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?
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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?
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Three benefits of daily Bible reading include a mind reset, the Spirit illuminating truth, and a recall for spiritual support.
If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ seeking to walk in personal discipleship, I highly encourage this practice. Read and meditate on the Bible daily. Preferably, first thing in the morning. And maintain a journal to record reflective thoughts. Sounds primitive, I know. No flash or dazzle. Bells or whistles. Just slightly advanced beyond caveman drawings. But stick with it consistently for these three remarkable benefits.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading. It resets your mind.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Our minds fill daily with junk. A hodgepodge of negative and sinful thoughts. They romp and play in frivolous mind games, tempt and deceive, and ultimately manifest in negative, sinful talk and behavior. And the worst thing to tell yourself is you’re NOT going to think about them. It’s an automatic guarantee that you will. But the Bible is God’s living and active word. And reading it first thing in the morning resets your mind. Not like a spiritual sanitizer that cleanses sinful thoughts. That requires confessing sin and asking God’s forgiveness. But when you fill your mind with God’s word it replaces other thoughts.
Junk thoughts will return, of course, because sin is relentless. And why daily Bible reading is so important. Because the more God’s word is active in your mind, the more it counteracts and resists the sinful thoughts that drag you down. It’s not magical ot an absolute failsafe. But it has a positive, godly impact over time. Think of it as a spiritual guardrail and not a guarantee.
Three benefits of daily Bible reading. The Spirit illuminates truth.
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you. (ESV, John 16:13-14)
When you read and meditate on God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, who is in you, will disclose its truth. He enlightens your understanding, convicts you of sin, counsels you in decisions, and provides wisdom in godly actions. That doesn’t mean every daily reading includes eureka moments. Nor does it eliminate other spiritual growth pursuits like podcasts, online sermons, and group Bible study with other believers. But when you regularly read God’s word and open the eyes of your heart, God will speak to you in a clear, unmistakeable manner.
Keep in mind there is no such thing as your truth and someone else’s truth. Only the truth of God. But how he leads you to apply it may be different than how he leads someone else. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean you don’t still need pastoral guidance or advice from other trusted believers. But that God’s word should be your first stop for seeking his will.
Three benefits of regular Bible reading. A recall for spiritual support.
And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (ESV, Luke 12:11-12).
The more you put God’s word in your mind, the more he brings it to mind for your spiritual support and for his glory. I’ve engage in spiritual conversations with others and struggled for what to say, when suddenly a Bible verse, story. or encouraging words pop into my mind appropriate to the occasion.
The same thing has happened as I’ve wrestled with problems. As you consistently memorize, read, and meditate on God’s Word, God’s Spirit often prompts you to recall an appropriate verse, story, or teaching right when you need it.
Perhaps for yourself. Or for someone else.
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.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the name and function of the Holy Spirit, the peace that Jesus gives, and the coming ruler of this world.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the name and function of the Holy Spirit.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (ESV, John 14:26)
Jesus ends John 14 by reviewing things he said earlier. Likely to emphasize their importance. First, he repeats what he said in V.15. Only this time he uses two descriptive words when he says the Helper and Holy Spirit will come. The Greek word for “Helper” is Parakletos, which means one called alongside to help and speak on another person’s behalf. It also means advocate, counselor, comforter, and intercessor.
The Greek word for Holy Spirit is pneuma, which means spirit, breath, and wind, depending on the context. John uses Paraklētos to highlight the Spirit’s personal ministry after Christ’s departure. And that is to teach them in their continued training as disciples and recall what they have learned as they minister in the name of Jesus. And the rest of the New Testament uses Pneuma. The difference between the two is that pneuma identifies his person and paraklētos, his office or ministry. But other New Testament scripture passages describe other functions of the Holy Spirit as well. It includes: comforting, teaching, convicting of sin, and illuminating God’s truth.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the peace that Jesus gives.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (ESV, John 14:27)
Jesus sees that the disciples are fearful. And rightly so from their perspective. Jesus is talking about going away and back to the father. But they expected the Messiah to overthrow Roman rule and set up his kingdom on earth. An absent Jesus was not part of their ministry plan. So Jesus assures them by saying he will leave them with his peace that is different from the world’s peace.
The Greek word for “peace” is ĕirēnē, which means peace, quietness, and rest. It is the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew word shalom which conveys wholeness, well-being, soundness, harmony, safety, and covenant blessing under God.
How is Jesus’ peace different than the world’s peace?
The Greek word for “world” is kosmos and means the universe, created order, humanity, and, as in this verse, fallen humanity in rebellion against God. In other words, non-believers who reject Jesus Christ. What does peace look like for that person? Since there is no relationship wth God, it’s a peace limited to earthly circumstances. And seeks comfort through control, possessions, social approval, political stability, or the absence of conflict externally and internally.
The world cannot obtain Jesus’ peace because it is something he gives us. And is first and foremost, peace with God. Our sinful rebellion positions us against God, but we are reconciled through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And this includes eternal life which means our earthly conflicts are temporary and our wellbeing in heaven secured. It is a peace that confronts fear and anxiety, but doesn’t mean we always feel calm, avoid hardship, or escape sorrow. But that we live in union with Christ and are kept by Him.
A study of John 14:25-31 reveals the coming ruler of this world.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. (ESV, John 14:30-31)
Jesus says their communication will be sparse going forward. And then delivers an important news flash. The ruler of this world is coming. And that is Satan, the fallen angel, who was cast out of heaven. His name means adversary or accuser who stands against another in hostility. Here’s how Peter describes him.
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV, 1 Peter 5:8)
The Greek word for “devour” is katapinō, which means to drink down, gulp entire, devour, and swallow up. It describes Satan’s predatory intent to destroy the faith, witness, joy, holiness, and even the souls of God’s people. Peter compares him to the savage power of a lion as it stalks, pounces, crushes, and completely consumes its prey. We should expect the same ruthless, ferociousness from Satan toward us.
But he has no claim on Jesus.
Why? Because as the Son of God, Jesus was without sin, despite Satan’s efforts to tempt him into it. Therefore, Satan had no hold on him. And while Satan was active in the events leading up to the crucifixion, it was God’s divine plan to redeem humanity from sin. So we should not give Satan undue credit.
The main point is Jesus’ obedience in following the father’s will by sacrificing himself on the cross. And V.31 states the reason for his willing submission. “So that the world may know that I love the Father.” Satan’s murderous plans are real, but subordinate to God’s sovereign redemptive purpose. What others intended for evil, God used to save his people. Therefore, the disciples should not despair in the coming crucifixion but trust the sovereign, obedient, and victorious Savior.
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.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals the coming of an indwelling Spirit, those who love Jesus keep his commandments, and a Father and Son who make their home with us.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals the coming of an indwelling Spirit.
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. (ESV, John 14:20)
In the midst of his Last Supper discourse to the disciples, Jesus tells them in V.15 about the Helper who comes when he is gone. And he goes on to explain. In V.19 he says that because he lives eternally so will they and in V.20, he connects these eternal relationships with three “in’s”. He is “in” the Father, they are “in” him and he is “in” them.
Jesus and the Father are united as the divine, eternal God. The disciples are in a saving relationship with Jesus. And strive to remain in that relationship as faithful followers. However, their new relationship will no longer be Jesus’ physical presence, but his spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit who dwells in them.
This was new information for the disciples at the time and they probably didn’t fully understand it. But the same relationship is true for Chistt-followers today. We recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God. And a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior comes with the gift of eternal life and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals that those who love Jesus keeps his commandments.
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him. (ESV, John 14:21)
All the “in” relationships discussed above are important. But Jesus expects more from his followers. The Greek word for “love” is agape and its meaning helps explain his answer. It is not love defined as feelings, romantic attraction, or sentimental affection. But as devoted, self-giving concern for another’s good expressed through action. In this case, keeping Jesus’ commands.
We don’t keep his commands perfectly, of course. Or out of duty or expectation that obedience earns us eternal life. But we do so joyfully to please God because we have eternal life through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Obedience is our response of trust and gratitude.
But even better? That same love is returned to us by both the Father and Son. The Father acts to send his Son as a sacrifice for our sins and the Son acts in obedience to the father to willingly sacrifice his life for us.
A study of John 14:20-24 reveals a Father and Son who make their home with us.
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (ESV, John 14:23)
In V.22, Judas–not Iscariot but likely the son of James–asks a question. Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world? He likely expressed a confusion the other disciples shared. And it represented a general belief among the Jews. They expected the Messiah to appear openly, defeat their enemies, and establish a physical kingdom on earth. So for Jesus to appear to the disciples and not the rest of the world didn’t make sense to them. But the kingdom they expected was not the one Jesus came to establish. He affirms this when Pontius Pilot questions him about it.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is not of this realm.’” (ESV, John 18:36)
However, rather than answer Judas, Jesus repeats what he said earlier. Anyone who loves him will keep his word. And he and the Father will make their home with him. The Greek word for “home” is mŏnē, and means a staying, residence, abode and mansion. It is the same word translated “abide” in John 15:5: Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. Both suggest the idea of a loving, personal God whose presence stays with us. In other words, God is not aloof and distant. But close, personal, and welcomes all into His Kingdom.
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.
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