1. Joining Jesus in his mission – John 15:1-17
1. God’s call to his people
a. Israel’s call – Is.5:1-6; Ps.80:8-16
- God transplanted them – Ps.80:8
- Did all that was needed - Ps.80:8,9; Is.5:1,2
- They were to bring blessing to all nations – Gen.12:3; Is.49:6
- They were judged - Ps.80:16 ; Is.5:4-7

2. b. Jesus as the True Vine 1. He bore good fruit in his life
2. He brings blessing to all nations through his death & resurrection
3. All peoples can be joined to him – “living branches to a living vine”
The Christian is “in Christ” – potential to bear good fruit

3. 2. God’s method of producing fruit
He is the expert gardener – v.1
a. God prunes
1. Cutting off dead branches –v.2,6
2. Removing useless growth –v.2
- through his Word – v.3
- through difficult circumstances – Heb.12:11

4. b. We abide/remain in Christ
1. Trust in Christ alone –v.4,5
- we are totally dependent on him
- we rejoice in his love for us – v9
The Cross shows how much – v.13
The Spirit helps us experience it - Rom.5:1-5
2. Obey his commands – v.10,11,14
- Loving others – v.12-17
a. Fellow Christians – John 13:34,35
b. Our neighbours – serve & share the Gospel

5. 3. Pray in Jesus’s name
a. Our desires & requests are shaped by Jesus & his will
God’s Word & Prayer go together
b. Take every opportunity to pray – “Week of prayer”, daily, weekly, monthly; “in secret”, as families, with others
“In the work of mission, the Church advances on it’s knees”

6. 3. Mission – begins with God & is for his glory
a. Mission is God’s idea – v.16
- Jesus came as a missionary – John3:17; 20:21
- The Spirit equips for mission – Acts
- We can join with Jesus – “Each one teach one”
b. Mission is for God’s glory – v.8 cf. John17:4 1Cor.10:31
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God by enjoying him forever”