Secrets of the Vine

Session 7: “More Fruit” to “Much Fruit” – A – Jn 15:4-5, 7, 9-11

Being vs. Doing, doing more I run into a brick wall, I must abide. 

This involves being.

Passage – Jn 15:5

• “Abide” means to continue, live and remain - Jn 15:4, 14:2, 14:23
• “Abide” occurs on the vine where the branch connect

1. Abiding is the primary method to bear much fruit
2. Abiding is dependent on how the branch relates to the vine
3. Abiding increases the sap that flows through the branch

• “Abide” occurs in believers as they connect to Christ more deeply

Pitfall: 

The moment that you are saved, you automatically abide. Misconception: Abiding is the same as salvation and therefore I am already abiding. Truth: Christ abides in you, but you decide how deeply you will abide in Him. 

• You are placed “in Christ” when you accept Christ by faith - Eph 2:8-9
• You remain “abiding in Christ” when you fulfill the requirements - Jn 15:4, 1Jn 3:24a
• You can be “in Christ” but not “abide in Christ” at the same time - 1Jn 2:28

Principles: 

The key is not working more but abiding more. Abide is a command, it is active. Salvation is passive, it happens to us.

Abiding Principle # 1 – Abiding in Christ in an ongoing relationship is the secret to bearing much fruit - Jn 15:5

• Much fruit cannot be achieved by working harder or longer
• Much fruit requires less work for, and more time with, Christ - Lk 10:39-42

Abiding Principle # 2 – Abiding in Christ is directly related to your attitude toward Christ - Gen 3:4-5

• God’s personality is full of mercy, grace and love - Ex 34:6, Jer 9:24b
• God wants a relationship with you so much, He sent Christ to die - Rom 5:7-8
• God wants you to abide so deeply, He adopted you into His family - 1Jn 3:1a
• God wants you to abide so much, He sent His Spirit to cry out Father - Gal 4:6
• God loves you with the same love as He loves Jesus - Jn 17:26

Abiding Principle # 3 – Abiding in Christ enables you to experience Christ’s greatest Promises. If you abide...

• You will bear much fruit bringing God glory - Jn 15:5b, 8a
• Christ will answer your prayers - Jn 15:7, 14: 13-14
• Christ  will make you experience His love – Jn 14:20-21a
• Christ  will reveal Himself to you – Jn 14:21b, Acts 23:22, Heb 11:14
• Christ  will place His joy into your hearts – Jn 15:11, 17:13