Life of Dependence

 (47) Life of Dependence
(John 15:1-17)
Rev. Neil Kim

 I. Who’s who? (vv. 1, 5)
The vine is Jesus.  The gardener is God, and the branches are us.
Identity defines who you are.

 II. What are the roles? (vv. 2, 4-5)
As the vine is the source of life and fruit, Jesus is the source of our life.
The role of branch (us) is to stay connected to the vine because the vine does it all.
The role of gardener (Father) is to cut off and prune.

 III. Relationship between Jesus and us (vv. 5-8)
The problem is that we try to live the Christian life rather than Jesus living it through us.
As the branch must depend on the vine to receive life and produce fruit, we must depend on Jesus to live and be fruitful (total dependence).

 IV. Relationship with other believers (vv. 12, 17)
Jesus knew, without loving relationships, His disciples’ ministry would not be successful.

 V. What are the benefits being connected to Jesus?
You experience complete joy! (v. 11)
His commitment to us is for life. (v. 13)
Jesus says those who remain in Him are His friends. (vv. 14-15)
Our prayer life becomes powerful and effective. (vv. 7, 17)
God is glorified (v. 8)

 VI. Applications:
Have you ever felt far from Jesus since becoming a Christian?  What circumstances made you feel that way?
The Father prunes branches to make them more fruitful.  In what ways have you experienced the Father’s “pruning?”
Instead of commanding us to bear fruit, why is Jesus only command us to “remain in Him?”