These sermon notes accompany the sermon “Fruit and Friends” found at https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=52320183311389 where both audio and video versions are available.
Big Idea: To survive and thrive until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we abide in him as a branch abides in the vine.
The Vine and the Branches
- About Vines and vineyards: Ps. 80:8–19; Isa. 5:1–7; Jer. 2:21; Ezek. 19:10–14; Hosea 10:1; Matt. 21:33-46; Rev. 14:14-20.
- Vine – The Lord Jesus Christ.
- Branches – Disciples.
- Vinedresser – The Father. See John 13:10 “clean” related to 15:2 “prunes.” Also Hebrews 12:1-11.
- Fruit – All the good things God desires from His people – especially more people. John 4:34-38; Rom. 1:13, 6:22; Col. 1:10; Heb. 13:15; Gal. 5:22-23.
Friends
Abiding
- Mark 6:10; Luke 1:56; John 1:38; John 14:2 – “rooms.”
- “[Abiding] means to keep in fellowship with Christ so that his life can work in and through us to produce fruit.” — Warren Wiersbe.
Encouragement:
Abide in Christ! Make use of the spiritual disciplines of reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating upon God’s Word; worshiping God; enjoying accountable and confessing fellowship with his people; praying; obeying; giving; and bearing witness. Pray for the Lord Jesus Christ to become your healthy obsession, your dwelling place, and your friend.
Friends
Is the Lord Jesus Christ my dwelling place, or do I just visit him occasionally?
Do I view Jesus Christ as a way to get what I want, or do I genuinely want Him above other things?
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