandman]
A. Jesus talked about a "vine" -- a grapevine that was very useful to people living in Palestine. 1. Previously, we have observed how Jesus said: a. "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35) b. "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12) c. "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58) d. "I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7) e. "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11) f. "I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25) g. "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). 2. As Jesus fulfilled His private ministry He identified Himself as "the vine" (John 15:1, 5). B. Jesus talked about "branches." 1. Branches are the part of a grapevine where the fruit grows. a. Branches are connected to the vine, and their function is to bear fruit. 1) A branch that does not bear fruit does not serve any useful purpose. 2) It is actually harmful because it takes nourishment from other branches. 3) It must be removed so the other branches can produce more fruit. b. In order to produce fruit, a branch must abide in the vine -- if it is separated from the vine it will not survive. 2. (vs.5) Jesus identified His followers as the branches -- "ye are the branches." C. Jesus also talked about the "husbandman." 1. The husbandman is the caretaker of a vineyard. a. He cares for and tends the grapevines. b. He cuts away the branches that do not bear fruit. c. He prunes the branches that bear fruit so they bear even more fruit. 2. (vs.1) Jesus identified His Father as the husbandman. a. The Father cuts away every branch that does not bear fruit. b. He prunes the branches that bear fruit so they can produce more fruit. D. By talking about these things the apostles would have understood the lesson that Jesus was teaching them, and we can understand it, too. E. The Lord wants His followers to bear much fruit (Matthew 13:23; Romans 7:4; Psalm 92:14a). II. IN ORDER TO BEAR FRUIT, WE MUST ABIDE IN THE LORD
A. (vs.4) Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains in the vine, we cannot bear fruit unless we remain in Christ. B. (vs.6) A child of God who does not abide in the Lord will be cut off and cast into the fire at the judgment. C. (vs.5) If we abide in Christ and He abides in us we will bring forth much fruit. 1. (vs.8) The Father is glorified when we bear much fruit. 2. We also prove that we are the Lord's true disciples. III. THE FRUIT THAT THE LORD WANTS HIS FOLLOWERS TO BEAR INCLUDES:
A. "good works" (Colossians 1:10; Galatians 6:9-10) B. "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23) C. "other disciples" (2 Corinthians 5:18b).
