The True Vine Studies in John’s Gospel John 15:1-8

v. 4- “I am the vine, the true…” Recognition of false vines Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1 ESV) These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. (2 Peter 2:17 ESV)

Truth is not relative, there IS right and wrong

v His branches are IN HIM Danger in listening to the world 1.Branches are churches? 2.Saints in all churches? 3.All churches are the same? 4.Just believe and be a Christian? 5.Discount difference between churches of Christ?

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV) The church IS HIS body, to be in HIM is to be in the church Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:3 ESV) Blessings are for those who are IN Christ

Barren branches are removed/pruned

v Branches in HIM bear fruit No fruit borne outside Christ, off the vine Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:3 ESV) Our help is IN CHRIST!

v Branches in HIM bear fruit No fruit borne outside Christ, off the vine “much fruit” is promised IN Christ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV) Fruit of the Spirit

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV) The fruit of character growth

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV) The fruit of abundant living

v. 6- Not “in Him” are dead Dried up, barren, useless branches are burned And the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest? Is wood taken from it to make anything? Do people take a peg from it to hang any vessel on it? (Ezekiel 15:1-3 ESV) If we’re not fulfilling our mission we’re no good at all as branches !

Spiritual sustenance is in Christ Strength Direction Faith Power Study Understanding Exercise prayer Comes from

Three great results of being IN CHRIST Bear all kinds of fruit The Father is glorified Prove ourselves to be His disciples …to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21 ESV) Does the vine sustain you?