It’s all about the environment. ‘Going Green’ is about protecting our physical environment, “Abide in Me…” John 15:4 (Our Present), and being diligent about nurturing our spiritual environment, “…abide in My love” John 15:9 (Our Future). When we “Abide in Christ”, He becomes our ‘super-natural’ environment and we go from barren and dormant, to blossoming and fruitful. In this second message in the series ‘The Secrets of the Vine’ we will discover when we are joined to the ‘True Vine’ we are able to appropriate the precious promises of God that are vital to bearing the fruit of the spirit, our supernatural produce, real fruit; fruit that lasts. We will also learn how to transfer those assets to those around us as we ‘Go green for God’.
We are told to ‘Abide’ because it’s something we can do … or not do. We have a part to play. In practical terms, we have a daily choice to make. Will we spend time in prayer? Will we open the Bible and read? Will we focus on Christ? Will we spend time with other believers? If we fail to see that ‘abiding’ is our job, we miss the message of this whole chapter. The one who fails to abide is in a dangerous state. Jesus gives us reassuring promises for those who stay connected, but chilling warnings for those who turn loose. A. The unfruitful branch is taken away (vs.2) B. A branch cannot bear fruit and, in fact, can do absolutely nothing apart from the vine (vs.4-5) C. In the end, the one who does not abide is thrown away, cast into the fire, and burned (vs.6). If we don’t abide in Christ, the consequences are terrible. But when we do ‘abide’ in Christ, we will have a wonderful outcome. It’s called fruit-bearing! The purpose of the branch is to bear fruit, (otherwise why bother). Fruit bearing doesn’t require effort on our part. Fruit is the natural result of abiding.
The Promise of the True Vine (John 15:7 ) – Those who abide in the True Vine can rest confident of certain precious and guaranteed promises!
A. An Unhindered Prayer Life (John 15:7). Why? Because when we’re abiding as we should, we draw our life from Christ and His will becomes our will and everything we pray for will fit perfectly with His will and He will grant our requests.
B. An Unending Love (John 15:9). Jesus loves all men always, but those who are abiding in Him have entered into a special, ‘Intimate-Communion’ with Him. This is the promise of the Vine to the branches!
C. An Uncommon Joy (John 15:11). ‘Joy is not happiness’ which depends upon happenings/events; the ‘Joy of the Lord’ originates with God and is only given by God. It is totally unaffected by earthly or material things. Joy is a product of ‘faith’ when a Christ follower is confident of their standing in Christ ‘Joy’ is the result! Joy in the Lord produces faithfulness to the Lord and ignites the heart to serve God. His joy is our strength and that is what gives us courage for the battles. God’s joy abides at all times, even in the most difficult times! While fruit comes from abiding, a good harvest ‘does’ require effort on the part of the vinedresser (John 15:1). The vine provides life, and the vinedresser provides what is needed for a good harvest. God is willing to provide the expertise and the effort to cultivate and prune His vineyard.
Prayer of Surrender
Dear God,
I admit I am a sinner in need of you. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again for my sins. God I give you my earthly permission for your heavenly intervention. I call upon Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord of my life. Thank you for saving me. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me the kind of person You want me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
On the winning side,
Pastor B.
