Fruitful Branches
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Imagining the Church
John 15:1-11 (ESV)
1 “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.
Sermon Outline
The deep union between Jesus and his church is unique in its life-giving nature.
1. Unite
v2 “every branch in me”, v4 “in me, and I in you”
v1 “I am the true vine”
v5 “apart from me you can do nothing”
2. Remain
v4 “abide”
v2 “every branch that does bear fruit he prunes”
3. Prove
v7 “My words abide in you”
v8 “bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples”
v9 “abide in my love”
v11 “that your joy may be full”
Prayer of Confession
Our Father, you have called us to abide in Christ, the true vine, that our lives may bear good fruit. Yet we confess that we have often wandered from him. We have tried to grow apart from your grace, trusting our strength rather than your Spirit. We have resisted your pruning, clinging to habits and desires that do not give life. We have sought joy in passing things instead of abiding in your love. Forgive us, O Lord. Cut away all that is dead within us, and cleanse us from every fruitless work. Teach us to remain in your love and to keep your commands with joy, so that our lives may glorify you and our joy may be complete in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What does the vine and branches metaphor teach about the relationship of Jesus and his people?
What do you think Jesus means when he says “apart from me you can do nothing”?
How do we get the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control)?
How can the framework of “pruning” offer a perspective that can help you remain in Christ when enduring difficult periods?
Why is it important for Christian community to be based on our spiritual bond and our faith in Christ? How can our natural hopes for community become a problem in the church?
What kinds of meaningful support should mark Christian relationships? How can we sustain one another through the ups and downs of life?
What does it look like to keep Jesus’ command to love? Why is love meant to be consistent and regular in the Christian life?
Do you believe that the Christian life is the path to true joy? What questions do you have? What can you pray for to grow in this season?