A study of John 16:1-7 reveals Jesus speaking about the disciples’ future, a reminder of where Jesus is going, and the advantage of him leaving and the Helper arriving.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals Jesus speaking about the disciples’ future.
I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. (ESV, John 16:1-2)
Jesus just told his disciples what to expect when he is gone. Hate and persecution from the world. The advanced notice was so they didn’t fall away when it happened. The Greek word for “fall away” is skandalizō, which means to trip up, fall away, stumble, or lead into ruin. In other words, he tells the disciples God is not punishing or abandoning you when you experience hate and persecution. So don’t leave your faith. Instead, expect and endure what will come. And the same truth applies today.
Furthermore, they would be put out of the synagogue, which is the Greek word apŏsunagōgŏs. To be put out of the synagogue meant both religious and social ostracization because the synagogue was such an intregal part of Jewish life. The very threat of it was a powerful form of control by the religious leaders. In John 9:22 the Jews agreed to put out of the synagogue anyone who acknowledged Jesus was the Christ. And John 12:42 says there were Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus that wouldn’t openly confess him for the same reason.
Violence against people you disagree with.
Finally, Jesus tells his disciples some people who believe they are serving God will even try to kill them. Sound familiar? The Jewish religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because he was a threat to them. And they finally succeeded by enciting a crowd to clamor for his crucifixion. God allowed it because it was part of his redemptive plan for humanity.
Today, we still wonder why people will kill and celebrate the death of others they simply disagree with. And Jesus provides the answer in V.3. Because they have not known the Father, nor me. Jesus repeats what he said in John 15:21. The Greek word for “to know” is oida and is not intellectual but relational knowledge. To know Jesus as personal savior and follow him as Lord. And followers of Jesus are instructed to read and obey his word, which forbids murder. So it is not an option for his disciples.
Religious service does not replace genuine faith.
The Greek word for “offer service” is latreian prospherein, which means religious service offered to God. It is an outward display of religious service and does not automatically mean a genuine faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Following a fanatical cause rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can lead people into misplaced and even violent actions that are disconnected to God’s word.
The Apostle Paul is an example. He was originally Saul, a devout, Jewish zealot who activately persecuted the early church. But he was radically transformed into a powerful witness of the Gospel when Jesus personally appeared to him on the Road to Damascus. It is the power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that makes the difference. Not fanatical behavior. Paul’s remarkable story appears in Acts 9:1–6, 22:3–5; 26:9–11, and 1 Timothy 1:13–16. And he demonstrates an important spiritual truth. You can be devout, sincere, and completely wrong if you reject Jesus Christ.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals a reminder of where Jesus is going.
I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? (ESV, John 16:4-5)
The disciples didn’t ask it, but the question was probably written on their faces. Why are you telling us all this? So Jesus explains. He is telling them everything to expect to prepare them for what is ahead. He didn’t talk about it before because he was with them and absorbed all the hostility from his enemies. But after he returns to the father, the hate and persecution that had targeted him will be directed at them. And he is preparing them for it.
The news of Jesus’ near departure probably weighed heavily on the disciples’ hearts. Along with many confusing thoughts. Jesus had mentioned his eventual return to the father on multiple, prior occasions. Peter asked him about it in John 13:36 as did Thomas in John 14:5. But this time they all remained quiet. And Jesus remarked on the absence of questions.
From our vantage point today, we know the future Jesus is discussing. He’s about to be crucified and raised from the dead. Then he’ll ascend to the father, send the Holy Spirit in his place, and the New Testament church is born. This is good news for us today and might have been for the disciples too if they fully understood what Jesus was telling them. But they didn’t at the moment. And maybe they didn’t ask any questions because they didn’t want to hear more bad news.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals the advantage of Jesus leaving and the Helper arriving.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (ESV, John 16:7)
Jesus explains that his leaving presents an advantage because he will send them the Helper in his place. The Greek word for “advantage” is sympherei, which means for your benefit or advantage. And likely didn’t provide any comfort since they had no idea who Jesus was talking about. The Greek word for “Helper” is paraklētos, which meansone called alongside to help, strengthen, advocate, and comfort. Who we know as the third person of the trinity–the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit continues the work of Christ as he indwells believers as witnesses, multiplies churches, and sends out missionaries to proclaim the gospel. In his human form Jesus worked within the limitation of time and place. But the Spirit works as the omniscient and omnipresent God who empowers believers individually as disciples and mobilizes them collectively as the church.
The point Jesus made to the disciples is he was not leaving his ministry undone. And they should not feel defeated or abandoned. He had prepared them to carry his ministry forward and would empower them though the Holy Spirit. As he still does today.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
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A study of John 15:18-21 reveals the world hates Jesus and his disciples, persecuted him, and persecutes his disciples because it doesn’t know God.
A study of John 15:18-21 reveals the world hates Jesus and his disciples.
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.(ESV, John 15:18-19)
After commanding the disciples to abide in Him and love one another (John 15:1–17), Jesus prepares them for a hostile world. Since it hates him, it will hate them too. The Greek word for “world”is kosmos. In John, it can mean the created world or humanity in general. But here it means humanity in rebellion against God. Unbelievers who live under sin and darkness. People who loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil (John 3:19). The world hates Jesus because he exposes its sin. And as we strive to follow him as disciples, we expose the world’s rebellion against him. So it hates us too.
The Greek word for “hates” is miseō and means real opposition, rejection, and hostility. Not simply a difference of opinion. This hatred is expressed in different ways. Mockery, exclusion, slander, pressure to compromise, discrimination, and violent persecution. But we must respond to it with truth, holiness, and love.
Believers don’t belong to this world.
Jesus explains the reason for the hate. you are not of this world. The Greek word for “of” is ek, which means out of or from. Those who believe in and follow Jesus are redeemed from sin. Rather than rebel against God, the redeemed seek to obey God’s word. And their lives no longer reflect the values and inherent rebellion as the world. As disciples, they still live in the world, but are no longer from it in the sense of identity, allegiance, and spiritual relationship with God.
However, we can’t take credit for our redemption and Jesus explains why. I have chosen you out of the world. The Greek word for “chose” is ĕklĕgŏmai, which means chose or selected. It affirms that salvation is not earned, deserved, or something we effect. God initiates it and freely gives it as a gift of his grace.
Of course, there’s still an internal conflict among believers. The desire to please God, but also to be liked by other people and fit in socially within the culture. It beckons us towards a worldly lifestyle that the Apostle Paul warns us about.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV, Romans 12:2)
A study of John 15:18-21 reveals a world that persecuted Jesus will persecute his followers.
Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (ESV, John 15:20)
Jesus repeats what he said in John 13:16 after he finished washing the disciples’ feet during the last supper. It was an example of humble serving. And Jesus tells them to demonstrate the same humility in serving one another. He speaks from a position of authority as their Lord and Master. And tells them what follows hate.
A world that hates also persecutes
The Greek word for “persecute” is diōkō, which means to pursue, chase, harass, or persecute. It is used in the New Testament for active hostility against God’s people. Jesus never promised earthly ease to His disciples. Instead, they should expect persecution as part of faithful discipleship.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.” (ESV, Matthew 5:10-12)
But not everyone will reject God. Jesus reminds them that some will receive and follow him like them. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. The Greek word for “kept” is Tēreō, which means to guard, observe, preserve, or obey. It reminds us that disciples of Jesus must persevere in faith, continue to proclaim the Gospel, and strive to make other disciples.
A study of John 15:18-21 reveals the world treats disciples badly because it doesn’t know God.
They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. (ESV, John 15:21)
Jesus identifies the root problem. They do not know the One who sent Me. Jesus speaks of his intimate relationship with the father throughout the Gospel of John. Including a previous encounter with religious leaders.
Where is Your Father?’ they asked Him. ‘You do not know Me or My Father,’ Jesus answered. ‘If you knew Me, you would know My Father as well. (ESV, John 8:19)
The Greek word for “to know” is oida and is not intellectual but relational knowledge. To know about someone is different from knowing them personally. Knowing Jesus means to know him as personal savior and follow him as Lord. This intimate, personal knowledge describes how his first disciples knew Jesus and how we know him as disciples today.
A world that rebels against God often defines its own path to salvation. Like following the Law, religious activity, and performing good works. But God demands personal faith and the full committment to a person–a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And since the father and son are one, to know one is to know the other.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (ESV, John 14:6-7)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
As Jesus began his ministry, the first thing he did was to preach about sin.
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (ESV, Matthew 4:17)
The Greek word translated “repent” is metanoeō. Biblical repentance is not mere regret, remorse, or behavior-management. It is a God-given turning: a change of mind and heart that acknowledges sin as sin, turns from rebellion against God, and turns to Christ in faith. Repentance and faith are inseparable responses to the gospel—not works that earn salvation, but the fruit of God’s saving grace.
Jesus says that if the world hates His disciples, they must know that it hated Him first. The issue is not merely personal dislike of Christians. The world’s deepest hostility is directed at Christ Himself—His holiness, authority, truth, and exclusive claim to be the way of salvation (John 14:6).
Why does the world hate Jesus?
Because he exposes its sin. In fact, his first act in ministry was to preach repentance from sin.
Why does sin love darkness?
Verse about sin loves the darkness?
ion begins with Christ’s gracious, sovereign choice, not fallen humanity’s initiative. He sets His people apart for Himself.
That separation explains the world’s hatred. The world “would love” those who belonged to it because people naturally welcome what reflects their own values and rebellion. But Christ’s people belong to another kingdom. Their transformed loyalties, confession, conduct, and message testify that the world’s rebellion is sinful.
This does not authorize a self-righteous attitude. Christians were once part of the same fallen world and are saved solely by grace (Ephesians 2:1–5; Titus 3:3–7). Yet grace produces a genuine distinction: believers must not return to the values from which Christ redeemed them.
A study of John 15:12-17 reveals the ultimate demonstration of love for a friend, that Jesus calls us his friends, and the choosing and commissioning of disciples.
A study of John 15:12-17 reveals the ultimate demonstration of love for a friend.
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. (ESV, John 15:12-13)
Jesus shifts from talking about fruit to demonstrating “love”, which is the Greek word agape. We are to love other disciples like he loves us. And what does Christ’s love look like? It is not a passive feeling but a positive action. Holy, costly, initiating, and sacrificial. Because agape is not an expression of feelings but loving acts in willful obedience. Agape seeks another person’s good, not based on their desires, but according to the truth of God’s word. It is, most importantly, spiritual and includes repentance, faith, and holiness. Even at times, godly correction.
Jesus loves us when we don’t deserve it. And in the unfolding days he would demonstrate it by sacrificing his life to redeem the world. Agape seeks another person’s good, not based on their desires, but according to the truth of God’s word. It is, most importantly, spiritual and includes repentance, faith, and holiness. Even at times, godly correction.
What does it mean to love like Jesus?
Jesus didn’t suggest his disciples imitate his love. He commanded it. But it is not the natural response of a sinful heart. Rather, it is supernatural and flows from a heart that abides in Christ. Why is this important? Because Christ’s love among disciples is the most visible witness of his presence to non-believers.
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (ESV, John 13:34-35)
Furthermore, the demonstration of Christ’s love is a foundational truth supported by the rest of scripture.
Jesus declared, ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (ESV, Matthew 22:37-40)
A study of John 15:12-17 reveals that Jesus calls us friends.
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (ESV, John 15:15)
The Greek word for “servant” is dŏulŏs, which means slave, servant, and bond. It designates a position of subjection or subservience. The Greek word for “friend” is philŏs, which means friend, fond, associate, and neighbor. And commonly describes platonic relationships. Although it’s not the first time friendship with God is presented. Both Abraham and Moses are called friends of God in Exodus 33:11, 2 Chronicles 20:7, Isaiah 41:8, and James 2:23.
God is not our buddy.
The friendship Jesus talks about is not the same as we view it today. We see friends as equals. But even though Moses and Abraham are called God’s friends, they’re also called his servants in Exodus 14:31, Numbers 12:7, and Genesis 18:3 & 5. Furthermore, Abraham demonstrates his servant’s heart when he entertains three visitors from God in Genesis 18:8. He prepares and serves them a meal, and then stands and serves them while they eat.
Jesus does not set a conditon for friendship In V.14. You are only my friends if you obey my commands. But he identifies what characterizes his friends. They are disciples who obey him. Nor does friendship replace serving. Because Jesus next distinguishes between a servant who simply carries out instructions and one who is entrusted with his master’s confidence. The disciples are friends because Jesus makes known to them what he has heard from the father.
In other words, a servant identifies our position before a sovereign God–one who belongs to him, humbly obeys, and carries out his will. And a friend identifies our covenant fellowship–God graciously reveals himself and his purposes to us as we serve his Kingdom.
A study of John 15:12-17 reveals the choosing and commissioning of disciples.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (ESV, John 15:16)
Jesus reminds the disciples that he chose and appointed them. The Greek word for “chose” is eklegomai, which means to choose or select. And the Greek word for “appointed” is tithēmi, which means to appoint, commit, ordain, purpose, and set forth. Jesus chose them, discipled them, and commissioned them to carry forward his ministry when he’s gone.
The idea of God choosing us is not new.
God chose individuals for particular offices and tasks. For example, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets were all chosen by God for special purposes. And the Apostle Paul teaches that believers were chosen in him before creation with the purpose to be holy, blameless, and adopted into sonship.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. (ESV, Ephesians 1:4-5)
In a similar fashion, Jesus chose them as disciples and commissioned them as apostles. And now he appoints them to bear abiding fruit. As his disciples today, we share in the purpose to bear abiding fruit. In order to receive what we ask for in his name.
Verse 17 returns to the central point: The command to love one another. It reinforces the truth that God’s people are not unified by ideology, common practices, or shared traditions. But through our union with the crucified and risen Lord. His choosing us should produce humility, his appointment faithful service, his word abiding fruit, and his love produce our love for his people.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, and blogger who publishes Christian non-fiction and fiction books, humorous drama, and scripturally centered, thought-provoking blog posts from a Christian worldview. To learn more visit: www.chiptudor.com.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 15:7-11 reveals Jesus saying to ask for whatever we wish, how to abide in Jesus’ love, and the way to full joy.
A study of John 15:7-11 reveals Jesus saying “ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you”
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (ESV, John 15:7)
Our eyes grow big reading this sentence. And we maybe even compile a list of requests. God gives us anything we wish? Like beach vacations, new cars, and a six figure income? And God is the celestial genie who delivers our wish fulfillment? Wow! Makes Christianity sound like a pretty good gig. But wait. Let’s re-read the first half of the sentence. Because there’s an “IF” that qualifies the second half.
What is abiding in Christ?
If you abide in me. We looked at abiding in Christ in V.1-6. Jesus framed it in the metaphor of growing a vineyard. God is the gardener, Jesus the vine, and his disciples the branches. And as we the branches, abide in Jesus the vine, we produce spiritual fruit. Unfortunately, no beach vacation is mentioned. The next words add another complication. And my words abide in you.
When you study all the words that Jesus spoke along with the rest of scripture, there are no guarantees of material wealth. On the contrary, Jesus frequently warned against loving money and the things of this world. Furthermore, our wishes should conform to his word. Therefore, when Christ’s words abide in us, our desire is to glorify the father. And our prayers that flow from abiding in Christ align with his will. Furthermore, just because we ask doesn’t mean the answer is always yes. That might mean no new car either.
A study of John 15:7-11 reveals how to abide in Jesus’ love.
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.(ESV, John 15:8-9)
Disciples who follow God’s word, pursue an ongoing relationship with Christ, and seek to glorify God, bear much fruit. It is the visible produce of branches attached to the Vine. Scripture mentions some specific ones like Christ-like character, obedience, witness, and good works. But rather than creating a spiritual fruits checklist to cross off, think of fruit as the entire life and ministry of those who follow Jesus’ teaching and experience his presence in their lives. And the fruit we produce in our union with Christ is another way that Jesus brings glory to his father.
What does abiding in Jesus’ love look like?
Abiding in Jesus’ love is not a luxurious soaking in emotional feeling. The Greek word used for “love” is agape. The New Testament’s primary term for the highest, purest form of love. Agape is a deliberate, self-giving, commitment of will that seeks the highest good of its object. And expressed regardless of merit, emotion, or reciprocation. It defines God’s love for us and how disciples should love others. Agape does not equate with our modern view of love as affection, romantic passion, or even the bonding love of family. Instead, it is holy, resolute, sacrificial and demonstrated through action. Jesus describes the action he expects from disciples in the next verse.
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.(ESV, John 15:10)
Jesus kept his father’s commandments. And we are to follow his example and abide in his love by keeping his commandments. Why? Because Jesus is a control freak? A power hungry tyrant? No. Jesus’ commandments and teachings are for our own good. Following them leads us into a life of purpose, meaning, and an eternal destiny.
A study of John 15:7-11 reveals the way to full joy.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (ESV, John 15:11)
As we abide in Christ and keep his commandments, the result is full joy. Jesus calls it my joy since he imparts to us what he possesses as the obedient Son. The Greek word for “full” is plērŏō, which also means complete, perfect, and satisfy. And the Greek word for “joy” is chara, which also means deep gladness, delight, or rejoicing.
It is a complete joy that goes beyond the fleeting emotions of joyful occasions like weddings and welcomed births of new family members. Rather, it is Spirit produced rejoicing that is rooted in the saving work and ongoing presence of Christ. And it endures in the midst of sorrow, sickness, and difficult circumstances. Because it is settled, overflowing gladness that flows from God Himself.
Jesus remained in the father’s love by perfect obedience and we remain in Jesus’ love by keeping his commandments. They are not a burden we bear, but the willing submission to our Lord in order to please him.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, and blogger who publishes Christian non-fiction and fiction books, humorous drama, and scripturally centered, thought-provoking blog posts from a Christian worldview. To learn more visit: www.chiptudor.com.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that God removes and prunes branches, bearing fruit requires abiding in Christ, and apart from Christ we can do nothing.
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that God removes and prunes branches.
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. (ESV, John 15:2)
Jesus uses the practice of pruning branches in caring for a vineyard to make a spiritual analogy. But the idea goes back even further in scripture. Isaiah 5:1-7, Jeremiah 2:21, Micah 7:1, and Hosea 9:10 all refer to Israel as the vine or vineyard of God that is intended to bear fruit. And the spiritual lesson Jesus is teaching still makes sense today.
We cut back fruit bearing trees to promote health and increase its fruit crop. Dead branches are removed. As are less healthy limbs that consume nutrients but produce little or no fruit. Even healthy branches are pruned so that nutrients are more efficiently distributed and the branches produce more and better fruit.
In V.1, Jesus is the vine and the Father is the gardener. The disciples are implied as branches although not specifically named. But the message is clear. Branches, and therefore disciples, are expected to bear fruit. And the father cuts off branches that don’t bear fruit. This suggests people who outwardly appear as disciples, but have never made a genuine commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. At the final judgment, those who are not genuine followers of Jesus will be separated from true followers.
Why is pruning necessary?
However, even disciples as healthy branches are pruned. Why? So we produce more fruit. The Greek word translated “to prune” is kathairō, which means to clean or purify. Since we still sin, we need ongoing purification to promote holiness and righteousness. And God uses circumstances to spiritually discipline us to promote spiritual growth. We’re moved toward conviction and confession of sin, regular spiritual practices, and visible godly character.
For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness and self-control (ESV, Galatians 5:22-23)
Here’s how the writer of Hebrews describes it.
My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (ESV, Hebrews 12:5-6)
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that fruit bearing requires abiding in Christ.
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. (ESV, John 15:4)
The Greek word for “abide” is meno, which means to stay in a place, to stand against opposition, to hold out, stand fast, remain, and endure. It conveys an ongoing, vital, and dependent communion. And may include standing fast against opposing forces. In other words, abiding in Christ does not always mean sunny days and warm fuzzies. But enduring faithfully in both good and bad times.
What does abiding in Christ look like?
Jesus says we’re to abide in him as he abides in us. But it doesn’t work the same. Jesus abides in his disciples through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Among other things, the Spirit convicts us of sin, purifies us toward holiness, illuminates and teaches us truth, and provides comfort.
But how do we as disciples abide in Christ?
In a personal relationship: It starts when we confess and repent of our sin and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
In worship: That glorifies and magnifies an Almighty God.
In his word: Reading and studying the Bible to grasp its truth and apply it to our lives.
In prayer: Presenting our needs to him, but also interceding for others, and seeking God’s will.
In obedience: As we understand and obediently live out God’s word we produce fruit that glorifies God.
In community: As we walk with other believers in support, encouragement, and accountability.
A study of John 15:1-6 reveals that apart from Christ we can do nothing.
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. (ESV, John 15:5)
Discipleship has been metaphorically implied up to this point. But now, in V.5, Jesus personalizes it. He is the vine and the disciples are the branches. Furthermore, in V.5 Jesus essentially repeats what he says in V.4, but with different wording that takes a negative tone. In V.4, Jesus tells the disciples they can’t bear fruit by themselves, but only if they abide in him. And in V.5 he rephrases the sentence to say that disciples who abide in him will bear much fruit, but without him, they can do nothing. Both verses say the same thing in different ways. Fruit or no fruit depends on whether disciples do or don’t remain in Jesus.
Discipleship and disciple-making are God’s methods for building spiritual maturity and the kingdom of God. They don’t happen by attending church and making charitable donations. Or by following rules and checking off a list of good works. But an ongoing, vibrant relationship with Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul further supports this in Philippians.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV, Philippians 1:6)
So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (ESV, Philippians 1:10-11)
There is both a goal and an end game in abiding in Christ. The goal is to imitate Jesus who sought to obey and glorify the father. And while Jesus was sinless and we are not, we should still strive to follow his example of obedience in a life of fruitful righteousness. And when we meet Jesus the end game is heaven. Eternity with him and all the other disciples who preceded us.
It is also important to note that discipleship is not done in isolation, but in community. As disciples, we find encouragement, support, and accountability as we walk in faith with other disciples who follow Jesus Christ.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
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