October 2, 2022

Being in the Vine

Preacher:
Series: ,
Passage: John 15:1-11
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Introduction & opening
    • Thank you for your invitation and that we are celebrating nearly 200 years at Tabor
    • Though many things have taken place and changed since then
      • Personal example
    • Many things change but the Church stays the same
      • After 200 years [in Tabor]
      • Over 2000 years as Christ will build His Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it
    • Sadly we have lost the Queen and lots of things have taken place over this time
    • Why has the Church been preserved over time?
      • The answer lies in John 15:1-11
      • In particular v5
        • To abide in Christ
      • The Church of Christ is not the building but the members - the people
      • Christ binds together
    • The Seventh "I am" - the True Vine
      • Previous six "I am"
      • The Bread of Life, Light of the World, Door to the Sheep, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life, Way truth and the Life
      • These reveal the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ
    • Overview: 3 points
      • The presence of God in our lives
      • The plan of God for our character
      • The patience of God in our growth

The presence of God in our lives

  • Chapter 15 is a continuation of His previous discourse
    • Jesus is starting to prepare them for His departure
      • They start to worry about how they will cope without Him
      • Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit - 14:26
    • As they depart and pass the garden Jesus encourages them
      • He teaches they should not give up, should not neglect meeting with one another
      • He gives them a mission to fulfill
    • Jesus gives them a metaphor of the vine to help them understand
      • There are lots of parables in Scripture
      • He used these to deliver lessons
      • We must understand the main point of the parable
  • Abide - v4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
    • The Israelites understood the vine was an symbol of Israel
    • (Like the daffodil is a symbol of Wales)
    • Ps 80:8-9, Hosea 10, Ezk 15, Jer 2, Isa 5:1-2
      • But in these, the vines all fail
    • Jesus is coming to declare Himself the true vine
  • "I am" the true vine
    • This reminds us of the true God - Yahweh
    • Moses is told to call God - "I am who I am"
    • Jesus is the source of life
    • He is the true, authentic and real vine
  • There is a difference between talent and proof
    • Examples
    • Quote from Robin Williams
  • Jesus came to tell people they have worth and to bring grace and a promise of fruit (in Him) - v5, 7
    • Those who put there trust in Him
    • The Bible is clear - the wages of sin is death
      • We have all sinned
      • 2 Cor 5
  • Abide and remain in Christ
    • The branches are connected to the tree and the roots - to provide fruit
      • Without Christ, we can do nothing - v5
      • Example of smart TV
    • We must be connected to Christ
      • We must obey His word
      • We must connect to Him in prayer
      • We must preach His saving grace
      • Example - I see authentic people with genuine faith, who love one another and serve them
    • We must have right theology and biblical fruit
      • Our deeds and our actions must match our faith
    • Is the aroma of Christ upon you?
    • Do you exhibit the fruit of the spirit - list?
    • Do you show you are a Christian in your correspondence and encounters?
      • The fruit of the Spirit does not develop instantly, which leads to point 2

The plan of God for our character

  • Example of filming Vineyard in Algeria
    • Example of pruning green branches that do not show fruit
  • God prunes the believer
    • Bad traits must disappear, habits must be changed
    • Example of colleague
      • God loves us but expects to change in His strength
    • Example of exercise
  • God allows us to go through difficult times
    • This focuses our faith on Him
    • God provides
      • Personal example with God speaking through the story of Hagar
  • It is God's will that we should be sanctified
    • Not just in thoughts
    • Integrity, for serving, for knowing God's will
  • If you are experiencing pruning - God is working for our benefit
    • Surrender to Him

The patience of God in our growth

  • Example of biography of David Green
  • Why do Christians do bad things?
    • What is a Christian?
      • Not because they attend Church or come from a Christian family
    • Are they really living in Christ?
  • God removes bad branches from the vine - v6
    • Example in France
    • Remember the parable of the wheat and the tares
      • They look similar
      • At the harvest the tares are gathered and burned and the wheat is harvested
    • Jesus is talking about people
      • There is a limited time to believe in Him
      • You are either in or out of Christ
      • You are either abiding or separated from Christ
    • Quote from Spurgeon
  • Young believers
    • Do not be discouraged - you are a work in progress
    • God cares and provides for you
    • Fruit will come in time

Application

  • As a Christian:
    • How is your devotional life?
    • Does the word of Christ dwell richly in you?
    • Do you have quiet times with Christ?
    • Do we remember His faithfulness?
  • If not a Christian:
    • Why not?
    • You are danger if you are not in Christ
    • Believe in Him today
  • Do not be discouraged - Quote from Job
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