WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.960 The things with that, as Jesus here is with his disciples in the last moments before he goes to the cross. 00:00:08.960 --> 00:00:22.580 He'll soon be at the cross, and he's preparing his disciples for what is going to happen and transpire in the hours ahead, 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:27.360 but also preparing them for what is going to come. 00:00:27.900 --> 00:00:33.100 Because I want you to understand, God just doesn't prepare us for today, he prepares you for tomorrow. 00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:38.040 What he has happening today is a preparation for tomorrow. 00:00:39.019 --> 00:00:47.700 And as we learned last week, as we began looking at this discourse that Jesus had, this portion of it, 00:00:47.759 --> 00:00:51.159 we found out that it stated very clearly that I am the vine. 00:00:51.960 --> 00:00:55.799 You know, Jesus said, I am the vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 00:00:56.179 --> 00:01:04.980 You know, and oftentimes we talked about last week how oftentimes we forget the fact that the husbandman is the one who prunes, 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:12.920 who cleans, who takes care of the vine, and sometimes prunes branches that might be bushy. 00:01:12.920 --> 00:01:18.960 You know, they might have a lot of leaves, but aren't producing fruit the way they ought to produce. 00:01:18.959 --> 00:01:24.000 And that's sometimes, the pruning in our life can sometimes be uncomfortable. 00:01:24.219 --> 00:01:29.619 And you know, the disciples were about to experience some pruning in their life. 00:01:29.620 --> 00:01:35.620 Just as us today, we've experienced God's pruning in your life. 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:41.920 Because when we realize that our relationship to him is not about a program, 00:01:42.160 --> 00:01:44.760 because the vine, Jesus says, I am the true vine. 00:01:45.120 --> 00:01:47.260 It is a person, not a program. 00:01:47.260 --> 00:01:53.240 You know, when we understand that Israel was God's vine in the Old Testament, 00:01:53.600 --> 00:02:01.140 and it failed, and we see that picture, it ought to stand as a warning to us to take heed to what God is doing. 00:02:01.580 --> 00:02:07.760 To understand the picture that is there, that the husbandman takes away the fruitless branches, 00:02:08.060 --> 00:02:10.500 and he prunes even the fruitful ones. 00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:13.240 You know, you might say, Lord, I'm serving you. 00:02:13.300 --> 00:02:14.520 Why am I going through this? 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:15.420 You know what God's saying? 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:17.040 I want more fruit. 00:02:17.899 --> 00:02:19.979 I want more benefit for you. 00:02:20.039 --> 00:02:22.039 But you know, sometimes pruning is not comfortable. 00:02:23.639 --> 00:02:26.199 You know, pruning is an uncomfortable process. 00:02:27.519 --> 00:02:31.840 And I think it's difficult when we say, Lord, I'm serving you, but why are you pruning me? 00:02:31.859 --> 00:02:35.259 And he's saying, hey, hold on, this is for your benefit. 00:02:36.359 --> 00:02:38.639 This is going to produce more fruit. 00:02:38.879 --> 00:02:45.199 And we're going to look at that here, some today and then the weeks to come as we go through this passage. 00:02:45.199 --> 00:02:50.699 And this pruning is something we need to understand because keep always keep this in mind. 00:02:50.859 --> 00:02:51.979 I want you to keep this thought. 00:02:52.439 --> 00:02:56.679 God prunes your life because he cares, not because he's angry with you. 00:02:57.979 --> 00:03:02.239 Just because something happens in your life does not mean God is upset with you. 00:03:02.240 --> 00:03:05.680 God prunes because he cares. 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:08.939 Because it's his job as the husband. 00:03:09.060 --> 00:03:12.980 What's the husband's job in a vineyard? 00:03:13.159 --> 00:03:15.520 It's to produce the most fruit possible. 00:03:15.520 --> 00:03:20.680 God wants to produce the most fruit possible in your life. 00:03:21.680 --> 00:03:32.800 And as we look and understand this principle, it's important because, you know, we started with a statement last week that's very important as we move through this series. 00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:33.900 It's this. 00:03:33.980 --> 00:03:36.980 It's where the branch stays, a branch bears. 00:03:36.979 --> 00:03:41.259 Where a branch stays is where it's going to bear. 00:03:42.159 --> 00:03:45.979 What you're attached to is also determined the type of fruit you're going to bear. 00:03:47.319 --> 00:03:55.560 We have to stay planted and grab a hold of the vine that we might grow and to flourish. 00:03:56.399 --> 00:04:01.079 And we're going to look this morning because as we see here, he's talking about abiding. 00:04:01.080 --> 00:04:01.680 Abiding. 00:04:02.060 --> 00:04:02.620 Abiding. 00:04:03.180 --> 00:04:09.939 And so if you found in your scripture this morning in John chapter 15, let's stand together in honor of reading of the word of God. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:13.240 And we're going to read verses 4 through 6 here this morning. 00:04:13.800 --> 00:04:15.320 And it tells us this. 00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:15.720 It says, 00:04:15.820 --> 00:04:19.379 Abide in me and I in you. 00:04:19.860 --> 00:04:24.460 As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine. 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:28.020 No more can ye except ye abide in me. 00:04:28.360 --> 00:04:30.520 I am the vine, ye are the branches. 00:04:30.519 --> 00:04:36.180 He that abideth in me and in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:38.519 For without me ye can do nothing. 00:04:39.139 --> 00:04:43.299 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered. 00:04:43.599 --> 00:04:48.859 And men gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:49.479 Let's pray. 00:04:49.579 --> 00:04:52.299 Heavenly Father, as we come before you this morning, Lord, 00:04:52.379 --> 00:04:57.799 as we take a moment here to look at a very important principle in our life, 00:04:57.800 --> 00:05:01.420 even today as it was, as you gave it to the disciples. 00:05:01.900 --> 00:05:05.199 Lord, about the struggles and the trials they were about to face, 00:05:05.300 --> 00:05:11.160 to understand the importance of staying attached to the vine, abiding in the vine. 00:05:12.020 --> 00:05:14.420 Lord, help us to abide in you today. 00:05:15.100 --> 00:05:23.019 Lord, help us not to be drawn away from things that are going to make us appear leafy, but not fruitful. 00:05:23.019 --> 00:05:30.899 Lord, help us to draw close to you that we might grow and to do and allow you to prune our lives. 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:33.719 Lord, that we might bring forth much fruit. 00:05:34.620 --> 00:05:37.259 And Lord, I pray just have your hand upon each one today. 00:05:37.359 --> 00:05:41.099 Lord, as we look at these things, we might be challenged, encouraged. 00:05:41.680 --> 00:05:48.339 Lord, you may be even convicted of some things that we need to change or transpire that we might abide truly in you. 00:05:48.339 --> 00:05:53.119 And Lord, we just give you all the praise and glory and honor in Jesus' name. 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:54.099 Amen. 00:05:54.359 --> 00:05:54.859 May be seated. 00:05:55.599 --> 00:05:59.099 You know, as we look through this passage, John 15 has a key word. 00:06:00.039 --> 00:06:01.179 The word is abide. 00:06:02.539 --> 00:06:02.979 Abide. 00:06:03.120 --> 00:06:07.659 You know, abiding, the idea here is not just a place you visit. 00:06:08.159 --> 00:06:11.659 Because sometimes we have a tendency to want to visit God. 00:06:11.660 --> 00:06:15.280 But abiding is this. 00:06:15.480 --> 00:06:16.660 Abiding is different. 00:06:17.240 --> 00:06:19.420 Abiding is more than a visit. 00:06:19.920 --> 00:06:21.980 Instead, it is a place that you stay. 00:06:22.400 --> 00:06:24.080 You abide at home. 00:06:25.020 --> 00:06:25.960 Or at least you should. 00:06:26.460 --> 00:06:28.240 It's your primary residence. 00:06:29.340 --> 00:06:32.900 When he's talking about abiding, what he's saying is, 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:36.879 the primary residence of your life ought to be in Christ. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:41.399 To be gathered together with him. 00:06:41.879 --> 00:06:48.060 When you abide, you set down roots that provide durable and a lasting place that you reside. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:53.279 Because the disciples were about to walk through something that they didn't fully understand. 00:06:54.659 --> 00:06:58.159 Have you ever noticed oftentimes we walk through challenges in life we don't understand? 00:06:59.339 --> 00:07:00.899 Things come that we don't understand. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:01.740 We don't comprehend. 00:07:01.899 --> 00:07:03.360 How does this fit together? 00:07:03.360 --> 00:07:06.620 You know, the disciples had spent three and a half years with Jesus. 00:07:07.579 --> 00:07:08.719 Walking with him. 00:07:08.819 --> 00:07:09.779 Talking with him. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:13.759 And now Jesus is saying, guys, I'm going to go away. 00:07:14.060 --> 00:07:15.219 And I need to go away. 00:07:17.459 --> 00:07:20.459 Have you ever thought how much that turned their world upside down? 00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:24.659 They're like, we don't understand why. 00:07:24.860 --> 00:07:27.800 The same reason that we don't understand why sometimes. 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:31.240 Because we're looking for it in our picture. 00:07:31.740 --> 00:07:32.899 In our direction. 00:07:32.899 --> 00:07:35.800 We look for it at how it affects us. 00:07:37.540 --> 00:07:42.139 Instead of saying, Lord, how are you working not only in my life, but for others also. 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:51.199 You know, what the disciples, their struggle with Jesus leaving benefited not only them, but it benefits us today. 00:07:51.199 --> 00:07:55.180 Jesus said that I go to prepare a place for you. 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:59.060 Jesus talks about John 16, the next chapter. 00:07:59.180 --> 00:08:00.839 He talks about sending the comforter. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:03.959 He says, if I go not away, the comforter is not going to come. 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:04.699 You know what? 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:07.879 The Holy Spirit lives within you if you're saved today. 00:08:08.279 --> 00:08:11.120 We have something far greater in us. 00:08:11.159 --> 00:08:12.800 He abides in us. 00:08:13.500 --> 00:08:15.819 In the midst of these things, I want you to understand. 00:08:15.939 --> 00:08:16.519 Think about this. 00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:19.560 In John chapter 12, it tells us this. 00:08:19.680 --> 00:08:22.939 And these things understood not his disciples at the first. 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:30.459 But when Jesus was glorified, then remember they that these things were written of him and that they had done these things unto him. 00:08:30.779 --> 00:08:31.120 You know what? 00:08:31.279 --> 00:08:33.919 In other words, they said, hey, it was there before us. 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:35.000 It was there. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.220 God told us what was going to take place. 00:08:37.539 --> 00:08:39.080 God provided what we needed. 00:08:39.179 --> 00:08:39.879 But you know what the problem? 00:08:39.940 --> 00:08:40.559 It wasn't God. 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:41.200 It was us. 00:08:41.200 --> 00:08:43.320 I want you to understand. 00:08:43.420 --> 00:08:44.940 God gives us what we need. 00:08:46.080 --> 00:08:47.360 God provides. 00:08:47.820 --> 00:08:49.140 God has taken care of us. 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:50.320 He is the husband. 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:51.560 Jesus is the vine. 00:08:51.640 --> 00:08:54.400 He is the one that we draw substances from. 00:08:56.460 --> 00:09:00.879 In the midst of all this that would transpire, Jesus gives them a command. 00:09:01.340 --> 00:09:02.440 Simply this, abide. 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:06.560 The command to abide. 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:07.700 Notice what it says. 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:10.600 Abide in me and I in you. 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:13.540 You know, that's a mutual relationship. 00:09:13.940 --> 00:09:15.460 It's not a one directional. 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:19.759 It's a mutual relationship. 00:09:20.500 --> 00:09:24.940 He says, I want you to abide to stay in me. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:26.720 And he says, just as I am in you. 00:09:26.800 --> 00:09:29.940 If you're saved, Jesus is in you. 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:31.460 You are in Christ. 00:09:33.659 --> 00:09:39.100 This dynamic is important to understand because it's not a one-sided life. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:40.279 It's a mutual life. 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:44.579 It's a relationship that began when you asked him to save you. 00:09:44.579 --> 00:09:52.480 From the moment of salvation, you have God in you, the Holy Spirit, and you are secure in him because of it. 00:09:53.439 --> 00:09:56.980 Your security is not in anything else but in Christ. 00:09:56.980 --> 00:10:04.659 Jesus is telling them, he says, there's some things going to happen that are going to shake your life and shake your world upside down. 00:10:05.080 --> 00:10:08.000 Think about what happened not far from Jesus telling them this. 00:10:08.379 --> 00:10:10.240 They all got scared and ran. 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:12.539 You know, Jesus told them that was going to happen. 00:10:13.100 --> 00:10:17.000 You know, it makes me wonder sometimes how the disciples felt afterwards, sometimes thinking back. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:20.460 It's like, man, why do we get so caught up in that? 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:22.000 Jesus told us what was going to happen. 00:10:22.299 --> 00:10:24.620 As they see the power of God working. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:32.759 You know, we can only imagine some of the conversations they had amongst each other after some of these things took place. 00:10:32.759 --> 00:10:40.200 You know, like, wow, how he told us these things were going to come to pass and we didn't understand it, but now we see it. 00:10:40.939 --> 00:10:47.179 But I want you to know that he gives us security because he says you can abide in him and I in you. 00:10:47.439 --> 00:10:49.059 That's a security statement. 00:10:49.059 --> 00:10:51.859 Think about John chapter 10, verse 28. 00:10:52.179 --> 00:10:54.959 He says this, and I give unto them what? 00:10:56.199 --> 00:10:57.359 Eternal life. 00:10:57.939 --> 00:11:00.079 And they shall never perish. 00:11:00.659 --> 00:11:04.259 Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand, including yourself. 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:12.179 I'm glad that once you're saved, God holds you. 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:17.000 Because let me give you a little bit of thought process. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:19.259 If it was up to you to hold on, you'd have failed. 00:11:19.659 --> 00:11:21.679 Every one of us have failed many times. 00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:22.259 But you know what? 00:11:22.279 --> 00:11:24.139 Every time we fail, Jesus is still there. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:27.100 He's still there. 00:11:27.159 --> 00:11:28.379 He says, I'm going to abide. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:29.820 I am there. 00:11:30.220 --> 00:11:36.100 You know, even think about what Jesus, a little later in John 17, in verse 20, tells us this. 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:41.960 He says, neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:46.759 that they may all be one as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, 00:11:47.019 --> 00:11:53.580 and that they may also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:59.600 You know, Jesus is saying, you abiding in the vine is greater than yourself. 00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:01.340 It impacts more than you. 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:10.160 That impact is important to understand because when we consider that abiding means to remain, 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:12.720 it means to continue to dwell. 00:12:13.540 --> 00:12:14.720 Let me put it this way. 00:12:14.800 --> 00:12:16.320 It means simply to stay put. 00:12:16.780 --> 00:12:19.560 Have you ever thought, why did Jesus tell the apostles to abide? 00:12:19.980 --> 00:12:24.320 He said, life's going to go upside down, and that's when you need to make sure you stay put. 00:12:24.320 --> 00:12:29.879 Jesus says, I'm not wavering, don't waver. 00:12:32.180 --> 00:12:33.120 Stay put. 00:12:35.300 --> 00:12:35.820 Abide. 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:37.660 Be intentional. 00:12:38.760 --> 00:12:46.660 Because to abide in him, and we're going to look here in the upcoming weeks here about how that functions out in our life, 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:47.960 but we need to abide. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:52.420 And this concept was not new to the disciples. 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:55.819 You know, think about John 8. 00:12:56.120 --> 00:13:00.740 It tells us that if you continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed. 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:04.240 Now you say, how do you abide in Jesus? 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:05.259 Let me give you a little clue. 00:13:05.360 --> 00:13:07.539 It says, in the beginning was the word. 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:11.899 And the word became flesh and dwelt among us. 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:20.679 Think about that dynamic of God dwelling in us, and he abides in us, and we need to continue in his word. 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:23.679 And John expresses this concept. 00:13:24.079 --> 00:13:27.759 He talks about 11 times in John 15. 00:13:27.899 --> 00:13:29.259 He uses the word abide. 00:13:29.659 --> 00:13:32.079 You know, whenever you're reading the scripture, let me give you a little help. 00:13:32.719 --> 00:13:38.099 When you see a word repeated, it's probably a word you need to pay attention to. 00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:42.980 When you see something stated in the same passage over and over and over again, 00:13:43.720 --> 00:13:47.340 it's something that you need to really contemplate and to think on. 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:52.940 In 10 verses, he uses abide 11 times. 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:55.600 Do you think there's a theme? 00:13:55.600 --> 00:14:03.779 That concept of staying and being aware you ought to be in Christ. 00:14:04.060 --> 00:14:08.840 And the disciples, this concept is the same one that they began with. 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:13.519 You know, it tells us in John 1, when Jesus began to gather his disciples, 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:17.320 that Jesus, when he saw them, he asked them, what seek ye? 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:19.180 Think about the question they had. 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:21.340 They say, where dwellest thou? 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:26.300 Now, that word dwellest is the same word that's abide. 00:14:28.240 --> 00:14:31.280 The disciples asked Jesus, where do you abide? 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:32.980 We want to abide with you. 00:14:33.060 --> 00:14:34.800 We want to be in the place that you are. 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:36.200 That was their question. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:38.600 They wanted to abide in him. 00:14:38.759 --> 00:14:41.019 And he said unto them, come and see. 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:45.340 And they came and saw where he dwelt, where he abided. 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:48.759 And notice that next word, an abode with him. 00:14:48.820 --> 00:14:50.780 That word abode is the same as dwell. 00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:56.360 We express it a little differently because of the context in English. 00:14:56.460 --> 00:14:58.940 But I want you to understand, it's the same thing. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:15:00.560 He says, where do you abide? 00:15:00.660 --> 00:15:01.920 Well, we're going to abide with you. 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:06.740 They made a conscious choice to say, we want to be where Jesus is. 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:08.860 And they were focusing upon it. 00:15:09.420 --> 00:15:11.700 You know, think about a little later in John 14. 00:15:11.700 --> 00:15:17.520 Jesus looks at his disciples, this before here, and says, if a man love me, he will keep my words. 00:15:17.920 --> 00:15:19.620 And my father will love him. 00:15:19.720 --> 00:15:24.800 And we will come unto him and make our abode with him. 00:15:25.060 --> 00:15:31.520 This idea of abiding in Christ, abiding in the vine, is not a new concept. 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:37.259 Jesus is just using this as a very focused concept in this passage for the disciples to grab a hold of. 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:41.700 Because I think we need that same focus. 00:15:43.179 --> 00:15:45.919 Because I don't know if you've noticed, the world's getting pretty crazy. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:48.720 No matter what happens politically. 00:15:49.439 --> 00:15:51.220 No matter what happens socially. 00:15:52.019 --> 00:15:55.059 No matter what happens religiously in our country. 00:15:55.159 --> 00:15:56.460 You know what believers need to do? 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.340 They need to abide. 00:15:57.340 --> 00:16:02.540 Abiding is how to supersede everything else. 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:09.139 Because that connection in chapter 1 with the disciples, come and stay where he dwells. 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:15.259 In chapter 14, he and the Father come and take up residence where we dwell and in you. 00:16:16.820 --> 00:16:19.840 Chapter 15 says, abide in me and I in you. 00:16:20.560 --> 00:16:23.879 Abiding is not paying of Christ a visit on Sunday. 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:28.340 You know, there's a lot of people that think, well, I'm in Christ because I showed up for church. 00:16:28.759 --> 00:16:33.559 Now, I believe if you're in Christ, you had a desire to be around his people and come together like he instructed. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.360 But you know what? 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:38.580 Being in church doesn't mean you're abiding. 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:44.539 Abiding is a daily constant dynamic. 00:16:46.340 --> 00:16:48.360 It's something that happens daily. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:50.200 It does not happen once a week. 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:57.320 If you only do anything with God on Sunday morning, you're not abiding. 00:16:57.900 --> 00:16:59.320 The preacher, that's a hard statement. 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:00.780 That's not my statement. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:02.000 That's what Jesus says. 00:17:02.420 --> 00:17:06.539 That's the reason sometimes the husbandman, what the husbandman does, what God does in our life, 00:17:06.880 --> 00:17:09.960 the truth of God's word, it says we're clean through the word. 00:17:10.340 --> 00:17:13.039 You know, that cleaning process isn't enjoyable sometimes. 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:17.279 You know, sometimes I think we're just like little boys that go play in the mud puddle and get upset 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:18.880 because mom makes them get clean. 00:17:18.880 --> 00:17:24.020 So they wiggle around and squirm around and they, you know, they don't want to get cleaned up. 00:17:25.880 --> 00:17:31.280 Or, you know, they eat some ice cream and it covers about this much of their face and they're like... 00:17:31.280 --> 00:17:32.860 You know, sometimes we act like two-year-olds. 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:38.340 When God says, hey, I need to clean some things up to make things right. 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:42.199 He says, I want you to abide. 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:43.480 I want you to have a... 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:46.199 Just trust me in this. 00:17:46.359 --> 00:17:49.639 And we understand because notice what it tells us here. 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:52.619 In verse 4 it says, 00:17:52.619 --> 00:17:57.439 No more can you except you abide in me. 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:59.959 Except you abide in me. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:03.039 The branch is not independent of the vine. 00:18:03.399 --> 00:18:04.619 It is his life source. 00:18:05.619 --> 00:18:09.239 It cannot thrive or survive apart from the vine. 00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:17.700 You know, your walk, your relationship with God is all about abiding in the vine. 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:21.720 It's not about how many books you read. 00:18:23.380 --> 00:18:26.099 You know, there's a lot of highly educated religious people. 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:31.900 And sometimes I wonder, you've read so many books but you really haven't read the one that matters. 00:18:31.900 --> 00:18:35.500 I want you to understand, reading a lot is not a problem. 00:18:36.040 --> 00:18:39.240 It's when you let what you read supersede what God has said. 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:42.860 Because we can put things out of order. 00:18:43.540 --> 00:18:46.980 And when we understand that, look over to Colossians chapter 2 for a moment. 00:18:47.700 --> 00:18:51.480 Colossians chapter 2 tells us this here in verse 6. 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:52.160 It says, 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:59.560 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:07.579 Because this idea of abiding is the same idea of walking alongside or walking with. 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:12.460 That concept is expressed many ways throughout the scripture. 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:13.399 Look what it says. 00:19:13.919 --> 00:19:18.839 Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith as ye have been taught. 00:19:19.379 --> 00:19:21.359 Abound therein with thanksgiving. 00:19:21.899 --> 00:19:23.799 Now we need to be rooted and built up. 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:24.720 You know how you get rooted? 00:19:24.839 --> 00:19:25.819 Is you're attached to it. 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:29.460 Because you are not the root. 00:19:29.559 --> 00:19:30.339 You're the branch. 00:19:30.440 --> 00:19:36.559 But you need to be placed in that you have that root of Christ that makes a difference. 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:40.460 You know the moment of salvation. 00:19:42.179 --> 00:19:43.980 You're placed in Christ. 00:19:44.379 --> 00:19:48.579 Not when you are obedient enough or partaking a ritual of some kind. 00:19:49.639 --> 00:19:55.099 You know there's a lot of people that their relationship they think they have with God is through ritual. 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:56.099 I did this. 00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:58.519 I did this. 00:19:58.599 --> 00:20:01.819 Somebody gave me a piece of paper that said I got wet. 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.480 Or I completed a class. 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.539 Or I did something else. 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:05.099 You know what? 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:08.219 All those things may be beneficial but they mean nothing. 00:20:08.719 --> 00:20:10.099 They're things that are just going to burn up. 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:14.159 The only thing that ought to matter is abiding, walking with Christ. 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:19.200 To grab a hold of that idea is essential. 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:27.660 You know because when we understand that every believer or as we see pictured here, every branch is established in the vine. 00:20:27.660 --> 00:20:33.620 Yet fruitfulness is reliant upon staying nourished by the vine. 00:20:34.060 --> 00:20:37.820 Remember when we started that thought where the branch stays, the branch bears. 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:39.560 If you don't stay attached, guess what? 00:20:39.600 --> 00:20:40.140 You don't bear. 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:43.040 Now let me add to that just a moment. 00:20:43.600 --> 00:20:44.900 Because there's something very important. 00:20:45.160 --> 00:20:49.620 Because abiding, this is another uncomfortable thing for us as people. 00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:53.239 You know, you can get excited. 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:54.599 I can abide in Jesus. 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:56.799 You know, he's going to give fruit in my life. 00:20:56.859 --> 00:20:57.439 All these things. 00:20:57.519 --> 00:20:58.739 But you know what's involved in that? 00:20:58.819 --> 00:21:00.479 You surrendering your will to his. 00:21:00.979 --> 00:21:02.219 Oh, preacher, that's a lot. 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.959 I have priorities. 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:06.019 I have responsibilities. 00:21:07.359 --> 00:21:07.759 You know what? 00:21:07.779 --> 00:21:11.099 You don't have a single priority responsibility that God doesn't already know about. 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:16.279 You need to understand those things may be important but what's most important? 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:19.039 I've been around a couple of days. 00:21:19.619 --> 00:21:21.079 And we know the Lord. 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:24.699 I always tell people, you'll be the first to know when the Lord's done with you. 00:21:26.619 --> 00:21:27.619 Because you get a promotion. 00:21:28.379 --> 00:21:34.619 I want you to understand this dynamic that we need to surrender our will to his. 00:21:34.619 --> 00:21:38.599 And that's uncomfortable for us because it involves your will. 00:21:38.699 --> 00:21:40.659 Think about what Galatians 5 tells us. 00:21:41.479 --> 00:21:43.019 Galatians 5 tells us this. 00:21:43.199 --> 00:21:48.599 This I say then, walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:54.799 You know, Galatians 5, at the end of Galatians 5 gives us the fruit of the spirit. 00:21:55.579 --> 00:21:58.039 But Galatians 5 also says you have a choice to make. 00:21:58.679 --> 00:22:00.000 You're going to walk in the spirit. 00:22:00.099 --> 00:22:01.579 Are you going to abide in Christ? 00:22:01.719 --> 00:22:03.939 Are you going to walk in your own will and your own way? 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:09.519 Because what happens is, is our will says this is important and Christ says this is important. 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:10.459 Now there's a conflict. 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:13.220 At that moment you have a choice of wills. 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:14.240 Which one am I going to follow? 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:16.700 I'm going to follow the will of me. 00:22:17.840 --> 00:22:19.420 This is what makes me comfortable. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.700 This is my priority. 00:22:20.840 --> 00:22:22.140 This is where I want to be. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:23.539 Or is it Lord? 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:26.160 Not my will, but your will be done. 00:22:27.620 --> 00:22:30.480 Because your priority might not be bad of itself. 00:22:31.140 --> 00:22:35.799 Things we need to remember is just because something is good doesn't mean it's the best. 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:35.839 What is the best? 00:22:36.419 --> 00:22:40.039 Somebody that wants to abide in the vine might be concerned about what's best. 00:22:42.139 --> 00:22:44.059 What is the greater priority? 00:22:44.879 --> 00:22:48.220 Jesus tells us that all these other things are going to be added unto us. 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:52.039 But he says, trust me. 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:56.799 To understand that the branch must be there. 00:22:56.879 --> 00:23:00.940 It says, if I say then walk in the spirit, you should not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:04.740 If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.599 You know what? 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:07.759 When you get saved, you are in the spirit. 00:23:07.859 --> 00:23:09.059 The spirit lives in you. 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:11.180 He says, then you ought to walk accordingly. 00:23:12.900 --> 00:23:14.779 That ought to be your guide. 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:16.539 The truth of God's words. 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:16.920 You know what? 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:18.259 It amazes me today. 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:19.960 Well, the spirit told me. 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:24.859 It's like, well, if you think the spirit's telling you something, it better match up with what's in here. 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:28.660 Because you know what the Bible tells us? 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.680 Read John 16. 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:36.380 He says, the spirit will not tell you anything that God hasn't already established. 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:40.960 You know how we know what God established right here? 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:44.380 Sometimes a lot of people use my feelings for the spirit. 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:49.259 They're following a spirit, but it ain't the spirit of God. 00:23:49.620 --> 00:23:51.779 How do we discern the spirit? 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:53.900 You know, that's a whole other lesson we could get into. 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:56.700 But to walk with God, you better be discerning. 00:23:56.840 --> 00:23:57.200 What am I? 00:23:57.300 --> 00:23:59.360 Is this my will or is this God's will? 00:23:59.780 --> 00:24:01.840 Why did God allow this in my life? 00:24:02.080 --> 00:24:03.700 Am I willing to submit to it? 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:05.980 Or am I going to rebel against it? 00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:09.259 Jesus here knows what the disciples are going to face. 00:24:09.320 --> 00:24:15.280 And he says, stay nourished in the vine no matter what takes place. 00:24:15.560 --> 00:24:19.259 You know, no matter what takes place, life can go upside down in a moment. 00:24:19.860 --> 00:24:20.460 Things happen. 00:24:20.900 --> 00:24:21.820 But where do you abide? 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:23.740 Where do you turn in those moments? 00:24:25.359 --> 00:24:33.319 Because I want you to understand, Jesus just didn't give them a command or instruction to abide. 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.619 He gives them a promise. 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.960 Notice, look at verse 5. 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:39.679 He says this, 00:24:40.039 --> 00:24:41.819 I am the vine and ye are the branches. 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:47.879 He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. 00:24:48.220 --> 00:24:51.099 For without me ye can do nothing. 00:24:51.099 --> 00:24:56.279 I want you to know that quantity follows connection, not effort. 00:24:56.699 --> 00:25:02.279 You know, we have a lot of things today that say if you just do this, this, this, and this, we put a lot of effort. 00:25:02.419 --> 00:25:03.719 But you know what Jesus says? 00:25:04.099 --> 00:25:08.019 The effort might be fine, but if you're not connected, it's irrelevant. 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:10.019 To stay connected. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:11.819 To stay connected. 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:17.920 Each branch bears in proportion to what flows through it. 00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:26.319 Now notice the Lord does not say the same branch works harder or tries longer or bears more carefully. 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:29.460 He says the same bringeth forth much fruit. 00:25:29.859 --> 00:25:34.619 The much is not measured by the power of the branch, but the supply that's in the vine. 00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:38.239 The vine is what's going to provide. 00:25:38.739 --> 00:25:43.059 A branch has no root of its own, no water of its own, no sap of its own. 00:25:43.319 --> 00:25:47.859 It simply stays where the life is and lets the life do the bearing. 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:52.439 You can manufacture activity, but you can't manufacture fruit. 00:25:53.000 --> 00:25:59.239 You know, one of the problems you find today that we always got to guard against is just being busy at church. 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:01.480 You know, you can be busy and unfruitful. 00:26:04.920 --> 00:26:06.339 Oh, don't get rid of that program. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:15.019 I want you to understand that sometimes something may be started, may have been good, but you know what? 00:26:15.059 --> 00:26:19.599 Just like a branch, sometimes it needs to be removed so that something new can grow. 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:23.640 When you read about how a vine grows and what they do, you know what? 00:26:23.700 --> 00:26:27.660 Sometimes they take the most productive branch this year and they cut it off so they can get new growth. 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:29.820 That's counter to the way we like it. 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:33.700 Busyness does not mean fruitfulness. 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:36.000 It doesn't mean busyness is bad. 00:26:36.100 --> 00:26:38.720 It just means that you can be busy and unfruitful. 00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:43.820 Because he says, without me, ye can do nothing. 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:45.500 You know, I want you to understand. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:50.220 Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3, he says, 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:57.360 not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.880 Think about that verse for a moment. 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:02.660 And now over the years, I've heard a lot of people say this when they get to a struggle. 00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:06.620 Philippians 4.13 seems to be a popular verse. 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:11.420 The problem is, I don't think we really understand Philippians 4.13. 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:18.400 Because most of the time we attach it, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 00:27:18.560 --> 00:27:20.660 I can do all things in my strength. 00:27:20.900 --> 00:27:22.380 That's not what the verse says. 00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:26.039 What's being implied there is what Jesus said in John 15. 00:27:26.580 --> 00:27:30.500 I can do all things when I abide in him. 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:34.579 I can endure all things. 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:39.660 I can do all those things that are going to bring forth fruit. 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:46.220 And that fruit, we're going to talk about that in the weeks to come because it's not always where we place the priorities. 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:52.119 And we understand our ability to produce fruit is what includes the all things. 00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:54.180 It's only available in the vine. 00:27:54.839 --> 00:27:56.500 Fruit is growing, not manufactured. 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.660 At least the good stuff. 00:27:58.660 --> 00:28:03.600 You know, we've got a lot of things today they try to make from nothing and it's like it's never the same. 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:06.220 You know, they've got people trying to sell artificial beef. 00:28:07.320 --> 00:28:11.519 Lab-grown beef, I'm like, if it's beef, it ain't grown in the lab. 00:28:13.060 --> 00:28:15.140 If it's beef, it mooed out there sometimes. 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:19.560 We might call it something, we might try to say it's something, but it doesn't mean it is. 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:24.259 It's produced in that moment. 00:28:24.420 --> 00:28:28.560 If fruit is growing, it's slow, it's daily, it's intentional, it's consistent. 00:28:28.660 --> 00:28:29.019 It's consistent. 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:31.519 What is fruit? 00:28:31.660 --> 00:28:41.000 Fruit is the life of Christ showing up in your life, in your character, in your conduct, in who your life reaches. 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:45.720 We're going to talk about that next week, Lord willing. 00:28:46.519 --> 00:28:47.759 I'm not going to get ahead of myself. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:49.000 We're about running out of time. 00:28:49.080 --> 00:28:51.700 Preachers, I don't know where the clock speeds up. 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:58.019 But I want you to understand this dynamic because have you ever noticed you can stand and watch something? 00:28:59.840 --> 00:29:06.039 You know, if you tried to watch a vine and say, I'm going to watch it until I watch the grapes appear. 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:06.900 You know what? 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:13.080 There won't be a moment you can point to that says that's when the grape appeared. 00:29:13.620 --> 00:29:13.799 You know what? 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:15.480 The same is true in your life. 00:29:16.839 --> 00:29:21.899 It's a slow, consistent product that is produced. 00:29:22.419 --> 00:29:25.019 That's what makes it what it ought to be. 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:30.200 Fruit is the byproduct of a connection that's maintained over time. 00:29:30.200 --> 00:29:32.940 So what has to be consistent? 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:35.340 Not the fruit, but the connection. 00:29:35.880 --> 00:29:37.319 Fruit is the harvest. 00:29:37.680 --> 00:29:39.100 The abiding is the habit. 00:29:40.539 --> 00:29:43.279 You cannot measure a harvest daily. 00:29:43.400 --> 00:29:47.200 You can be measured only when you stay attached. 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:49.980 So how do you measure the connection? 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:52.019 We'll talk about that more next week. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:55.259 I want you to settle the question of your will. 00:29:55.259 --> 00:30:00.460 Well, now the Lord's going to show us something because not only does he give us a promise, but he gives us a warning. 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:02.319 Notice what he tells us here. 00:30:02.400 --> 00:30:03.879 Look at verse 6. 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:04.879 He says, 00:30:05.319 --> 00:30:13.119 If any man abide not in me, is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 00:30:15.000 --> 00:30:15.599 You know what? 00:30:15.680 --> 00:30:18.900 Israel stands as a great example of this in the Old Testament. 00:30:19.759 --> 00:30:21.119 That God planted them. 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:23.379 And Jeremiah 2 talks about, 00:30:23.559 --> 00:30:25.759 I have planted thee a noble vine, 00:30:26.659 --> 00:30:28.379 holy a right seed. 00:30:28.479 --> 00:30:32.919 Now thou art turned into a degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me. 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:35.359 Hosea says this. 00:30:35.419 --> 00:30:35.799 He says, 00:30:35.979 --> 00:30:37.699 Israel is an empty vine. 00:30:37.799 --> 00:30:39.779 He bringeth forth fruit unto himself, 00:30:39.919 --> 00:30:41.699 according to the multitude of his fruit. 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:43.759 Hath he increased himself, 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:46.359 or increased the altars, 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:48.500 according to the goodness of his land. 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:50.619 They have made goodly images. 00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:51.880 Their heart is divided. 00:30:52.259 --> 00:30:54.259 How shall they be found faulty? 00:30:54.619 --> 00:30:56.319 He shall break down their altars, 00:30:56.380 --> 00:30:57.779 and he shall spoil their images. 00:30:58.400 --> 00:30:59.819 Now I want you to understand, 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:01.759 we are not Israel. 00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:05.319 But the principle stands. 00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:08.440 God's principles and precepts stand throughout time. 00:31:10.539 --> 00:31:12.480 The Old Testament, the Bible says, 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:13.819 was written for our learning. 00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:17.539 You know, we can watch what God did with Israel, 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:18.240 and say, 00:31:18.359 --> 00:31:20.460 hey, God's going to do that in my life, 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:21.659 if I don't stay abiding. 00:31:22.159 --> 00:31:24.220 It stands as a warning to us, 00:31:24.599 --> 00:31:28.159 when we understand that vine would, 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.159 you know, some people, 00:31:29.359 --> 00:31:31.819 I want to take just a moment here to explain something. 00:31:32.619 --> 00:31:35.179 Because Jesus is not talking here, 00:31:35.179 --> 00:31:38.139 about somebody losing their salvation. 00:31:38.140 --> 00:31:41.820 I've seen people use it, 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:43.940 they're cast forth and burned. 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:47.280 You know, I think there's some other connections 00:31:47.280 --> 00:31:48.480 we'll find in the Scripture, 00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:50.080 but I want you to understand, 00:31:50.280 --> 00:31:52.480 vine wood is good for nothing but fruit. 00:31:54.840 --> 00:31:56.740 You'll find it's good for two things. 00:31:56.860 --> 00:31:57.780 You either, it's fruitful, 00:31:58.300 --> 00:31:59.320 or it's fuel. 00:31:59.820 --> 00:32:00.540 It's fruit, 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:01.940 or it's fuel. 00:32:03.360 --> 00:32:05.460 People don't build things out of vines. 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:09.660 You know, you don't construct something lasting 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:10.480 out of a vine. 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:14.460 You know, Ezekiel 15 talks about this 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:18.059 as God tells and describes those things. 00:32:18.160 --> 00:32:18.500 He says, 00:32:18.620 --> 00:32:20.600 What is the vine tree more than any tree? 00:32:20.900 --> 00:32:23.539 Or the branch which is among the trees of the forest 00:32:23.539 --> 00:32:26.279 shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? 00:32:26.440 --> 00:32:28.819 Or will men take a pin of it 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:30.759 to hang any vessel thereon? 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:31.940 He gives a question, he says, 00:32:32.140 --> 00:32:33.160 What good is it? 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:35.360 If it's not bearing fruit, 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:36.920 what good is it? 00:32:37.860 --> 00:32:38.779 And he says this, 00:32:38.920 --> 00:32:41.640 Behold, I cast it into the fire for fuel. 00:32:42.100 --> 00:32:43.360 That's what he's talking about. 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.540 That's the picture. 00:32:45.640 --> 00:32:47.480 But I want to clarify something here 00:32:47.480 --> 00:32:48.840 that's very important. 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:51.320 The issue is not the loss of salvation. 00:32:51.540 --> 00:32:53.600 Instead, it's the usefulness, 00:32:53.900 --> 00:32:56.040 the loss of your life's work. 00:32:56.580 --> 00:32:57.560 2 Corinthians chapter, 00:32:57.660 --> 00:32:59.759 excuse me, 1 Corinthians chapter 3 00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:01.920 talks about this when it talks about 00:33:01.920 --> 00:33:03.240 the believer's judgment 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:05.579 for rewards. 00:33:05.680 --> 00:33:07.000 You know what it tells us there? 00:33:07.299 --> 00:33:09.879 That we can have all sorts of foundations 00:33:09.879 --> 00:33:11.200 that we've built upon. 00:33:11.720 --> 00:33:12.420 And it says, 00:33:12.859 --> 00:33:14.759 Every man's work shall be made manifest 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:16.240 for the day shall declare it 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:18.019 because it shall be revealed by what? 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:18.680 Fire. 00:33:18.799 --> 00:33:20.559 And fire shall try every man's work 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:21.680 of what sort it is. 00:33:21.920 --> 00:33:23.980 If any man's work abide, 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:25.559 which he hath built thereon, 00:33:25.559 --> 00:33:28.339 he shall receive a reward. 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:31.119 But notice verse 15. 00:33:32.919 --> 00:33:34.599 If any man's work shall be burned, 00:33:34.659 --> 00:33:35.679 he shall suffer loss, 00:33:35.740 --> 00:33:37.079 but he himself shall be saved, 00:33:37.139 --> 00:33:38.059 yet so by fire. 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:40.599 I think Jesus is given this same picture. 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:44.579 He says, guys, you need to abide 00:33:44.579 --> 00:33:48.460 because you're either going to be fruitful, 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:49.419 fuel. 00:33:50.079 --> 00:33:51.480 You understand that picture. 00:33:51.639 --> 00:33:52.279 You know, think about, 00:33:52.679 --> 00:33:53.359 you know, how many remember 00:33:53.359 --> 00:33:55.039 the Old Testament story of Samson? 00:33:55.559 --> 00:33:56.039 Samson. 00:33:56.940 --> 00:33:58.480 Very familiar story. 00:33:59.099 --> 00:34:01.039 Samson there in Judges 16, 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:04.519 he made a statement, 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:06.259 and he wist not what the Lord 00:34:06.259 --> 00:34:07.839 was departed from him. 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:09.940 The Lord was with him. 00:34:10.340 --> 00:34:12.119 The Lord empowered Samson 00:34:12.119 --> 00:34:13.119 to do what he did, 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:14.799 but yet it came a point 00:34:14.799 --> 00:34:16.699 when Samson came so disconnected 00:34:16.699 --> 00:34:17.799 from the vine, 00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:20.480 and he didn't even realize 00:34:20.480 --> 00:34:21.519 it had taken place. 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:25.400 He just assumed it would be true. 00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:28.340 That he would have the power, 00:34:28.719 --> 00:34:29.840 and it tells us that 00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:31.079 as he went out, 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:32.199 as before other times, 00:34:32.259 --> 00:34:33.179 and shake himself, 00:34:33.299 --> 00:34:33.519 you know, 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:35.099 I want you to understand 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:35.920 the interesting thing 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:37.139 about the story of Samson, 00:34:37.739 --> 00:34:39.259 when other guys gave him power 00:34:39.259 --> 00:34:41.920 to release from the bondage 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:43.239 that they tried to put him in, 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:45.579 or whether when he went out 00:34:45.579 --> 00:34:46.000 to do it, 00:34:46.039 --> 00:34:47.299 the motions were the same. 00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:49.239 The difference was the power behind it. 00:34:49.239 --> 00:34:52.799 The power of the vine cut branch 00:34:52.799 --> 00:34:54.719 keeps its shape a while 00:34:54.719 --> 00:34:56.799 before anybody notices that it's dead. 00:34:57.559 --> 00:34:59.399 Now the danger here is this. 00:35:00.739 --> 00:35:03.559 You can keep every motion going 00:35:03.559 --> 00:35:05.339 after the power is gone. 00:35:05.959 --> 00:35:07.179 You might be the last one 00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:08.519 in the building to find out 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:10.639 that you're not abiding in the vine. 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:12.359 I want you to understand 00:35:12.359 --> 00:35:14.739 that we can appear strong, 00:35:14.899 --> 00:35:16.299 but fruit only comes 00:35:16.300 --> 00:35:18.039 and is produced when we're abiding. 00:35:18.760 --> 00:35:19.620 Sad part is, 00:35:19.680 --> 00:35:20.720 we live in a day and age 00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:21.660 where I think there's a lot 00:35:21.660 --> 00:35:23.920 of fluffy, leafy Christianity, 00:35:24.560 --> 00:35:28.120 not merited fruitful belief. 00:35:28.800 --> 00:35:30.120 Fruit is something 00:35:30.120 --> 00:35:33.019 that is produced in your life. 00:35:34.100 --> 00:35:35.900 And it needs to be produced 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:38.660 because I want you to understand 00:35:38.660 --> 00:35:40.960 that this picture is important 00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:44.440 because we need to abide. 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:48.240 Abide is something 00:35:48.240 --> 00:35:50.099 that we intentionally say, 00:35:50.240 --> 00:35:52.079 I want to stay close to him 00:35:52.079 --> 00:35:55.019 because abiding is a daily habit, 00:35:55.139 --> 00:35:56.380 not a Sunday event. 00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:59.500 It's word, it's prayer, 00:35:59.619 --> 00:36:00.400 it's obedience 00:36:00.400 --> 00:36:02.880 in the ordinary days and hours. 00:36:03.599 --> 00:36:05.840 What would a week of genuine abiding 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:07.659 actually look like on your calendar? 00:36:07.780 --> 00:36:08.639 That's a good question. 00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:10.440 This morning it's important 00:36:10.440 --> 00:36:11.700 if you've never been joined 00:36:11.700 --> 00:36:12.360 to the vine, 00:36:12.460 --> 00:36:13.559 the Bible says you have 00:36:13.559 --> 00:36:14.800 an opportunity to come 00:36:14.800 --> 00:36:16.380 and to call upon him. 00:36:17.960 --> 00:36:19.099 Because it starts, 00:36:19.159 --> 00:36:20.260 all the things I talked about, 00:36:20.340 --> 00:36:21.340 abiding only starts 00:36:21.340 --> 00:36:22.619 at the moment of salvation. 00:36:23.340 --> 00:36:24.679 The moment you realize 00:36:24.679 --> 00:36:25.300 you're a sinner 00:36:25.300 --> 00:36:26.300 that needs a savior. 00:36:26.679 --> 00:36:27.960 That makes a difference 00:36:27.960 --> 00:36:29.179 in your life 00:36:29.179 --> 00:36:30.840 is what you've done with Christ. 00:36:31.119 --> 00:36:32.679 And then you become attached. 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:34.619 He says, I in you. 00:36:35.340 --> 00:36:36.599 He's not asking you 00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:37.400 to try harder, 00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:38.740 he's asking you to come. 00:36:38.739 --> 00:36:39.500 He says, 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.579 he that cometh unto me 00:36:40.579 --> 00:36:42.419 I will no wise cast out. 00:36:44.019 --> 00:36:44.559 You know, 00:36:44.619 --> 00:36:45.979 you can't abide in something 00:36:45.979 --> 00:36:47.159 you were never a part of. 00:36:47.679 --> 00:36:49.500 The way to become part of Christ 00:36:49.500 --> 00:36:51.079 is to call upon him as savior. 00:36:53.459 --> 00:36:54.479 If you're not sure 00:36:54.479 --> 00:36:55.339 about that this morning, 00:36:55.419 --> 00:36:56.659 I encourage you to make sure. 00:36:57.639 --> 00:36:59.299 Because that's the starting point. 00:37:00.159 --> 00:37:01.379 But if you're his 00:37:01.379 --> 00:37:02.659 and you know the power 00:37:02.659 --> 00:37:04.779 is gone in your life, 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:05.339 you know, 00:37:05.379 --> 00:37:06.319 I want you to understand, 00:37:06.320 --> 00:37:07.660 don't wait for the feeling 00:37:07.660 --> 00:37:08.539 to come back. 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:09.980 You need to take action. 00:37:10.080 --> 00:37:10.720 The Bible says 00:37:10.720 --> 00:37:11.800 we need to be the one 00:37:11.800 --> 00:37:13.559 that says I want to be 00:37:13.559 --> 00:37:14.760 abiding in Jesus. 00:37:14.940 --> 00:37:16.340 Jesus didn't go anyplace. 00:37:19.059 --> 00:37:20.420 Our heart wandered off 00:37:20.420 --> 00:37:21.080 is the problem. 00:37:21.880 --> 00:37:22.940 The Lord's talking to you 00:37:22.940 --> 00:37:23.980 about something this morning. 00:37:24.100 --> 00:37:25.280 You just need to step out 00:37:25.280 --> 00:37:25.559 and say, 00:37:25.620 --> 00:37:25.880 Lord, 00:37:26.600 --> 00:37:28.340 I need to be obedient. 00:37:29.720 --> 00:37:31.059 I need to trust you. 00:37:31.160 --> 00:37:32.019 I need to do 00:37:32.019 --> 00:37:32.900 as I know 00:37:32.900 --> 00:37:34.800 you've instructed me to do. 00:37:34.800 --> 00:37:36.660 I need to put away my pride. 00:37:36.900 --> 00:37:37.700 I need to put away 00:37:37.700 --> 00:37:38.840 what others may think 00:37:38.840 --> 00:37:39.160 and say, 00:37:39.260 --> 00:37:39.539 Lord, 00:37:39.680 --> 00:37:41.240 I want to be obedient 00:37:41.240 --> 00:37:43.039 to you. 00:37:43.820 --> 00:37:44.260 Repentance. 00:37:46.440 --> 00:37:47.700 A change of mind 00:37:47.700 --> 00:37:49.000 about the things of God. 00:37:49.860 --> 00:37:50.940 You're here this morning, 00:37:51.680 --> 00:37:52.420 feel the weight 00:37:52.420 --> 00:37:53.700 of the husbandman's knife 00:37:53.700 --> 00:37:54.680 trimming some things 00:37:54.680 --> 00:37:55.380 in your life. 00:37:57.340 --> 00:37:58.519 To get your focus 00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.940 back on the right things. 00:38:00.640 --> 00:38:01.380 To remember 00:38:01.380 --> 00:38:02.780 that what God 00:38:02.780 --> 00:38:04.080 is doing in your life 00:38:04.079 --> 00:38:05.279 is because he cares, 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:06.819 not because he's angry 00:38:06.819 --> 00:38:07.460 with you. 00:38:09.420 --> 00:38:10.579 Because the aim 00:38:10.579 --> 00:38:11.539 is more fruit, 00:38:11.659 --> 00:38:12.259 not less. 00:38:14.380 --> 00:38:15.599 He just asks you 00:38:15.599 --> 00:38:16.079 to stay. 00:38:16.219 --> 00:38:16.840 The branch 00:38:16.840 --> 00:38:18.099 is asked to produce 00:38:18.099 --> 00:38:19.400 and it's asked to stay. 00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:19.679 It says, 00:38:19.799 --> 00:38:20.380 without me 00:38:20.380 --> 00:38:22.059 ye can do nothing. 00:38:23.119 --> 00:38:24.159 But with him 00:38:24.159 --> 00:38:25.079 the same branch 00:38:25.079 --> 00:38:25.799 bringeth forth 00:38:25.799 --> 00:38:27.360 much fruit. 00:38:27.360 --> 00:38:32.400 those three categories 00:38:32.400 --> 00:38:33.740 I think this auditorium 00:38:33.740 --> 00:38:35.000 takes care of. 00:38:36.599 --> 00:38:37.559 The question is, 00:38:37.599 --> 00:38:38.120 which are you? 00:38:40.120 --> 00:38:40.940 Where are you 00:38:40.940 --> 00:38:41.579 in your life? 00:38:42.800 --> 00:38:43.620 As heads are bowed 00:38:43.620 --> 00:38:44.340 and eyes are closed 00:38:44.340 --> 00:38:44.860 this morning, 00:38:45.620 --> 00:38:47.200 consider that reality. 00:38:48.019 --> 00:38:48.940 Your relationship, 00:38:49.820 --> 00:38:50.019 Lord. 00:38:51.620 --> 00:38:52.160 Maybe you're here 00:38:52.160 --> 00:38:52.740 this morning 00:38:52.740 --> 00:38:53.680 and you don't know 00:38:53.680 --> 00:38:54.400 him as Savior. 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:55.639 You may know 00:38:55.639 --> 00:38:56.340 about him. 00:38:57.500 --> 00:38:58.300 You may know 00:38:58.300 --> 00:38:58.880 many things 00:38:58.880 --> 00:38:59.619 about the Bible, 00:38:59.760 --> 00:39:00.500 but there's a difference 00:39:00.500 --> 00:39:01.460 between knowing 00:39:01.460 --> 00:39:03.240 what God said 00:39:03.240 --> 00:39:04.360 and trusting him 00:39:04.360 --> 00:39:04.900 as Savior. 00:39:05.800 --> 00:39:06.360 There's some things 00:39:06.360 --> 00:39:07.000 in your life 00:39:07.000 --> 00:39:07.660 that needs to be 00:39:07.660 --> 00:39:08.180 taken care of 00:39:08.180 --> 00:39:08.599 that you might 00:39:08.599 --> 00:39:09.559 abide in him. 00:39:10.160 --> 00:39:10.680 Some things 00:39:10.680 --> 00:39:11.099 where you said, 00:39:11.380 --> 00:39:11.680 my will, 00:39:11.820 --> 00:39:11.960 Lord, 00:39:12.000 --> 00:39:12.700 over your will. 00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:14.559 Maybe you're here 00:39:14.559 --> 00:39:15.220 today and you're 00:39:15.220 --> 00:39:15.760 just walking 00:39:15.760 --> 00:39:17.000 through things 00:39:17.000 --> 00:39:17.180 of, 00:39:17.300 --> 00:39:17.400 Lord, 00:39:17.460 --> 00:39:17.940 why did you 00:39:17.940 --> 00:39:18.619 take that away? 00:39:18.660 --> 00:39:19.180 Or why did you 00:39:19.180 --> 00:39:19.599 do this? 00:39:19.660 --> 00:39:20.400 Why did that happen? 00:39:20.440 --> 00:39:21.000 And God says, 00:39:21.079 --> 00:39:21.539 trust me, 00:39:21.559 --> 00:39:21.860 there's going 00:39:21.860 --> 00:39:22.760 to be more fruit. 00:39:23.660 --> 00:39:24.260 Are you willing 00:39:24.260 --> 00:39:24.880 to abide? 00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:25.539 Are you willing 00:39:25.539 --> 00:39:27.420 to trust him? 00:39:27.780 --> 00:39:28.500 Heavenly Fathers, 00:39:28.579 --> 00:39:29.340 we take a moment 00:39:29.340 --> 00:39:30.519 here for response 00:39:30.519 --> 00:39:31.519 of the truth 00:39:31.519 --> 00:39:32.019 of your word. 00:39:32.099 --> 00:39:32.220 Lord, 00:39:32.280 --> 00:39:32.720 I pray that you 00:39:32.720 --> 00:39:33.240 just work 00:39:33.240 --> 00:39:33.980 in each heart, 00:39:34.059 --> 00:39:34.599 each life. 00:39:35.160 --> 00:39:35.280 Lord, 00:39:35.340 --> 00:39:35.860 as we just, 00:39:36.300 --> 00:39:37.559 as the piano plays, 00:39:37.700 --> 00:39:37.920 Lord, 00:39:38.240 --> 00:39:38.780 that you just 00:39:38.780 --> 00:39:39.500 stir hearts 00:39:39.500 --> 00:39:40.019 so that we might 00:39:40.019 --> 00:39:40.760 be serious 00:39:40.760 --> 00:39:42.460 about this issue 00:39:42.460 --> 00:39:43.180 of abiding 00:39:43.180 --> 00:39:44.559 in you. 00:39:45.260 --> 00:39:45.599 And Lord, 00:39:45.620 --> 00:39:46.260 we just ask it 00:39:46.260 --> 00:39:46.780 all in your 00:39:46.780 --> 00:39:47.640 precious name. 00:39:48.400 --> 00:39:49.579 As the piano plays, 00:39:49.640 --> 00:39:50.220 what about you 00:39:50.220 --> 00:39:50.599 today?