THE UPPER ROOM PT 5 – ABIDING
John 15: 1-17
1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every 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.
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
4 Abide 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.
5 I 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.
6 If 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.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for
you.
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s
commandments and abide in his love.
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
ABIDE TO LIVE
Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” I am everything your soul has been searching for, real life flows through Me.
A branch does not try to bear fruit—it just stays connected.
THE POWER IS IN THE PROXIMITY.
Jesus doesn’t say, “Apart from Me, you can do a little less.” He says: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (v.5)
When you abide in Christ His life becomes your life, His strength your strength and His purpose your purpose.
ABIDE TO GROW
Abiding leads to life, but it also leads to growth,and growth often involves pruning.
Pruning Is Not Punishment, It’s Preparation.
You can be in Christ, bearing fruit and still be pruned, because pruning leads to more fruit.
You can’t fake that fruit. You can’t rush it either. You can only grow it by staying close to the source.
ABIDE TO LOVE
Jesus said:
“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love.” (v.9)
When you abide in Jesus love isn’t forced—it’s fruit.
You love even when it’s inconvenient.
You forgive even when it’s costly.
You serve even when it’s unnoticed.
Because that’s what Jesus did for you.
TABLE TIME:
As we engage in conversation, let Paul’s words to the Colossian church be our framework. Colossians 4:6, ‘Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.’
How does the concept of ‘abiding in Christ’ challenge our modern, fast-paced lifestyle?
What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper sense of abiding in our daily lives?
Jesus says, ‘Apart from Me, you can do nothing.’ How does this statement challenge our sense of self-reliance and independence and in what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to rely completely on Christ?
In what ways might you discern whether a difficult season is God’s pruning or simply part of life’s challenges?
Can you share an experience where you felt God was pruning you for greater growth?
In the message it mentions that ‘pruning is not punishment, it’s preparation.’
How might this perspective change the way we view and respond to challenges or losses in our
lives?
Jesus calls us His friends, not servants.
How does this shape the way you view your relationship with Him and others?
Read verse 12 again: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
What are some real-life ways you can practice that kind of love this week?
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER: