1. A Look at Jn 15:1-8

2. Background It is the night before the crucifixion Jesus has just finished eating the Passover with the disciples and instituting the Lords Supper He has let them know He will be returning to the Father Jesus then comforts them by letting them know He is going to prepare a place for them (Jn 14:1-3) He is continuing to present to them instruction on how to live once He is gone

3. Jesus uses an analogy that is something they should easily understand as there are multiple references of vine in the OT Is 5:1-7; Ps 80:8-16; Jer 2:19-22; Ezek 15, 17:5-10, 19:10-1 4; Hos 10:1

4. Barclays notes state it this way…...the fact that you are a Jew will not save you. The only thing that can save you is to have an intimate living fellowship with me, for I am the vine of God and you must be branches joined to me. Jesus was laying it down that not Jewish blood but faith in him was the way to God's salvation Jesus made that He was the way for their and our salvation (John 14:6). For the people thought that their salvation depended upon their race as chosen people of God, Couple more verses to consider Lk 3:8-11; Mt 5:20

5. Branches grow out of the vine…so we must grow through Christ 2 Pet 3:18; 1Pet 2:1-2 Heb 5:12-14 Branches have no life of themselves Break a branch off a grapevine and it will wither and die Abiding in Him, we bear much fruit, Without Him we can do nothing (Jn 15:5) As stated by Paul Eph 2:1-7; Phil 4:13; 2 Cor 3:5 How can we abide in Christ? Gal 3:27; Jn 15:9-10, 14:21-23

6. Branches must bear fruit Dead branches are cast out Christians can lose their salvation Jn 15:6; Mt 10:22; Rom 11:18-22; 2 Tim 2:12; Heb 6:4-6; 2Pet 2:20-21 Live branches are pruned to produce more fruit Heb 12:5-11; Rom 5:3-5; 1 Pet 1:3-9 The type of fruit a Christian must produce Fruits in keeping with repentance Lk 3:8

7. Change of life for the better Lk 3:10-14; Is 1:10-17; Mal 1:6-10 How is bearing fruit manifested in our lives today? Winning souls to Christ Rom 1:13; Mt 28:19-20 Sharing with those in need Rom 15:25-29; 2 Cor 8:1-2, 9:12-14 Developing a Christ-like character Gal 5:16, 23; 2 Pet 1:5-8; Heb 13:15

8. If you are a Christian but have fallen away What happens to those who do not abide in the vine? What happens to those who bear no fruit? If you are not a Christian this morning… You can only be a disciple by putting your complete trust in the vine. Salvation is in him and none other. (Acts 4:12)