Connected - John 15

Connected

(Sermon series on John 15)

(From 9/24/17 sermon - Spencer)

I. OPEN

See if there is anyone who wants to share a short testimony, or if there are there specific praise updates or victories that someone might want to share?

II. PRAY

III. READ TOGETHER

John 15:1-5 - “ 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.”

*Be sure to take time to slowly walk through this passage, preferably having a Bible teacher provide context and overview.

Q - Sermon takeaways from those who were in attendance? (Spend time receiving reflections from those who were in the service.)

IV. REFLECT

As we continued into our Connected series using John 15, much time was spent Sunday on the concept of abiding . To ABIDE means to submit to, to accept, to dwell, to live in, to stay, to remain, to inhabit. It is the source that you are connected to and from where you find your actual being. Even the concept of persevering is derived from the word abide. As Christians, we understand from this passage that He...Christ...is the source of our connectivity (“I am the True Vine…”). In three short verses we are told to abide in Him eight different times. It must be important. And even though our society fights against the notion that joy and contentment can come through ONE source only, Christ is saying that we must abide in Him and Him alone and that true spiritual fruit can only be produced if we do so. To not abide in Him means that we will be living a disconnected life. No Source/Vine = No purpose = No joy = A disconnected life. Remember, the only reason that the branch has value is because of The Source that it is connected to. This week we are asking those within our community group structure to spend their time walking through the Abiding Assessment ‘homework’ that was included in the worship guide. The three areas that show true abiding are: 1) Time with Jesus , 2) Listening to Jesus , and 3) Obeying Jesus .

Discuss your responses within the group.

V. FURTHER APPLICATION 

What tangible adjustments will you make this week to spend more Time With Jesus, Listening to Jesus, and/or Obeying Jesus? Discuss.

VI. BE ON_MISSION

Is there someone going through the pruning process right now that could use a word of encouragement from you?

VII. LOOKING AHEAD

We encourage all CG members to continue reading, praying, and worshipping through John 15 each week.