Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 15:1-11), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…
- [1-2] Grapevines thrive in adverse conditions. Things like a lack of watering and severe pruning make the plants produce better fruit. A branch being pruned probably feels quite similar to a branch being removed. According to Jesus’ metaphor, where he is the vine, his Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches (v. 5), in what conditions is Jesus saying we will grow, thrive, and bear much fruit, spiritually? Why is this the case? What has this looked like in your life?
- [4-5] In order to bear true spiritual (“of the Holy Spirit”) fruit in your life (see Galatians 5:22-23), you must “abide” in Christ. What does it mean to abide in Christ, and he in you? How do we do this? Why would this be the only, exclusive way to bearing spiritual fruit?
- [7] Read Psalm 37:4. How does “abiding” like Jesus says change our prayers?
- [9-10] The Father’s love is the first reality for Jesus, and Jesus’ love is the first reality for us in our relationship to him. Abiding in his love doesn’t just mean selfishly gobbling up his goodwill toward you; it involves your responsiveness to him by keeping his commandments, just as Jesus responds appropriately to his Father’s love by keeping his commandments. How is this not the same thing as earning his favor through your compliance? Is there part of you that feels you must earn his love? Is there part of you that wishes you could earn his love? Do you have friends that think Christianity is about being good enough to earn God’s love? What do you say to them?
- [11] Jesus is speaking about joy as the fruit of the Spirit we have through abiding in him—an appropriate fruit for the vine metaphor, as the fruit of the vine (wine) is given for our gladness (Psalm 104:15). Can you believe that Jesus wants to share his own joy with you, or are you suspicious that he likes it when you feel guilty, anxious, or depressed? Why? What would it be like to be full of Christ’s joy? Does Jesus say that this is possible?