Abide and Thrive. Living a fruitful life in Christ. John 15:1-5
Stand with me and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Abide and Thrive: Living a Fruitful Life in Christ.
Turn with me to John 15:1-5 and say, “Amen” when you are there.
Let's read together.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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."
Introduction: The Necessity of Connection
Let’s begin with an image we’re all familiar with: a power cord disconnected from an outlet. It doesn’t matter how advanced the device is; without connection, it’s powerless.
In the same way, Jesus tells us in John 15 that apart from Him, we can do nothing.
The invitation today is clear: reconnect to your source of life, abide in the Vine, and watch as God transforms you into a vessel of His glory.
1. Jesus, the True Vine: The Only Source of True Life
Jesus begins by declaring, "I am the true vine." Not a vine, not one of many, but the true vine.
This means every other source we might turn to for identity, joy, or purpose will ultimately fail us. Only Jesus gives life that endures.
Consider a grapevine. A branch detached from the vine can’t survive, let alone bear fruit. It needs to remain connected to the source for its nourishment and growth.
A woman from the Solomon Islands shared how her life changed when she received the Bible in her native tongue. She said, "For years, I sought answers in traditions and practices, but it wasn’t until I encountered Jesus through His Word that I felt truly alive. Now, I share His love with others, and my joy is overflowing."
2. The Role of the Vinedresser: God’s Loving Pruning
God, as the vinedresser, tends to us with care. Pruning isn’t about punishment—it’s about growth. God removes the things that hinder us, such as sin, unhealthy attachments, or even good things that no longer serve His purpose in our lives.
Think of an athlete training for a competition.
They willingly let go of comfort and distractions to focus on their goal. Similarly, God’s pruning sharpens and refines us for His purpose.
A businessman shared how God pruned his life by closing doors he thought were essential. He said, "At first, I fought it. But looking back, I see that God’s redirection led me to a calling I never imagined: mentoring young entrepreneurs in Christ."
3. Abiding in Christ: A Life of Daily Connection
To abide means to remain—to make Jesus not just part of your life, but the center of it. It’s not about striving but resting in Him, cultivating a relationship through prayer, the Word, and obedience.
A missionary couple serving in Papua New Guinea described how abiding in Christ gave them strength amid physical exhaustion and spiritual challenges. They said, "We learned that our strength didn’t come from our preparation but from staying close to Jesus daily. He carried us through when we had nothing left."
4. The Promise of Fruitfulness: A Life That Impacts Others
When we abide in Christ, we bear fruit—not through our efforts, but through His life flowing through us. This fruit manifests as love, joy, peace, and other attributes of the Spirit, but it also includes lives changed through our witness.
A young woman who recommitted her life to Christ shared how abiding in Him transformed her relationships. She said, "I used to be quick to anger and slow to forgive, but now, people see the patience and kindness of Jesus in me. I know it’s not me—it’s Him."
Altar Call: A Call to Connection
Friends, where are you today?
Are you feeling disconnected from the Vine, weary from trying to produce fruit on your own?
Maybe you’ve never been grafted into the Vine—you’ve never experienced the life-giving relationship Jesus offers.
Jesus is here, inviting you to abide in Him. Will you respond?
If you’re in a dry season or enduring the painful pruning process, come forward and lay your burdens at His feet.
Surrender anew and trust that He is working for your growth and His glory.
To the seeker: If you’ve never made Jesus the center of your life, today is the day. He’s not just offering you a
better life—He’s offering eternal life.
Invitation to Pray Together:
"Lord Jesus, You are the true Vine, and we long to be connected to You. Forgive us for trying to live apart from You. Today, we choose to abide in You, trusting You as our source of life and strength. Prune us where necessary, and help us to bear fruit that brings glory to Your name. For those surrendering to You for the first time, we ask for Your transforming power to make them new. In Jesus’ name, amen."
This week, let your prayer be simple: "Jesus, help me to abide in You." Open your Bible, spend time in prayer, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. As you remain in Him, you will see His life and fruit flow through you, blessing others and glorifying God.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)
