The Vine
I Am • Week 2
Jesus was not just simply using a convenient metaphor when he said, "I am the Vine". His choice was very intentional because of the relationship the branches hold to the vine. Leanne Benton encourages us to truly abide in Jesus in week 2 of I Am.
MESSAGE NOTES
The Vine
I Am | Week 2
March 14, 2021 | Leanne Benton
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John 15:1-8 NIV
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
I Am the Vine!
We are the branches!
Rebecca Lyons
This tethering becomes our provision, meaning all the nutrients of heaven are offered to us right now, to renew us and bring us back to life. Everything the vine possesses belongs to the branch.
The nature of the branch is to cling to something.
Abide!
Fruit: the reproduction of the character of Christ in us, being formed into the image of Christ.
2 Corinthian 3:18 HCSB
We all...beholding as in a mirror the glory of God are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory...
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Dallas Willard
What is the central message of the church? What did Jesus preach? Not just the Kingdom of God but the availability of the Kingdom of God to everyone wherever they are. God in action is the same thing as grace and Christians burn grace like a 747 burns fuel on takeoff.
Colossians 1:6 NIV
In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
John 15:2 NIV
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Pruning is not punishment!
Dr. Yonggi Cho
I read (the Bible). I pray. And then I obey.
I’m just the branch. I’m connected to the Vine. I’ve learned to abide.
John 15:7–8 NIV
If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear MUCH fruit and so prove to be My disciples.
Movements Start: Founder Knows Jesus Deeply
Movements Die: Followers Know Only Founder
John 15:5 NIV
...apart from me, you can do nothing.
Reflection Questions
- How is your spiritual life going?
- What is nourishing your soul?
- Do you need to be lifted up out of the dirt of life?
- Are there areas where you need the pruning power of the vinedresser?