John Week 23 Sermon Notes

PREPARE

John-23.jpeg

Springtime in Colorado often brings with it wind that blows branches off of our trees. Even if you place that branch into a vase of water, the blooms may open and live for a time, but eventually that branch will die. This is a picture of complete dependency on another source for life. What does Jesus mean when He compares himself to a vine and us to branches? What does it mean to abide, or remain, in Him? To abide, or remain, in His love? How do we do this? What is the outcome when we do?

As you prepare for this week’s teaching by reading John 15:1-27, bring these questions into your study and join us on Sunday as we seek to understand the answers.

LISTEN

Verses: John 15:1-27

Main Point: Life and love are only found in Jesus.

1. The Gardener, the vine, and the branches (1-8)

2. The command to love (9-17)

3. The Hatred and the Helper (18-27)

REFLECT


1. What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you?
2. Read Isaiah 5:1-7. What did the nation of Israel do (or fail to do)? How is Jesus the true vine?
3. Nobody is perfect; therefore, we all need pruning. Pruning involves the removal of dead branches and some healthy branches. Where do you need to be pruned?
4. Are you experiencing the joy of the Lord? If so, do you know anyone who is not experiencing the joy of the Lord? How can you encourage them to experience it?
5. What does being a friend of God look like? Do you consider yourself a friend of God? Why or why not?
6. What are the three ways John uses the term ‘kosmos’?
7. In what ways have you learned hatred from the world (“the world” being that which is opposed to God)?

ACT


- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?