Sermon Guide: John 15:1-14 “Abiding in Christ”
Date Preached: March 2, 2025
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Key Passages
John 15:1–14, ESV
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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.
Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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.
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. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Sermon Overview
Jesus is the true vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. Our Lord uses this illustration to teach us the importance of abiding in his love, so that God may be most glorified through our lives, and that our joy might be full!
While coming with a caution to those who do not remain connected to the Vine, it is a passage full of gospel-comfort. Jesus is teaching us to draw on him and his inexhaustible resources for all our needs, instead of relying on our own resources, or on the world’s techniques.
Sermon Structure
1. What does Jesus want to produce in us?
Christ-like, sacrificial love for one another
2. What does Jesus want to do through us?
Glorify God through our Christ-like love
Cultivate our lasting joy
3. Five Exhortations for Abiding in Christ
i. Don’t forget the patience of your Father
ii. Don’t confuse “cutting back” with “cutting away”
iii. Don’t gussie up the pig
iv. Don’t neglect the role of prayer
v. Don’t forget to rest in his love
Definitions & Resources
Abide
To remain, or to dwell. In John 15, it refers to remaining connected to Jesus, relying on him and his resources for all your life, and drawing on his inexhaustible reserves for all your need, instead of on your own limited resources.
Trinity
The word “trinity” comes from “tri-” (three) and “unity.” It is used for the biblical teaching on the nature of God. There is one God, in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are co-equal, co-eternal, of the same substance, and all worthy of our worship.
Questions for Discussion & Reflection
1. How is the love that the Church should have for one another different than other expressions of love in the world? What are some examples you’ve seen of that kind of Christ-like love in your life?
2. Look up Isaiah 5:7 and Hosea 10:1–2. How does these passages relate to John 15:1?
3. Have you seen a relationship in your own spiritual life between your obedience to Christ and your joy in Christ? Can you share anything about that?
4. Which of the five exhortations (see the outline above) seemed most relevant to your life?
