Description

Week 2: Be with Jesus

Text: John 15:1-8
Objective: Explore the importance of abiding in Jesus as the foundation of discipleship.
Thesis: Abiding in Jesus is the foundation of our discipleship, as it leads to fruitfulness and spiritual vitality.

1. Opening Illustration:

o   Example of the banyan tree and its strong vine and branches.

The banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is known for having a deceptively strong root system. 

1.     Aerial Roots: Banyan trees have aerial roots that grow from their branches and extend down to the ground. These roots can take root in the soil and act as additional trunks, giving the tree a vast and strong support network.

2.     Extensive Coverage: The roots spread out over a large area, sometimes covering several acres. This extensive root system provides the tree with stability and strength, allowing it to withstand various environmental stresses.

3.     Anchoring Ability: The root system of a banyan tree can anchor it firmly to the ground, making it very difficult to uproot, even in strong winds or floods.

4.     Survival Mechanism: The strong and extensive root system enables the banyan tree to access nutrients and water from a wide area, making it resilient in harsh conditions.

Scripture Reading:

• John 15:1-8

 Main Points:

o   Abiding: What it means to be with Jesus (John 15:4). Abiding is staying connected to Jesus through daily practices.

Translation: "Abide in me, and I in you."

Jesus emphasizes mutual indwelling, a reciprocal relationship between the believer and Christ.

o   Dependence: Our need for Jesus in every aspect of life (John 15:5). Without Him, we can do nothing.

Fruitfulness: The result of staying connected to Jesus (John 15:5). Our lives will bear spiritual fruit.

Translation: "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit."

The fruitfulness of a believer's life is contingent on their abiding relationship with Jesus.

Why John 15:1-8 Matters:

Intimate Relationship with Christ:

• The passage underscores the essential connection between believers and Jesus, highlighting the necessity of remaining in him for spiritual life and productivity.

·      John 6:56:

·      John 14:23:

·      Galatians 2:20:

Dependence on Christ:

• It emphasizes that apart from Jesus, believers can do nothing of spiritual significance, stressing total reliance on him.

·      Philippians 4:13:

·      2 Corinthians 3:5:

·      Colossians 1:17:

Divine Pruning:

• The concept of pruning illustrates God’s active role in refining believers, sometimes through difficult experiences, to increase their fruitfulness.

·      Hebrews 12:6:

·      James 1:2-4:

·      1 Peter 1:6-7:

Effective Prayer:

• Abiding in Jesus and his words leads to effective prayer, where believers’ requests align with God’s will and purpose.

·      John 14:13-14:

·      1 John 5:14-15:

·      James 5:16:

Glorifying God:

• The ultimate purpose of bearing fruit is to glorify God, demonstrating true discipleship and reflecting his character.

·      Matthew 5:16:

·      1 Corinthians

·      Philippians 1:11: