John 15 - Discipleship is Not A Program!

John 15 - NIV

Key Verses: 

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “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.

Commentary

If you are looking for the best verses in the bible about the secret to spiritual growth and being an effective Christian, these five verses are right at the top. While there are many other great verses on the keys to becoming a mature Christian, this teaching is straight from Jesus himself. So I think we should start there when we are looking at being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. 

We often try to find the perfect discipleship a program, and I get that, but as a pastor for 30 years I haven't seen a program being the key to a successful program. The key to a successful discipleship program involves two things. A close relationship with Jesus and close relationships with other believers.  

Jesus makes a promise, "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." When a tree or vine abides in healthy soil it will bear fruit. You can't rush it or "make it happen". It happens organically. Jesus says, "Remain in me!" Another word for this Greek word is "abide". The Greek word for "remain" is "menos", which is where we get the term "maintain". Today we might use the phrase "stay connected". 

What then does it mean to remain in Jesus? First, it means to believe in him. If you don't faith in Jesus, there is nothing to abide in. When we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he gives us His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides, empowers, and convicts us when we are out of alignment with what Jesus has taught his followers. 

Practically speaking, here are three specific ways you can "abide in Christ"! 

1. Pray - In any relationship the intimacy and depth will be defined by how much time you spend together and  communicate with each other. It is the same with Jesus. This is why Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all you who weary and burdened and I will give you rest, rest for your souls."

If you are weary and burdened go to Jesus. How do you go to him? Pray. 

2. Be in God's Word - Though Jesus is the Word, the bible also contains God's Word. There is nothing in the bible that Jesus abolished, but rather fulfilled all of it. This is why John says, "The "Word" became flesh full of grace and truth. and dwelt among us" - John 1:14  

All of the bible is inspired and infallible when it is interpreted correctly. I think it is wise to spend as much time as possible in the gospels. As you obey the simple things Jesus has called us to do it is akin to remaining in Him. If you follow Jesus as he instructed his disciples, you will abide in Him and bear fruit that will outlast you. 

3. Obey - The word "obey" often has a negative connotation. But knowing Jesus is not just knowing him intellectually, but knowing him experientially Him. And we experience him by obeying what he has taughgt us. 1 John says this, 

"Be this you can be sure that you know Him, if you keep His commandments." 1 John 2:3

Application

1. Are you remaining in Christ? Do you or others see the spiritual fruit which results from you abiding in Jesus?

2. When you look at the three aspects of abiding in Him, where could you improve? 

3. Are there people in Your life you can talk honestly with about these issues? I have found that having other men who I am accountable to is very helpful.

Prayer 

Jesus thank you for the promise that if we "abide in You" we will bear much fruit. We know that apart from you we can do nothing, but with you we can do everything! May we bear fruit which will show and give glory to You! Amen. 


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