Sermon on 20 February 2024 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Abiding in Christ in an intimate relationship. We need to abide in Him to bear fruit; without Him we can do nothing.
Message
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. - John 15:1-8
God identifies Jesus Christ as God. “I AM” is His name. Look at the words “in Me” in verse 2. It does not say “with Him”. “Abiding in Him” is a very intimate relationship. When you read the word, you will be cleansed. The word is so sharp, like a double-edged sword. The word will reflect the glory of God in you, so you will have the nourishment to walk the way He intended for you to. Without Him, we can do nothing - nothing of permanent spiritual value. The world can continue to do a lot of things, but there is no joy, no peace. If we do not abide in Him, we will wither and burn (verse 6). This means that we will lose our reward. If we abide in Him, we bear fruit - the fruit of love.
1. Remain and abide in Him. Walk the way He walks (1 John 2:6). Produce the kind of fruit that brings glory and honour to God.
2. Connect, dwell, stay, settle, and sink deeply in Him. Our relationship with Him is an ongoing, active relationship.
3. Obey. If we obey His commandments, we abide in His love (John 15:10). Whoever keeps His commandments abides in God and God in him (1 John 3:24). God is pleased when you are willing and obedient. We cannot experience true spiritual life and growth if we are disconnected and disobeying Christ.
If we abide in Him, we will live abundant and fruitful lives. If we do not abide in Him, we will live spiritually disastrous lives (John 15:6). We will not have the fruit of love, peace, joy, or gentleness. Every branch that bears fruit, He will prune; He will cleanse. Pruning is a necessary part of our spiritual growth and fruitfulness (John 15:2). God wants us to bear fruit - the fruit of our service to others, and our witness for Christ (John 15:8). Let us have the fruit of love, character and conduct in Christ (1 Peter 1:22).
Cut away all habitual sins. Cut away all unhealthy relationships. Cut away all good things that have become an idol in our hearts. Trust the divine gardener to remove things from our lives to have true life in Him. True life is only found in Christ (John 10:10). He is the only one who will give us true abundant life.
Closing
Obeying and surrendering to God is a daily activity. Daily abiding by obeying and surrendering of our will to Him is the key of bearing much fruit (John 15:5). Let us bear the fruit of love; loving one another and glorifying Him.
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