3. The Branches
John 15:4-5a
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.

Those who have been cleansed from sin by the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross, are now connected and filled by the very life of the Triune God, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, in the same way life flows from a vine into a branch.

4. Bearing Fruit
John 15:5b
Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

1. What is “fruit?”
2. How do we bear fruit?

The fruit of the Spirit and transformation of our character

Good works

Multiplication

How do we bear fruit?

Union with Christ is the condition for all fruitfulness. There may be plenty of activity, and yet barrenness. We can bring forth a great deal ourselves, and because it is of ourselves, it is naught. Fruit is possible only on condition of union with Him. He is the productive source of it all. Christ gives more than just commandments, patterns, and motives; He gives the power to live soberly, righteously, and godly, and in Him alone is that power to be found. - Alexander MacLaren

Relationship - this is what our Lord desires.
A loving, loyal relationship requires both parties to abide – to remain committed to dwell together in close proximity – with a sharing of mutual, sacrificial love at the center of the relationship.

Abiding means actively pursuing a loyal, loving relationship with God.

John 15:7-10 ESV

John 15:12 ESV

Prayer is abiding

Abiding on mission

What does abiding look like in practice?