Growth in the VineyardJohn 15:1-8, 16-17

Vines are interestingThey grow differently

They need careDirection

The right soil The right moisture and temperature

Jesus is the vineMovement and direction

God is the gardenerSoil, water, ties, trimming and pruning

We are the branchesThe part of the vine that extends to

bear fruit

John 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 so that it will be even more fruitful.

It sounds like Jesus is saying…While some branches are pruned

for further growthBranches which are not fruitful,

are cut off from the kingdomIf you are not fruitful you will be

removed and thrown away

Setting 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

ConsistencyWe look at other part of John’s book

John 13It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father…2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

John 138 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

John 1310 …And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

John 153 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will 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.

You can lose your salvationStay close

I know who are mine familyValue the relationship

Bask in it

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

If you stay connectedYou will be able to do something

important for the kingdomSomething of great value

Something eternal

6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Romans 1116 …if the root is holy, so are the branches.

We do not live in the Old Testament We do not and can not earn our way to

ChristWe are heirs of the New Covenant

We are connected to the root and the vine or we are not

Back to JudasOne of the twelve

He walked with JesusTouched Jesus

Heard Jesus preach, heal and do miraclesHe looked like a branch

(Believer)But he was not

John 1310 …And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

If it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck it must be a duck

This scripture says:Just cause you look like a duck

and sound like a duck it does not necessarily make you a duckSheep – goat (Matthew 25)

“I don’t know you”Wolf in sheep’s clothing

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

If you are in the familyAsk what you want…

For the kingdomFor God’s glory

For the well-being of the churchThe well-being of God’s family

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

I chose you Appointed you

For something importantBe fruitful

You can not fool GodIf you are not bearing fruit…

You might be fooling your own selfThe very starting point

Love each other

God has a sense of humorLove each other

Accept each otherWarts and all

This is the important beginning pointFrom there we can continue the journey

I chose you Appointed you

For something importantStay close and you will discoverHow I want you to be fruitful