“The Joys of Bearing Fruit For God” 9/28/08

John 15:1-11

Series- “Cultural and Geographical Faith Lessons From Israel”

Spring Pruning- before and after blooming the vinedresser removes sprigs, dead wood, to bring out more coming fruit. Other branches he lifts up and ties to the trellises.

Fall Pruning- immediately after fall harvest. Removes all leaves, water sprouts, etc. to induce dormancy. These would be wooded vines that would be burned.

POINT 1- The PREPARATION of fruit bearing (Verses 1-4)

A. It’s important to remember that God is always preparing us to bear FRUIT

(Isaiah 5; Matthew 15:13; Romans 11:17; 1 Corinthians 3:9)

B. God prunes us through the WORD of God

(Ephesians 5:26; John 17:17; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:105)

C. If we are to bear fruit, we must concern ourselves with ABIDING

(John 6:56; 1 John 2:6)

Going God wants you to submit to His loving and pruning care!

Deeper

POINT 2- The SOURCE of fruit bearing (Verses 5-7)

A. Without an abiding relationship with Jesus we produce NOTHING

(1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Colossians 2:19; John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7)

B. When we don’t abide in Him, we become USELESS branches

(This is not a reference to losing salvation, but our amount of fruit)

ARE YOU IN DORMANT SEASON? Seasons of SPIRITUAL LIFE

C. As we abide in Him and His Word, He will answer our PRAYERS

(Isaiah 59:2; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 6:33)

Going God wants you to be humble and to keep connected with Jesus!

Deeper

POINT 3- The PURPOSE of fruit bearing (Verses 8-11)

A. We will show ourselves as disciples when we glorify the FATHER

(Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 9:18)

Going God wants us to abide in His commandments and remain joyful!

Deeper