[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 15
Bible Verses:
“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.” (John 15:1-2)
“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. ” (John 15:5)
“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.” (John 15:7-8)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:9-10)
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13)
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:14)
” This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:17)
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES (vs. 1-17)
Jesus is the true vine and His Father is the gardener who cuts and prunes its branches that do not bear fruits. We have to remain in Christ in order to bear fruits. To remain in Christ means to obey His Words and abide in His love. When we live our lives in communion with Him, we can bear fruits to please Him and our joy will be complete. Christ becomes our friend and the Father will give us whatever we ask in Christ’s name.
THE WORLD HATES THE DISCIPLES (vs. 18-27)
As we enjoy the love of Christ, we must also expect the hatred of the world for His name sake. The more we are like Christ, the more the world will oppose us without reason. However, Christ had sent His Counselor through the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us faithful and make us fruitful Christian.
LIFE APPLICATION:
1. The gardener applies two methods in his plants. Cutting off and pruning. Branches that do not bear fruits were cut off because they were worthless. But some branches are being pruned to allow them to grow. Jesus described His father as the gardener. He cut off people who do not bear fruits or who tried to block other God’s followers. He disciplines us to strengthen our character and faith and make us more fruitful. That is why Christians have to go through suffering.
2. To remain in Christ means to stay close to Him like a branch is attached to the vine. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing for our efforts are fruitless. So, when we have a right relationship with God, we begin to produce much fruits and God is glorified.
3. God promised us joy if we remain in his love. To remain in his love means to practise sacrificial love in listening, helping, encouraging and giving to someone in need. Then true joy comes and transcends us to withstand the rolling waves of circumstances.
4. Since Jesus is our master, we are his servants. But he calls us friends because he had made known to us everything he learned from his Father. And he commands us to love each other and bear fruits. Thus the Father will give us whatever we ask in His name.
5. Jesus gives us comfort and hope in facing unreasonable hatred, hostility and persecution of the world by sending the Holy Spirit for us. Two names are used: Counselor and Spirit of Truth. Counselor gives advices, comfort and encouragement while Spirit of truth teaches and enlightens us His Word.
6. In summary, to be a victorious Christian, the most important thing is our relationship with Christ. Next is our relationship to other Christians and lastly is our relationship with the world. We should abide in Christ, love the brothers and be victorious over from the hatred of the world.
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