
LifeGroup Notes
OPEN
What needs to happen for a plant to bear fruit? Does the fruit grow by accident, or is it the result of an intentional effort on the part of a gardener or farmer?
INTRODUCTION
What are some key points that stuck out to you in the video?
READ
Read John 15:1-11
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Thomas declares that they don’t know where Jesus is going, what does that mean about what Jesus is trying to communicate?
What kind of branches does Jesus talk about?
What happens to the branches? What does this mean?
What does Jesus point to in this passage that would indicate that someone is abiding in Jesus? Where do you see it in the text?
DIVE DEEPER
Read Titus 2:11-14
What is the relationship between salvation and good works? And how does that relate to what Jesus says in our passage?
how does that relate to what Jesus says in our passage?
BIG IDEA
In this passage Jesus declares that he is the vine and Christians are the branches, meaning that spiritual life and growth comes only from faith in Jesus. There is no other way. This is essential to understanding what it means to abide in Jesus. We do this only because we are united with Jesus, one with him, as God the Holy Spirit dwells inside those who trust in Jesus.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What does it look like practically?
How does the idea of abiding in Jesus change the idea of obeying his commands?