“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.  John 15:1-11

A. The Abiding Life in Christ

1. Recognizing our union in Christ

a. Abiding in His Person: John 15:4-7, Rom. 6:5-11

b. His Word abiding in us: John 15:7, Col. 3:16

c. Abiding in His love: John 15:9, John 17:26, 2 Cor. 5:14, Eph. 3:14-19

2. Exercising our dependence on Christ: John 15:5, 2 Cor. 1:8-10, 2 Cor. 4:7

3. Maintaining communion with Christ:  John 15:10, 1 John 2:4-6

B. The Results of the Abiding in Christ life

1. Fruit: John 15:1-2

2. More Fruit: John 15:2

3. Much Fruit: John 15:5, John 15:8

4. Abiding Joy: John 15:11, John 16:20 & 24, John 17:13