Bearing Much More Fruit

John 15:9-17

Introduction

Communion celebrates the relational union made possible by

the love of God in Christ Jesus.

produce

=fruit

Introduction

I AM… You are…Vine

Branches

Introduction

• Fruit is only possible through a true CONNECTION with Christ.

• Regular, lasting fruit is an EVIDENCE of true discipleship. (v.8)

Sustained light is the desired result of a connection to a powerful source!

produce =fruit

Regular progress is the desired result of a connection to a powerful tool!

produce =fruit

Introduction

“As our communion with Him becomes more intimate and

intense, … the more we realize how the life in us is the life of One who

sits on the throne of heaven.”Andrew Murray

More Fruit

• Healthy branches produce LOVE fruit (vv.9-10, 12-13, 17)– We have received much sacrificial

love from Jesus– To whom much is given, much is

expected or required (Lk 12:48)

– We are to love one another, abiding in love, just as the Father and Son

More Fruit

• Healthy branches produce JOY fruit (v.11)– The fullness of joy comes when we

do what we were made for– There is an emotional response to a

cognitive choice to live in Christ– It is a relational phrase in 2 Jn 12

“The Christian life is not some shallow, insipid following of a traditional pattern. It is a life

characterized by ‘unexhausted (and inexhaustible) power

for fresh creation’.” Leon Morris

More Fruit

• Healthy branches produce OBEDIENCE fruit (vv.12, 14-15, 17)– These directions are not optional or

conditional, they are imperatives– There is a distinction between

“slavery” and “friendship” – motive– We are called children of God, and

that is what we are, so behave• Cf. 1 John 3:1-10

Conclusion

“Obedience in carrying out his purpose would be a guarantee of success, for Jesus never planned

failure for His disciples.”Merrill C Tenney

More Fruit

• Healthy branches produce COMMUNICATION fruit (v.16)– We want to talk to the one that we

love; it brings us great joy; it gives us insight into His desires for us

– God delights in answering with good gifts for further growth

Conclusion

“Love is the evidence of grace working in our souls.”

HA Ironside

Conclusion

Are you a true, connected disciple of Jesus Christ?Let us examine the evidence…

Conclusion

• No fruit = no connection• Little fruit = needs pruning• Much fruit = healthy branch• MORE fruit = growing!

• The evidence is in the fruit.

Conclusion

“An absolutely fruitless life is prima facia evidence that one is not a

believer.”

“The proof of discipleship is fruitbearing.”

Merrill C Tenney

Conclusion

“Discipleship is not static, but a growing and developing way of life.

… The true disciple is becoming more fully a disciple.”

Leon Morris

Self-Inspection

• S – SINS to confess, reject:– Idolatry connecting to wrong vines– Hypocrisy pretending to be

connected– Apathy not even faking a

connection or caring about disconnects

Self-Inspection

• P – PROMISES to hold on to:– Obedience assures proper

connection and brings great joy.– There is answered prayer for those

connected to God’s plans.

Self-Inspection

• E – EXAMPLE to follow: – Jesus set the example in sacrificial

love– Jesus set the example in determined

obedience

Self-Inspection

• C – COMMAND to obey:– Love one another– Keep these commands

Self-Inspection

• T – THANKS to share:– I have a personal relationship with

God, through Christ, which produces fruit

– I have, by grace, been chosen, cleansed, equipped, and positioned for growth

– I have a group of people around me who want to go and grow together