To the Powerless: I am the Vine

  1. The cast of this passage: (Jn 15:1-6)

    1. Vine = Jesus Christ = The Source of Life.

    2. Vinedresser = God the Father = The Active Worker.

    3. Branches = Man = The Fruit Bearers.

  2. How do I know I'm abiding? (Jn 15:7-11)

    1. I experience a powerful Prayer life. (Jn 15:7)

    2. I experience a fruitful Ministry. (Jn 15:8)

    3. I experience a loving Obedience. (Jn 15:9-10)

    4. I experience a supernatural Joy. (Jn 15:11)

So what do I need as a Christian?

  • I need money
  • I need happiness
  • I need more time
  • I need to get things done
  • I need to be the best
  • I need to be perfect
  • I need to abide!

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read John 15:1-11

  1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? (Jn 15:4-7, 9-10) Describe specifically what that looks like in the life of an “abider”.
     
  2. Tell of a way God has “pruned” you with hard circumstances, and how that has resulted in fruitfulness in your life.

Breakout Questions:

Take the Test! Evaluate the proofs of abiding from John 15:7-11
Rate the following from 1­-10 (1 = poor, 10 = strong).
Go around the group for each question, then everybody answer the last one.

  1. I am experiencing a powerful prayer life. (Jn 15:7)
  2. I am experiencing a fruitful ministry. (Jn 15:8)
  3. I am experiencing loving obedience. (Jn 15:9-10)
  4. I am experiencing supernatural joy. (Jn 15:11)
  5. In the area I am weakest, what choices can I make to abide in Christ?