“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. John 15:1-9
PREVIOUS
1. The Trinity at work in Creation
Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:22-24, Genesis 11:1-9
2. The Trinity at work in Re-Creation
The Work of the Father – Ephesians 1:3-6
The Work of the Son – Ephesians 1:7-12
The Work of the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13-14
3. The Trinity at work in the Gospel – Acts 4:23-31
a. The Grace of the Triune God establishing our union in Christ
b. The Grace of the Triune God providing fellowship with Christ
1. In our obedience
2. In the painful process of being purged (pride & self-sufficiency)
THIS WEEK
C. Communing with the Lord through His soul-satisfying joy: John 15:11, John 16:24, Psalm 4:7, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 21:6
1. It is personal: Abiding in Christ’s Person: John 15:3-7a, 1 John 2:4-6
2. It is submissive: Christ’s Words abiding in us: John 15:7b, Colossians 3:12-16, 1 John 1:4
3. It is affectionate: Abiding in Christ’s love: John 15:9, Ephesians 4:13-19