Every authentic follower of Christ will experience seasons of pruning as God cuts back the spiritually unproductive parts of our lives so that we can bear more fruit and better fruit in the future.

A Prayer For When You're Being Pruned

Gracious God,
I thank You that You know what is best for me. I recognize that you have been glorified by the fruit of my life. I have come to see that you have removed ______________ from my life to prune me, to cause me to bear more fruit, and to bring greater glory to Your name. So I choose to shift the posture of my heart as I commit to abide in You in new ways in this season. Speak to me as you reshape me and prepare me to bear even more fruit.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Based on a prayer by Gabe Morrell.

For Reflection/Discussion: What was the context in which Jesus spoke these words? Where was he? Who was he with? What was taking place? Why was this teaching especially appropriate given the context? Why does Jesus call himself the true vine? With what or whom was he comparing himself? What are the two kinds of branches? What or whom do they represent? Why is pruning important to vines and other plants? How does God prune us? Why? Can you think of any times in your life when you felt that you were being pruned? What was the ultimate outcome of that pruning?

We are not commanded to manufacture, produce, create, or even bear fruit. We are commanded to remain in Christ. And we are promised, if we do that, we will bear much fruit.

For Reflection/Discussion: The word "remain" (or "abide") is a favorite found in the Gospel of John and is repeated a number of times in this passage. What does the word remain (or abide) mean? Why is it important to remain in Christ? What does Jesus command his followers to do in verse 4? Notice that Jesus is not commanding that we produce more. What is the difference between our producing fruit and bearing fruit? Jesus states that we will either "bear much fruit" or "do nothing." What accounts for the difference? What outcome can churches and individual believers expect if they attempt to do great things apart from Christ?

For Reflection/Discussion: What are some of signs we can look for as evidence that we are remaining/staying/abiding in Christ? Are there tangible, visible signs that indicate you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Can it be said of you, as it was of Peter, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” (Matthew 26.73)? If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? As we draw this message series to a close, what have you learned about God, Jesus, and yourself from the great "I AM" sayings of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John?