John 15:1-6 (ESV)
“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.

Jesus is claiming to be the promised Messiah.

Isaiah 5:5-7
And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard.I will remove its hedge,and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.6 I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up;I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel,and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed;for righteousness, but behold, an outcry!

Jesus was the life-giving vine that would come forth from Israel.

The Father will cut fruitless vines and prune fruitful vines.

Professor vs Possessor
1) Proximity vs. Intimacy
2) Acknowledgement vs. Affection
3) Desire for benefits vs. Desire for presence
4) Agreement vs. Obedience

John 2:23
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

John 6:66
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

Judas was a professor, but not a possessor.

John 13:26-29
Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.

John 15:7-11
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.

Your fullest joy will be found in your intimacy with Christ, which will produce much fruit in your life.

Producing fruit > doing great things
Producing fruit > perfection

Bear fruit = grow in the inward and outward character of Christ

We are branches that are constantly tempted and prone to act like vines.

Abiding is a spiritual discipline that must be learned and practiced.

Prayer and scripture are the keys to our abiding.

Ephesians 6:18
…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Every time I pray I’m admitting and displaying my need for Jesus.