What Does God Want From Me? Abide and Thrive | John 15:1-17 Deacon Zach Jeffcoat · June 11, 2025
I. What the Gospel of John want from Me? 1. There are _7_ signs, _7_ discourses, and _6_ “I Am” statements that precede this minor section of John. 2. This section is written to signal a climax in the structure of the current major section (chapters 2 through 12) and a pivot in the narrative of the whole book. 3. The author is calling us to attention as Jesus reveals the work of the Father in Christ Jesus, the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the disciples, and the purpose of the planting of God in the world – which is Christ in His disciples.
4. It is also helpful to see this section (Chapters 13 through 17) as a consecration service: — Jesus sorts the disciples — Jesus teaches the disciples — Jesus commissions the disciples — Jesus warns the disciples — Jesus blesses the disciples II. What did Jesus Say? Jesus provides us with a template for the spirituality that leads to a fruitful life. Then He describes the characteristics and purpose of a truly fruitful person. 1. In verses 1-8, Jesus explains what it means to be the true vine and branches. The planting of the Lord is: — True (v. 1) — Nurtured by the Father (v. 2) — Cleansed by the Word (v. 3) — Abiding in Christ (v. 4) — Bearing Fruit (v. 6) — Glorifying God (v. 8) 2. In verses 9 through 10, Jesus calls the disciples the remain in his love – as he has been in the Father’s love through obedience. This is the second time he assures the disciples of their place in his Father’s ‘vineyard.’