I AM #7 – The Vine
“I AM the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
SETTING
Who was there?
Jesus and the Twelve
Where did the events take place?
In the Upper Room in Jerusalem
When did they take place?
At sunset during the Last Supper on the night Jesus was arrested
What took place?
Jesus continued His “farewell address” by teaching about His union with the Father, the Holy Spirit’s ministry, His peace, and fruitfulness.
SUBJECT
John 15 is one of the richest passages in Scripture. The word pictures are simple, yet profound; clear; yet complex; and distinct, yet interwoven.
CONCEPTS
| Vine | Jesus, God’s Son |
| Gardener | God the Father |
| Branches | Christians – including you and me |
| Fruit | Bringing people to Christ (Great Commission); Becoming more like Christ (Fruit of the Spirit) |
| Prunes | Make clean through the Word of God |
| Cuts off | Experience spiritual disconnection from God God may end the life of a fruitless believer |
| Burned | The works of fruitless believers burned at the Judgment Seat |
COMPARISON
| Apart from Christ | Remain in Christ |
| Bear no fruit | Bear fruit: both in quantity (much) and quality (lasting) |
| Cut off | Pruned |
| Withers and burned | Become even more fruitful |
| Can do nothing | Can ask for whatever we wish and receive it |
| Experience discipline | Experience His love, His joy and His friendship |
| Disobedience; no love | Obedience and love for each other |
SUMMARY
Please place an X on this continuum to evaluate your current fruitfulness factor:
No Fruit——————-Some Fruit——————-Much, Lasting Fruit
PRAYER
“Lord, I want to remain in You always, and bear much fruit that is lasting. Amen.
© 2014 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
