The Gospel of John


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The Gospel of John A Life of Organic Growth

Scripture: Read through John 15:1-17 as a group. Introduction: You wouldn’t be human if there weren’t something in your life that you longed to see changed or transformed. At times that “thing” may feel circumstantial: “I need a change of pace, a change of scenery, a new job (or at least a long vacation), a new significant other.” We muse that the change must be external to us, that if circumstances – or surroundings – or community improved, then life might in fact be transformed for the better. At one level, this is certainly true. In order to experience a necessary change in your life you may, in fact, need a shift in work, city, or community. At times the environments around us prove toxic and we’re wise to find ways to get out. But here’s the question the Bible asks you to consider: What happens when you find that the toxic environment isn’t only out there, circumstantially, but is also inside, part-and-parcel of who you are? Where does change come from when the internal source of growth already seems sour? One of the ways Jesus and the New Testament writers explained the process of change in the human life was through the imagery of fruitfulness. In each of those illustrations, the fruitful life doesn’t come as a result of personal effort, personal pruning, or selfhelp strategies. Biblically, the source of change is never us, it’s always God. Said another way, “fruit” (or Godly change) only happens when we are deeply, organically, and regularly connected to the Source of life itself. Whenever we make something or someone else the basis for meaning in our lives, whenever we “abide” in our successes (or failures) at work, home, and play – our souls wither on the vine. But when we recognize Jesus as “the true vine” and we abide in Him as the source of our identity, only then will we experience change at the deepest (heart) level and a joy that transcends circumstance (v.11). Jesus invites his disciples to abide in Him. Whoever abides in Him will bear much fruit (v.5). What does this look like? In short, it looks like obedience. Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Thankfully, this obedience isn’t what makes us friends! Rather it’s what characterizes Jesus’ friends. Because we’ve been loved so deeply in Christ (v.9) we’re told that friendship with God looks like obeying His commands. Despite consenting opinion, our obedience to these commands doesn’t wreck us; it makes us. We don’t become less human when we “fall in line”; we become more human. Abiding in Christ isn’t a mystical spiritual experience. As Justin Buzzard writes, it’s the everyday recognition that Christ was “judged and treated as fruitless – so that fallen and unfruitful people like us can become the fruitful branches we were meant to be.” Because of the cross we’re now friends. And because we’re friends I obey. And this obedience becomes the deepest source of fruitful joy in our lives.

Reflection: Take personal inventory of your life, heart, and spiritual journey. Use these prompts / questions as a way to prepare for group discussions – or – for personal times of prayer. 1. What / who do you look to for your source of joy and contentment? 2. What / who do you look to for your source of change / growth / transformation? Discuss: 1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most? Do you have any follow up questions about the sermon? 2. What does Jesus mean when He says, in verse 2, “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit?” How does this help you understand the role of the Father in our lives? How does this help you understand the differing, and at times, difficult circumstances in our lives? 3. Discuss the role that obedience plays in our abiding in Christ. Keep in mind that grace always drives obedience. We don’t obey in order to be loved, we obey because we already are loved in Christ. While we were His enemies, Christ died for us. How can “abiding” obedience become the source of life Jesus intends it to be? What could make obedience feel lifegiving not life-draining? 4. Commenting on verses 9-11, Scotty Smith writes, “Thank you for commanding us to abide in your love—a most glorious and essential command to obey. It was your obedience that earned the fullness of God’s love for us, and it’s our obedience that frees us to enjoy every good thing we have in you.” Discuss. Apply: Hold God to His word this week. He clearly says, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” Abiding comes through listening to, obeying, and applying God’s gracious word to your life. This week, spend time reading through the scriptures. Open your heart to what they say. Then ask the difficult question, “If these words are true, what in my life and heart must begin to change?” This is beginning of obedience and thus the beginning of abiding in Christ! It’s where life and fruit are found. This is often best accomplished with a friend. Who can you invite to join you in reading and applying the scriptures this week?