Two Points of Emphasis in our Study:
1. The Interpretation of John 15:
What does it mean?
2. The Application of John 15:
So What?
What Difference should it make in my life?
I. The Interpretation of John 15:
What Does It Mean?
A. The Abiding Controversy
B. Three Views on “cut off branches”
and “burned up branches”
John 15:2,6
1. Genuine believer
2. Carnal Believer
3. Professing Believer
C. Six Comparisons Made in the Vine,
Gardener, and Branches
1. ITEM
1. Jesus
2. IMAGE
The true vine
2. God the Father
The vinedresser
3. Those connected to Jesus:
a. Judas: phony believers
b. 11 disciples: genuine
believers
4. Jesus’ words
Branches:
a. fruitless branches
b. fruitful branches
5. What believers produce
Fruit
6. How believers produce it
Remaining livingly
connected
Pruning Knife
3. POINT OF SIMILARITY
The exclusive source of
fruitfulness
Ensures increased
fruitfulness
Connection to the source
of fruitfulness:
a. non-living connection
b. living connection
Means of cleansing to
increase fruitfulness
Product of living
connection
Abiding
II.The Application of John 15: So What?
What difference should it make in our
lives?
1. Jesus Christ is the true vine or source of
life! 15:1
2. People who have been connected with
Christ without His life will be cut off: 15:2
3. Our Father prunes all believers so we may
bear more fruit: 15:4
4. Abide or remain in contact with Christ so that
you may bear fruit: 15:4
5. Abiding means much fruit! No abiding–
no fruit—nothing of worth will be done: 15:6
6. Fruitless branches are headed for destruction:
15:6
7. Abiding in Christ and His Word abiding in you
leads to effectual prayer: 15:7, 14:12-14
Three Results:
First, brings glory (honor/recognition) to the
Father.
Second, bears much fruit.
Third, shows that you are a true disciple of
Christ.
Conclusion
The Scriptures give us a picture of two
kinds of people in John 15…..
Which one are you?