WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.080 Let's turn to our sermon text. So today, our series in the Gospel of John takes us to John 00:00:04.080 --> 00:00:08.199 chapter 15, verses 1 through 11. So let me invite you to turn there with me, 00:00:08.839 --> 00:00:11.380 and as you turn there, let me pray as we come to God's Word together. 00:00:13.259 --> 00:00:18.980 Father, we ask that you would pour out your Spirit among us to help us to understand this Word 00:00:18.980 --> 00:00:24.160 that your Spirit has inspired, and to help us to understand and to know Christ more, 00:00:24.240 --> 00:00:28.980 because we know that as we see him in all of his glory, we are transformed 00:00:28.980 --> 00:00:35.020 into his likeness from glory to glory. Lord, clothe us with your beauty as we behold you in 00:00:35.020 --> 00:00:42.560 your Word, we pray. In Christ's name, amen. So let me read John chapter 15, verses 1 through 11 for us. 00:00:43.399 --> 00:00:48.760 Jesus says to his disciples, I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 00:00:49.980 --> 00:00:54.439 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit, 00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:59.739 he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken 00:00:59.739 --> 00:01:06.679 to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in 00:01:06.679 --> 00:01:13.519 the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:19.680 abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 00:01:19.680 --> 00:01:25.620 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers, and the branches are 00:01:25.620 --> 00:01:30.880 gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, 00:01:31.600 --> 00:01:36.500 ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified that you bear 00:01:36.500 --> 00:01:43.060 much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:47.920 Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my 00:01:47.920 --> 00:01:54.000 Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy 00:01:54.000 --> 00:02:03.879 may be in you, and that your joy may be full. So in 1989, Stephen Covey published a book called 00:02:03.879 --> 00:02:10.780 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In this book, Covey seeks to lay down what he calls 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:15.759 the universal and timeless principles for how a person can live a productive and effective life. 00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:22.359 And since 1989, this book has gone on to sell something like 25 million copies. That's one of 00:02:22.359 --> 00:02:26.280 the best-selling books on productivity and personal management and self-help ever written. 00:02:27.199 --> 00:02:34.060 Now clearly, if it has sold that many copies, this book speaks to a need that many, many people feel. 00:02:34.759 --> 00:02:39.680 Right? And since then, hundreds of books have been written and seminars taught and TED Talks given 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:45.019 about how we can be more productive and more effective, not just at work or in time management, 00:02:45.020 --> 00:02:55.920 but in life. You see, deep down as humans, we don't just want to exist. We don't just want to float along. 00:02:56.480 --> 00:03:03.400 We want to be fruitful. We want to be and do something that lasts, that's meaningful. 00:03:03.400 --> 00:03:12.080 And this desire goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. You see, when God created humanity, God made us 00:03:12.080 --> 00:03:18.060 with a purpose to steward creation, to work and keep the garden, to see the glory of God extend to the 00:03:18.060 --> 00:03:24.520 ends of the earth as we, his image bearers, use the gifts he's given us to bring flourishing to the world 00:03:24.520 --> 00:03:31.040 he has made. But of course, the human story took a tragic turn, didn't it? Rather than using our gifts 00:03:31.039 --> 00:03:35.939 to cultivate creation for the glory of God, we chose to become our own gods and use our gifts 00:03:35.939 --> 00:03:42.639 to advance our own kingdoms rather than God's kingdom. And the result of the fall has been 00:03:42.639 --> 00:03:49.639 alienation and disintegration and death ever since. So we as humans are a bit of a walking contradiction, 00:03:49.819 --> 00:03:54.759 aren't we? On the one hand, we want to use our gifts and our powers to do something that lasts, 00:03:54.759 --> 00:04:00.719 to flourish and to bear fruit, and that's good. But on the other hand, we're too often motivated to 00:04:00.719 --> 00:04:07.979 be fruitful by a desire to exalt ourselves rather than the God who made us. Too often we're motivated 00:04:07.979 --> 00:04:13.159 by a desire to make a name for ourselves, like the builders of the Tower of Babel. Do you remember of 00:04:13.159 --> 00:04:21.639 that story? Only to see it all kind of end in confusion. Now the passage before us, John 15, 00:04:21.639 --> 00:04:29.680 1 through 11, is all about bearing fruit. As disciples of Jesus, we want to be productive 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:34.819 and effective for God and his kingdom. In fact, this whole section of John's gospel, what we call 00:04:34.819 --> 00:04:40.399 Jesus's farewell discourse, is about Jesus preparing his disciples not just for his departure, but for 00:04:40.399 --> 00:04:47.479 their upcoming mission when he returns to the Father. And how will the disciples, how will the church 00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:55.620 go forth and bear fruit that lasts? Now being fruitful here is sort of an all-encompassing 00:04:55.620 --> 00:05:00.939 thing, bearing fruit. In the New Testament, we see that bearing fruit can refer to a number of things. 00:05:01.120 --> 00:05:06.280 Bearing fruit can refer to becoming Christ-like in character. Remember Galatians 5, where Paul talks 00:05:06.280 --> 00:05:12.360 about the fruit of the Spirit. Bearing fruit can also mean doing good works, loving our neighbors as 00:05:12.360 --> 00:05:19.080 ourselves. Remember Colossians 1, 10, where Paul talks about bearing fruit in every good work. And of 00:05:19.080 --> 00:05:23.740 course, it can also mean winning others to Christ. It can refer to evangelism and discipleship. A little 00:05:23.740 --> 00:05:29.800 earlier in Colossians 1, Paul says, in the whole world, the gospel is bearing fruit and increasing as 00:05:29.800 --> 00:05:35.680 it does among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God and truth. So bearing fruit 00:05:35.680 --> 00:05:42.060 means helping others come to faith in Christ. So you see, bearing fruit kind of describes the totality 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:47.660 of our life as followers of Jesus, becoming like him in character, doing good works, sharing the gospel, 00:05:47.800 --> 00:05:55.639 winning others to faith. But how do we do that? We want to be fruit-bearing Christians, but what's the key 00:05:55.639 --> 00:06:04.379 for doing so? Because we don't want to go build another tower of Babel that just ends in confusion 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:09.959 and alienation. We want to bear fruit that lasts. So what's the key? 00:06:12.139 --> 00:06:20.939 Well, here's the big idea of our passage. In order to bear fruit as disciples, we must abide in Christ. 00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:29.699 Abiding in Christ is the necessary, non-negotiable, irreplaceable thing if we're going to bear fruit. 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:37.159 You can go to a seminar, you can attend a class, you can read a book, you can listen to a lecture, 00:06:37.319 --> 00:06:41.779 you can double your effort, double your zeal, double your time, double your activity, you can 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:46.939 strategize, plan, and prepare, you can research, and rehearse, and review, and all those things might 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:54.560 be right and good, but they will amount to nothing if we aren't abiding in Christ. 00:06:54.560 --> 00:07:02.860 Verse 5 says it all. Jesus says, I'm the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in him, 00:07:02.980 --> 00:07:09.959 he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing. So if you want to bear fruit, 00:07:10.040 --> 00:07:18.779 you must abide in Christ. And our passage answers two questions about this idea of abiding in Christ. 00:07:18.779 --> 00:07:25.079 First, our passage answers the question of why. Why must we abide in Christ in order to bear fruit? 00:07:25.419 --> 00:07:32.019 And then it answers how. How do we abide in Christ so that we bear much fruit? So let's look first at 00:07:32.019 --> 00:07:37.379 why, and then we'll look at how. So first, why? Why must we abide in Christ in order to bear fruit? 00:07:37.919 --> 00:07:42.659 Verses 1 through 6 kind of provide an answer to that question that's twofold. Jesus is basically 00:07:42.659 --> 00:07:47.039 going to tell us, you have to abide in me because of who I am, and because of who the Father is. 00:07:47.040 --> 00:07:51.120 Because of who Jesus is, and because of who the Father is. That's why we have to abide in Christ. 00:07:51.319 --> 00:07:55.720 So let's look at first, we have to abide in Christ in order to bear fruit because of who Jesus is. And 00:07:55.720 --> 00:08:03.140 Jesus says, because he's the true vine. That's how the passage begins, right? Jesus says, I am the true 00:08:03.140 --> 00:08:10.640 vine. Now this is the last of the famous I am statements in the Gospel of John. And like all the 00:08:10.640 --> 00:08:16.520 previous I am statements, this one is a rich and powerful metaphor. Jesus is the true vine. 00:08:17.040 --> 00:08:22.260 In a vineyard, think about it, where do the grapes come from? Well, they grow off the branches. And 00:08:22.260 --> 00:08:26.200 what are the branches connected to? Well, they're connected to the central vine, right? It's the vine 00:08:26.200 --> 00:08:31.900 that carries life and energy and vitality that flows through the branches and so produces the fruit. 00:08:33.800 --> 00:08:38.980 Now John has already told us as much about Jesus in his prologue. Do you remember in John 1-4, 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:50.320 John says about Jesus, in him was life? Life is in Jesus. Jesus Christ, who was one with God from the 00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:57.420 beginning, the one through whom all things were made, he is life. He is the true vine. 00:08:57.419 --> 00:09:03.979 And just look at the records we have of Jesus' earthly ministry and you see this must be true. 00:09:04.979 --> 00:09:10.599 His words were words of authority and life-giving truth. His character was full of love and courage. 00:09:10.939 --> 00:09:16.439 His deeds were like none who had come before or after him. The blind were given sight, the lame were 00:09:16.439 --> 00:09:20.939 made to walk, the sick were made whole, the lepers were cleansed, the dead even were raised back to life. 00:09:20.940 --> 00:09:28.080 The power of life flowed through Jesus just like life-giving sap and energy flows through a vine, 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:35.000 bringing fruit and life in its wake. We have to abide in Jesus to bear fruit because Jesus is the true vine. 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:40.980 He's life itself. We were joking this week as a staff that wouldn't it be a great sort of visual 00:09:40.980 --> 00:09:44.400 illustration if I walked down to this little flower thing and just cut it off? 00:09:44.880 --> 00:09:49.860 And I'd say, see what happens when you're not connected? You die. Do you want to be like that? 00:09:50.940 --> 00:09:54.800 I figured I wouldn't go that way, but then I just did. So now it's in your mind. So it's done. 00:09:58.280 --> 00:10:01.620 Jesus is the vine. He's true life. We have to stay connected to him to bear fruit. 00:10:01.860 --> 00:10:04.920 But you know, this I am statement, this I am statement's more than just a metaphor. 00:10:04.920 --> 00:10:09.440 You know, these I am statements that Jesus makes in John's gospel, 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:16.560 they're all rich actually, not just in metaphorical power, but they're rich with Old Testament overtones. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:23.719 There's a biblical, redemptive, historical reality that Jesus is talking about here. 00:10:24.439 --> 00:10:30.859 You see, in the Old Testament, the metaphor of a vine was used again and again to refer to what? 00:10:30.919 --> 00:10:33.719 To refer to God's people, to refer to Israel. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:40.279 God called Abraham and formed the people of Israel so that they, like a vine, 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:47.100 might be planted in the midst of fallen creation and bear fruits amidst the ashes of Babel. 00:10:47.919 --> 00:10:53.220 That in the fallout of human confusion, Israel might be the place where God's fruit started to flourish again. 00:10:53.959 --> 00:10:58.980 Israel was meant to be a fruitful vine, glorifying God, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, 00:10:59.419 --> 00:11:02.039 declaring God's life and light to the nations. 00:11:02.179 --> 00:11:06.179 They were meant to be the vine where fruit finally grew again. 00:11:06.179 --> 00:11:17.139 But what's interesting is that in places like Isaiah 5 or Jeremiah 2 or Ezekiel 15 or Hosea 10, 00:11:17.819 --> 00:11:20.879 when the prophets speak of Israel as the Lord's vine, 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:26.039 it's not their success that we hear about, but their failure. 00:11:27.039 --> 00:11:29.759 That Israel, like the rest of us in humanity, 00:11:30.359 --> 00:11:34.419 we can't bear the fruit that we were meant to create. 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:37.659 That Israel, too, must be rescued. 00:11:39.179 --> 00:11:41.779 And in Psalm 80 that Eli read for us earlier, 00:11:42.279 --> 00:11:48.500 Jerusalem, much like the Tower of Babel, ends in ruin and confusion. 00:11:50.039 --> 00:11:54.620 The people are judged and sent away into exile, and Jerusalem lies in ashes. 00:11:56.519 --> 00:11:58.919 And yes, God would eventually end the exile, 00:11:59.339 --> 00:12:01.480 and God would eventually rebuild Jerusalem, 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:03.740 but still the people were waiting. 00:12:04.420 --> 00:12:06.360 When would God make us fruitful? 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:09.600 When would we become the vine he intended us to be? 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:11.720 And into this Old Testament hope, 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:13.019 Jesus says to his disciples, 00:12:13.560 --> 00:12:14.580 I'm the true vine. 00:12:16.340 --> 00:12:17.820 The hopes of Israel, 00:12:18.080 --> 00:12:19.240 the mission of Israel, 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:20.220 the people of Israel, 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:21.659 all find their fulfillment. 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:23.560 In me, Jesus says, 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:25.379 I'm the true vine. 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:28.259 And if you want to bear fruit, 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:31.240 if you want to overcome the fall, 00:12:31.320 --> 00:12:33.139 if you want to do something that lasts, 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:39.159 if you want to escape the pride and the folly of Babel, 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:41.980 then you must be united to me. 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:43.179 There's no other way. 00:12:44.220 --> 00:12:46.439 The mission of God to redeem the nations 00:12:46.439 --> 00:12:47.980 and heal creation, 00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:50.080 the mission that God launched through Israel, 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:52.000 is now fulfilled in Jesus, 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:52.879 the true Israel. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:55.279 So if we want to be God's people, 00:12:55.360 --> 00:12:56.799 if we want to be fruit-bearing people, 00:12:56.939 --> 00:12:58.659 we need to be Jesus' people, 00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:00.559 united to him, 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:02.299 abiding in him. 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:08.139 So why must we abide in Christ in order to bear fruit? 00:13:08.939 --> 00:13:10.799 On the one hand, because of who Jesus is. 00:13:10.860 --> 00:13:11.720 He's the true vine. 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:12.980 There's no other. 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.700 But on the other hand, 00:13:16.039 --> 00:13:17.200 because of who the Father is. 00:13:18.080 --> 00:13:19.659 Verses 1 and 2, Jesus continues. 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:20.080 He says, 00:13:20.080 --> 00:13:20.960 I'm the true vine. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:23.259 My Father is the vine dresser. 00:13:23.700 --> 00:13:25.639 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:26.480 he takes away. 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:28.759 Every branch that does bear fruit, 00:13:28.840 --> 00:13:31.180 he prunes that it may bear more fruit. 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:33.280 The Father, Jesus says, 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:34.340 is the vine dresser. 00:13:34.400 --> 00:13:35.180 He's the gardener. 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:36.180 He's the farmer. 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.420 He's the vine grower. 00:13:37.540 --> 00:13:39.340 The vineyard belongs to him. 00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:42.259 And just like a vine grower is jealous 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:44.340 for the success of his vines 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:46.000 to see them flourish, 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:48.220 so the Father is jealous 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:50.200 for the glory of his Son, 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:51.080 whom he loves. 00:13:53.320 --> 00:13:55.980 And that brings a warning and a promise. 00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:59.379 The warning is that 00:13:59.379 --> 00:14:01.639 if we say we are Christians, 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:03.580 but bear no fruit, 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:05.259 Jesus says, 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:07.220 our judgment will be the same as those 00:14:07.220 --> 00:14:08.940 who reject Christ altogether. 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:12.179 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:13.019 the Father takes away. 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:14.220 And then he says again in verse 6, 00:14:14.220 --> 00:14:15.660 if anyone does not abide in me, 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:17.600 he's thrown away like a branch and withers. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:18.980 The branches are gathered, 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:20.320 thrown into the fire, 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:21.060 and burned. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:24.279 So the warning is this to us. 00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:28.899 If we merely profess to be believers, 00:14:29.759 --> 00:14:31.360 that is, if we take the name of Christ 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:32.139 to ourselves, 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:35.139 but our lives show no fruit 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:37.779 of a real relationship with Christ, 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:40.800 if they show no fruit of real union with him, 00:14:40.860 --> 00:14:41.840 no real change, 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:44.480 no real vital union, 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:47.040 then eventually, 00:14:47.220 --> 00:14:49.379 we will be removed altogether 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:50.800 from the presence of God 00:14:50.800 --> 00:14:53.280 like branches bundled for the fire. 00:14:54.680 --> 00:14:58.019 So we must not merely profess Christ 00:14:58.019 --> 00:14:59.060 with our lips. 00:14:59.300 --> 00:15:01.139 We must embrace him 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:02.600 and surrender to him 00:15:02.600 --> 00:15:04.280 with our whole hearts. 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.660 We must abide in him. 00:15:06.800 --> 00:15:07.800 That's the warning. 00:15:07.799 --> 00:15:10.259 But there's also a promise. 00:15:12.120 --> 00:15:14.379 Every branch that does bear fruit, 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.000 Jesus says, 00:15:15.079 --> 00:15:15.939 the Father prunes, 00:15:16.479 --> 00:15:18.379 that it may bear more fruit. 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:20.599 For those who abide in Christ, 00:15:20.679 --> 00:15:21.620 the Father will use 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:23.779 every circumstance of our lives, 00:15:23.819 --> 00:15:24.919 not just the good circumstances, 00:15:25.319 --> 00:15:27.039 but also and especially the trials 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:27.839 and the hardships 00:15:27.839 --> 00:15:28.620 and the challenges 00:15:28.620 --> 00:15:29.339 and the losses 00:15:29.339 --> 00:15:30.679 to prune us 00:15:30.679 --> 00:15:33.259 that we might bear even more fruit. 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:36.419 Like a master gardener, 00:15:36.460 --> 00:15:37.340 he will cut away 00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:38.279 what is lifeless, 00:15:38.539 --> 00:15:39.559 what is distracting, 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:40.799 what is sinful, 00:15:41.039 --> 00:15:42.419 so that the life of Christ 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:43.559 might flow for us, 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.600 flow through us 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:45.600 even more richly 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:47.240 that we might bear even more fruit. 00:15:49.299 --> 00:15:50.340 So brothers and sisters, 00:15:50.340 --> 00:15:52.059 if you are in a season of trial 00:15:52.059 --> 00:15:54.000 or pain right now, 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:56.500 do not despair. 00:15:57.539 --> 00:16:00.340 The life of the true vine 00:16:00.340 --> 00:16:02.639 is still flowing through you. 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:04.659 And your heavenly Father 00:16:04.659 --> 00:16:05.759 is pruning you, 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:06.779 shaping you, 00:16:07.059 --> 00:16:08.019 so that you might bear 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:09.159 even more fruit. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:10.720 You know, 00:16:10.779 --> 00:16:11.679 what you think 00:16:11.679 --> 00:16:12.899 might be 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:14.600 your greatest loss 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:16.000 or your greatest liability 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:16.879 for the kingdom, 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:18.279 your greatest setback 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:20.299 in your Father's hands 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.919 becomes the work 00:16:21.919 --> 00:16:23.100 of a loving gardener 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:24.500 who has a vision 00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:25.679 to see you flourish 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:27.559 in beauty and praise. 00:16:28.340 --> 00:16:29.559 That's the promise. 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:33.159 So in order to bear fruit, 00:16:33.479 --> 00:16:35.000 we must abide in Jesus. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:35.339 Why? 00:16:35.439 --> 00:16:36.559 Because of who Jesus is 00:16:36.559 --> 00:16:38.319 and because of who the Father is. 00:16:38.399 --> 00:16:39.559 Jesus is the true vine 00:16:39.559 --> 00:16:41.559 and the Father is the vine dresser. 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:43.959 And now listen to what Jesus says 00:16:43.959 --> 00:16:44.659 in verse 3. 00:16:44.859 --> 00:16:45.619 If you have it open, 00:16:45.699 --> 00:16:46.019 look there. 00:16:46.119 --> 00:16:46.519 Already, 00:16:46.719 --> 00:16:47.239 Jesus says, 00:16:47.299 --> 00:16:48.099 you are clean 00:16:48.099 --> 00:16:49.639 because of the word 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.619 that I've spoken to you. 00:16:51.439 --> 00:16:52.419 Now there's a bit of a play 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:53.099 on words here. 00:16:53.699 --> 00:16:54.319 In Greek, 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:55.439 the same root 00:16:55.439 --> 00:16:56.859 underneath the word prune 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.740 in verse 2 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.740 is also underneath 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.539 the word clean 00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:00.539 in verse 3. 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:01.480 In other words, 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:02.080 Jesus is saying, 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.440 the Father cleans up 00:17:03.440 --> 00:17:04.720 those who are already clean. 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.360 And how are they clean? 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.620 Because of the word 00:17:07.620 --> 00:17:09.220 that Jesus has spoken to us. 00:17:10.599 --> 00:17:11.079 Friends, 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:12.819 hear this loud and clear. 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:15.279 How do we get connected 00:17:15.279 --> 00:17:16.360 to Jesus, 00:17:16.599 --> 00:17:17.259 the true vine? 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:20.200 Do we earn our way 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:20.960 into proving 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:21.920 that we can sort of 00:17:21.920 --> 00:17:23.339 bear a lot of fruit? 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:24.799 Is there sort of 00:17:24.799 --> 00:17:25.299 some kind of like 00:17:25.299 --> 00:17:26.660 vineyard tryout? 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:27.559 Where the Father 00:17:27.559 --> 00:17:28.759 sort of lines us all up 00:17:28.759 --> 00:17:29.299 and says, 00:17:29.399 --> 00:17:29.619 okay, 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:30.639 make some fruit 00:17:30.639 --> 00:17:31.319 on your own 00:17:31.319 --> 00:17:32.319 in order to win 00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:33.500 a spot on the vine. 00:17:34.939 --> 00:17:35.339 No! 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:37.159 That's the whole point 00:17:37.159 --> 00:17:37.799 of the metaphor. 00:17:37.939 --> 00:17:38.500 The whole point 00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:39.000 of this metaphor 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:40.159 is that you can't 00:17:40.159 --> 00:17:41.099 produce fruit 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:41.919 on your own. 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:43.399 You can't perform 00:17:43.399 --> 00:17:44.259 your way 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:45.819 into a saving relationship 00:17:45.819 --> 00:17:46.799 with God in Christ. 00:17:47.159 --> 00:17:48.039 Apart from Christ, 00:17:48.539 --> 00:17:49.459 we're dead wood. 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:50.979 So how do you get 00:17:50.979 --> 00:17:52.379 connected in the first place? 00:17:52.759 --> 00:17:53.259 Jesus says, 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:54.959 because of the word 00:17:54.959 --> 00:17:55.939 I've spoken to you. 00:17:56.859 --> 00:17:58.439 The word of Jesus 00:17:58.439 --> 00:17:59.599 comes to us, 00:17:59.719 --> 00:18:00.919 outside of us, 00:18:00.919 --> 00:18:02.039 as a word of grace. 00:18:02.939 --> 00:18:03.839 The word of Jesus 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.219 that says, 00:18:04.459 --> 00:18:04.740 come to me, 00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:05.599 all who are weary 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:06.579 and heavy laden, 00:18:06.659 --> 00:18:07.599 and I'll give you rest. 00:18:08.339 --> 00:18:09.199 The word of Jesus 00:18:09.199 --> 00:18:09.559 that says, 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.979 I've not come to be served, 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.679 but to serve, 00:18:11.719 --> 00:18:12.639 and to give my life 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.679 as a ransom for many, 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.179 for you. 00:18:15.919 --> 00:18:16.759 The word of Jesus 00:18:16.759 --> 00:18:17.179 that says, 00:18:17.219 --> 00:18:18.179 whoever believes in me 00:18:18.179 --> 00:18:19.419 will have eternal life, 00:18:19.639 --> 00:18:20.799 and you will dwell in me, 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:21.639 and I will come 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:22.379 and dwell in you. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:24.780 We're united 00:18:24.780 --> 00:18:26.240 to the vine 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:27.160 when we hear 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:28.900 the words of Christ 00:18:28.900 --> 00:18:30.100 and respond 00:18:30.100 --> 00:18:32.240 with believing trust in him. 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:34.360 And we don't place our trust 00:18:34.360 --> 00:18:36.220 in a sort of set of doctrines, 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:37.780 although biblical doctrines 00:18:37.780 --> 00:18:38.260 are beautiful, 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:39.660 and we don't put our trust 00:18:39.660 --> 00:18:40.840 in a system of ethics, 00:18:41.160 --> 00:18:42.180 although biblical ethics 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:43.380 are so life-giving. 00:18:43.720 --> 00:18:43.960 No, 00:18:44.020 --> 00:18:45.120 we place our trust 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:46.080 in a person, 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.840 in the crucified, 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:48.480 risen, 00:18:48.680 --> 00:18:49.800 and ascended Lord Jesus 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.379 who says, 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:51.139 I'm the vine. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.059 Believe in me. 00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:55.099 And through believing 00:18:55.099 --> 00:18:55.599 in his word, 00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:56.319 Jesus says, 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:57.559 you're clean. 00:18:58.139 --> 00:18:59.019 You're mine. 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:00.980 And now, 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:03.500 I want you to abide in me 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:05.180 so that my life 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:06.619 can flow through you 00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:07.859 more and more 00:19:07.859 --> 00:19:09.139 and so that you can go 00:19:09.139 --> 00:19:10.180 and bear much fruit. 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:13.299 So that brings us 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:14.359 to the next natural question. 00:19:14.819 --> 00:19:15.779 We've seen why 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:17.039 we must abide in Christ 00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:17.879 in order to bear fruit. 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:19.599 Now we need to ask how. 00:19:19.799 --> 00:19:20.039 Right? 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.379 How do we do that? 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.779 How do we abide in Christ 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:23.680 in order to bear fruit? 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:24.440 Well, 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:25.519 in verses 7 through 11, 00:19:25.659 --> 00:19:26.700 Jesus tells us how. 00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.319 He doesn't leave us guessing. 00:19:28.419 --> 00:19:29.919 He gives us very practical means, 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.220 actually, 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.059 for abiding in him. 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:31.960 First, 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:32.519 he says, 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:34.720 if you want to abide in me, 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:37.059 then abide in my words. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:38.599 Look again at verses 7 and 8. 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.579 If you abide in me 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:41.399 and my words abide in you, 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:42.700 ask whatever you wish 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.579 and it'll be done for you. 00:19:43.579 --> 00:19:44.279 By this, 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:45.299 my Father is glorified 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.299 that you bear much fruit 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.779 and so prove to be my disciples. 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:48.539 So, 00:19:48.639 --> 00:19:49.519 abiding in Christ 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.680 means first and foremost, 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:53.039 abiding in his words. 00:19:54.299 --> 00:19:54.740 So, 00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.319 what does that mean? 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:56.920 Well, 00:19:57.019 --> 00:19:59.200 think about the word abide itself. 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.160 How might we define 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:01.980 that word abide? 00:20:02.139 --> 00:20:02.940 I've been sort of using it 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.639 a lot this morning, 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.339 but what does it mean? 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:07.200 Some translations say remain, 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.799 some say live, 00:20:08.960 --> 00:20:09.920 some say stay. 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:11.759 One translation even put it, 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:14.039 make your home in. 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:16.660 And I sort of liked that last one. 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.579 To abide in Christ 00:20:18.579 --> 00:20:20.119 is to sort of make our home 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:21.039 in Christ. 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.660 That he's the place 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:23.359 where we stay. 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:24.220 He's the place 00:20:24.220 --> 00:20:25.039 where we rest. 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.039 He's the place 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:27.140 where we dine and celebrate. 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:27.779 He's the place 00:20:27.779 --> 00:20:28.480 where we can weep 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:29.220 and find comfort. 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:30.740 Christ is our home 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:32.740 and we abide in him. 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:35.039 And to make ourselves 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:35.980 at home 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:36.859 in Christ 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:38.099 is to make ourselves 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:38.819 at home 00:20:38.819 --> 00:20:40.159 in his words. 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:41.899 The things that he's said 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:42.359 and the things 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:43.599 that he continues to say. 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:45.679 Now, 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:46.799 where do we find those words? 00:20:47.740 --> 00:20:48.139 Well, 00:20:48.179 --> 00:20:49.059 we find them in the Gospels, 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:49.519 of course. 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:50.720 And so, 00:20:50.879 --> 00:20:52.220 we must read 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:53.559 and ruminate 00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:54.419 and meditate 00:20:54.419 --> 00:20:55.659 on the Gospel records 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:56.159 of Jesus. 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:57.519 But you know, 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:58.259 in the Gospels, 00:20:58.519 --> 00:20:59.379 Jesus also teaches 00:20:59.379 --> 00:21:00.359 that the Old Testament 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:01.679 was really all about him as well. 00:21:01.919 --> 00:21:02.299 Jesus says, 00:21:02.399 --> 00:21:02.859 the Old Testament 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.740 was my word too. 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:04.859 So, 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:05.279 then, 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:06.259 we read 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:06.939 and we ruminate 00:21:06.939 --> 00:21:07.579 and we meditate 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:08.419 on the Old Testament, 00:21:08.420 --> 00:21:09.080 on the Pentateuch 00:21:09.080 --> 00:21:09.759 and the history books 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:10.480 and the wisdom literature 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:11.120 and the prophets 00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:12.039 because that too 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.800 is the word of Jesus. 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:14.920 But we also see 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.880 that Jesus himself 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:16.720 commissioned 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:18.440 the New Testament apostles, 00:21:19.320 --> 00:21:20.500 gave them the Holy Spirit 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:21.279 that they might go 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:21.759 and teach 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.400 and instruct 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.200 and pass on 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:24.100 all that he taught them 00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.800 in his name. 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:26.039 So, 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:26.400 that means 00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:27.420 not just the Gospels 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:28.660 and not just the Old Testament 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.960 but the rest of the New Testament 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:30.259 as well 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:32.259 is also the Jesus-authorized 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:33.900 word of Christ. 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:35.480 So, 00:21:35.539 --> 00:21:35.759 you see, 00:21:35.840 --> 00:21:36.779 the whole Bible, 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:38.039 it's not just 00:21:38.039 --> 00:21:39.079 merely a collection 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:40.119 of 66 books 00:21:40.119 --> 00:21:41.220 written by various authors 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:41.779 over the course 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.399 of 100 years. 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:42.619 Yes, 00:21:42.680 --> 00:21:43.420 it is that. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.720 But through the work 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:45.899 of the Spirit of Christ 00:21:45.899 --> 00:21:46.920 in and through 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:47.599 those authors, 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:49.059 the whole Bible 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:50.279 is the very word 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.399 of Jesus 00:21:51.399 --> 00:21:52.680 to us, 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:53.279 his church. 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:54.839 So, 00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:55.759 if we are to 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.139 abide in Christ, 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:59.000 we must make ourselves 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:59.639 at home 00:21:59.639 --> 00:22:00.740 in the words 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.339 of Christ. 00:22:01.339 --> 00:22:01.419 Christ. 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:05.819 And look at what a treasure 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:06.619 he has given us. 00:22:06.899 --> 00:22:08.240 All the pages of Scripture 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:08.879 are there 00:22:08.879 --> 00:22:10.119 so that we might 00:22:10.119 --> 00:22:10.980 commune with him 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:12.519 and commune with him 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.259 as intimately 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:14.539 and personally 00:22:14.539 --> 00:22:15.879 as a branch 00:22:15.879 --> 00:22:17.139 is vitally connected 00:22:17.139 --> 00:22:18.879 and organically 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:20.720 knit together 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:22.099 to the vine. 00:22:23.839 --> 00:22:24.220 Now, 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:24.740 how do we know? 00:22:24.799 --> 00:22:25.240 How do we know 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:25.899 we're abiding 00:22:25.899 --> 00:22:27.220 in Jesus' words? 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:28.919 And how do we know 00:22:28.919 --> 00:22:29.779 we're sort of abiding 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:30.559 in his words 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:30.960 and his words 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.639 are abiding in us 00:22:31.639 --> 00:22:32.240 and we're not just 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:33.039 sort of reading them, 00:22:33.179 --> 00:22:33.359 right? 00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:33.720 After all, 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.359 plenty of folks 00:22:34.359 --> 00:22:35.139 can read the Bible 00:22:35.139 --> 00:22:36.899 and not abide in Christ. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.359 Well, 00:22:38.379 --> 00:22:38.819 look at what Jesus 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:39.319 says here. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:41.559 If you abide in me 00:22:41.559 --> 00:22:42.559 and my words 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:43.200 abide in you, 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:45.599 ask whatever you wish 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.440 and it will be done 00:22:46.440 --> 00:22:46.839 for you. 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:48.359 In other words, 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:49.879 prayer 00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:51.519 is the sign 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.720 that our reading 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.500 of the Bible 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.519 has become 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:55.599 a real abiding 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.339 in Christ. 00:22:58.960 --> 00:22:59.399 So, 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.379 I think 00:23:00.380 --> 00:23:01.020 that causes us 00:23:01.020 --> 00:23:01.640 to ask ourselves 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:02.320 a good question. 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:03.640 When you and I 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.760 read Scripture, 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:07.000 do our minds, 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.160 do our hearts 00:23:08.160 --> 00:23:09.740 move to prayer? 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.760 Do you start 00:23:11.760 --> 00:23:12.820 talking to God, 00:23:13.260 --> 00:23:14.020 asking God 00:23:14.020 --> 00:23:15.080 for the things 00:23:15.080 --> 00:23:15.760 that you see 00:23:15.760 --> 00:23:16.760 him showing you 00:23:16.760 --> 00:23:17.300 in his word? 00:23:19.300 --> 00:23:19.740 Now, 00:23:20.020 --> 00:23:21.680 don't be immediately 00:23:21.680 --> 00:23:22.580 discouraged 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:23.760 if you think, 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.140 well, 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:24.740 that's not really 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:25.260 true of me. 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:27.059 if your reading 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:27.980 doesn't often 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:28.980 turn into praying, 00:23:29.379 --> 00:23:30.799 then just take 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:31.619 the simple advice 00:23:31.619 --> 00:23:32.180 of many, 00:23:32.299 --> 00:23:32.819 many saints 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.440 down through 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:33.940 the ages. 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:35.940 Slow down. 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:38.359 Read 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.160 less 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:40.319 so that you 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:40.980 might pray 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:41.559 more. 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:43.640 You know, 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:44.279 rather than reading 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.039 three or four 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:46.420 chapters of a gospel, 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.140 try reading 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:48.740 three or four 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:49.299 verses 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.519 slowly 00:23:50.519 --> 00:23:52.259 and then 00:23:52.259 --> 00:23:53.000 reread them. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.259 Reread them 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:54.920 as if Jesus 00:23:54.920 --> 00:23:55.720 intended these 00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:56.599 words to be 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:57.200 handed down to 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:58.019 you so that 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.339 you might 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:58.799 commune with 00:23:58.799 --> 00:23:59.240 them and hear 00:23:59.240 --> 00:23:59.740 his voice 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.639 because that's 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.279 exactly why 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:01.960 Jesus inspired 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.400 the Scriptures. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:04.920 Ask, 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.500 what's the point 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:06.139 of the passage? 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:07.500 Is there anything 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.099 that jumps out 00:24:08.099 --> 00:24:08.400 at you? 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:09.639 Where is the 00:24:09.639 --> 00:24:10.279 Spirit drawing 00:24:10.279 --> 00:24:10.660 you in, 00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:11.359 challenging you, 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:12.079 comforting you? 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.139 Slow down 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:15.319 and then pray. 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.599 And when we 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.240 start praying 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:19.039 in line with 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:19.460 the word 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.440 in this way, 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:21.379 Jesus makes 00:24:21.379 --> 00:24:21.920 the incredible 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:22.819 promise that 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:23.259 God will 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:23.920 answer those 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:24.279 prayers. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.920 So abiding 00:24:26.920 --> 00:24:27.619 in Christ, 00:24:27.819 --> 00:24:28.220 how do we 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:28.539 do it? 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.139 First, 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:30.519 abide in 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.019 his word. 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:31.599 Let his 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:32.359 words abide 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:32.799 in you. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:34.779 Abiding 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:35.180 in Christ 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.160 means second, 00:24:37.259 --> 00:24:37.700 abiding 00:24:37.700 --> 00:24:38.200 in his 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:38.720 love. 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:40.259 Look again 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:40.579 at verses 00:24:40.579 --> 00:24:41.220 9 and 10. 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:41.519 As the 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:41.980 Father has 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:42.460 loved me, 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:42.960 so have 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:43.440 I loved 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:43.759 you. 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:44.740 Abide 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:45.180 in my 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:45.599 love. 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:46.619 If you 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:46.940 keep my 00:24:46.940 --> 00:24:47.299 commandments, 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:47.599 you will 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:47.900 abide in 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:48.200 my love, 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:48.599 just as I 00:24:48.599 --> 00:24:48.839 have kept 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.440 my Father's 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:49.759 commandments 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:50.200 and abide 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:50.500 in his 00:24:50.500 --> 00:24:50.779 love. 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:52.299 Now, 00:24:52.340 --> 00:24:53.100 how might 00:24:53.100 --> 00:24:53.840 we abide 00:24:53.840 --> 00:24:54.220 in the 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:54.600 love of 00:24:54.600 --> 00:24:54.840 Christ? 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:55.100 How do 00:24:55.100 --> 00:24:55.440 we make 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:55.779 ourselves 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.539 at home 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:57.200 in the 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:57.539 love of 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:57.920 Christ? 00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:58.779 And isn't 00:24:58.779 --> 00:24:59.120 this great? 00:24:59.180 --> 00:24:59.480 Jesus is 00:24:59.480 --> 00:24:59.640 saying, 00:24:59.720 --> 00:24:59.799 look, 00:24:59.840 --> 00:25:00.100 it's not 00:25:00.100 --> 00:25:00.700 just about 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:01.240 hearing my 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:01.680 words and 00:25:01.680 --> 00:25:01.860 kind of 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:02.200 getting them 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:02.460 into your 00:25:02.460 --> 00:25:02.700 head and 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:02.940 your heart, 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.200 but you 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:03.640 also need 00:25:03.640 --> 00:25:04.000 to abide 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.240 in my 00:25:04.240 --> 00:25:04.779 love. 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:05.519 What does 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.000 that mean? 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.400 Well, 00:25:07.460 --> 00:25:07.660 first, 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:07.940 I think 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:08.259 abiding 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:08.660 in the 00:25:08.660 --> 00:25:09.160 love of 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:09.600 Christ 00:25:09.600 --> 00:25:10.200 means 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.819 returning 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:11.819 again and 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:12.360 again to 00:25:12.360 --> 00:25:13.000 the fact 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:13.759 that the 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.420 love of 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:15.100 Christ for 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:16.220 us is 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.840 the thing 00:25:16.840 --> 00:25:17.420 that is 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:18.420 most true 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:19.380 and most 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:20.200 real about 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:20.560 us. 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.380 To make 00:25:22.380 --> 00:25:22.980 yourself at 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:24.060 home in 00:25:24.060 --> 00:25:24.880 the love of 00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:25.560 Christ means 00:25:25.560 --> 00:25:26.180 to remind 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:27.019 yourself again 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:27.460 and again 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.740 that is what 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:29.380 is most 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:30.759 real about 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.180 me. 00:25:32.560 --> 00:25:33.320 Too quickly, 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:33.980 we are tempted 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.000 to leave the 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.300 love of 00:25:35.300 --> 00:25:36.220 Christ and 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.060 set up shop 00:25:37.060 --> 00:25:37.640 in our 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:38.180 accomplishments 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:38.880 or our 00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:39.320 successes, 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:40.160 but then, 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:40.640 as we all 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:40.860 know, 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.220 that means 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:41.720 we've also 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.380 set up shop 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:42.700 in our 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:43.180 shortcomings 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:43.680 and in 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:43.799 our 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.180 failures. 00:25:45.380 --> 00:25:45.900 But Jesus 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.360 says, 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:47.500 remain in 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:48.200 my love. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.380 Let my 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.240 love be the 00:25:50.240 --> 00:25:51.039 vital energy 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:51.600 that flows 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:52.000 through you 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.740 like sap 00:25:52.740 --> 00:25:54.180 flowing from 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:54.700 a vine to 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.320 its branches. 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.380 And abiding 00:25:59.380 --> 00:25:59.720 in the love 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.220 of Christ 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:01.320 also means 00:26:01.320 --> 00:26:02.960 that we 00:26:02.960 --> 00:26:03.320 will be 00:26:03.320 --> 00:26:04.039 constantly 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:04.840 returning 00:26:04.840 --> 00:26:06.080 to the 00:26:06.080 --> 00:26:06.660 cross of 00:26:06.660 --> 00:26:07.060 Christ. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.000 For at 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.920 the cross, 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.519 the love 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.080 of Christ 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:11.600 is seen 00:26:11.600 --> 00:26:11.980 in its 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.420 fullness. 00:26:13.180 --> 00:26:13.920 You know, 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:14.180 the first 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:14.519 time I 00:26:14.519 --> 00:26:14.840 went to 00:26:14.840 --> 00:26:15.360 a vineyard, 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:16.740 I was 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.440 really surprised 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:17.860 actually, 00:26:18.580 --> 00:26:19.039 because I 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.700 was expecting 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.180 when I went 00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:20.420 to this 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.039 vineyard to 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.420 see like 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:22.200 rows and 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:22.779 rows of 00:26:22.779 --> 00:26:23.480 big, 00:26:23.820 --> 00:26:24.140 bushy, 00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:25.440 thick vines, 00:26:25.600 --> 00:26:26.220 strong and 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:26.519 sturdy, 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:27.259 ready to 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:27.720 like give 00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:28.480 life to 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:28.940 the branches 00:26:28.940 --> 00:26:29.580 and the 00:26:29.580 --> 00:26:29.920 grapes. 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:31.740 Of course, 00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.080 if any of 00:26:32.080 --> 00:26:32.220 you have 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:32.460 ever been 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:32.660 to a 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:32.840 vineyard, 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:33.200 you know 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:33.440 that's 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:33.680 not what 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:34.060 I saw, 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:34.779 right? 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:35.920 The first 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:36.180 time I 00:26:36.180 --> 00:26:36.580 visited a 00:26:36.580 --> 00:26:36.840 vineyard, 00:26:38.080 --> 00:26:39.080 what I 00:26:39.080 --> 00:26:39.519 found out 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:39.799 was that 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.440 the vines 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.440 that produce 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:42.060 the most 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:42.680 desirable 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:43.160 grapes 00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:43.960 aren't 00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:44.820 strong and 00:26:44.820 --> 00:26:45.019 aren't 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:45.779 huge and 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:45.960 aren't 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.360 massive. 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:47.000 They're 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:47.240 these 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:48.200 gnarled, 00:26:48.580 --> 00:26:49.060 twisted, 00:26:49.600 --> 00:26:50.360 ugly things 00:26:50.360 --> 00:26:50.820 coming out 00:26:50.820 --> 00:26:51.000 of the 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:51.240 dirt, 00:26:51.840 --> 00:26:52.340 like three 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:52.660 or four 00:26:52.660 --> 00:26:53.160 feet high, 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:54.620 looking very 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:54.960 weak. 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.079 fruit. 00:26:56.279 --> 00:26:56.840 But from 00:26:56.840 --> 00:26:57.539 those twisted 00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:58.059 and naked 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:59.200 vines in 00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:00.559 time come 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:00.900 the most 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:01.360 beautiful 00:27:01.360 --> 00:27:01.779 fruit. 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:04.960 Isaiah 53 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:05.620 2 says, 00:27:06.059 --> 00:27:06.460 For he 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:07.100 grew up 00:27:07.100 --> 00:27:08.559 before him 00:27:08.559 --> 00:27:08.819 like a 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.440 young plant 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.259 and like a 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:10.960 root out of 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.640 dry ground. 00:27:12.220 --> 00:27:12.980 He had no 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.720 former majesty 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:14.200 that we should 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:14.740 look at him 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:16.180 and no beauty 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:17.019 that we should 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.759 desire him. 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:18.819 Friends, 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:19.559 Jesus is a 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:20.140 true vine, 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:21.880 the only 00:27:21.880 --> 00:27:23.680 truly fruitful 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:24.120 one. 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:26.080 But look at 00:27:26.080 --> 00:27:26.940 where his love 00:27:26.940 --> 00:27:27.620 would take 00:27:27.620 --> 00:27:27.920 him. 00:27:28.620 --> 00:27:29.120 Look at where 00:27:29.120 --> 00:27:29.640 his love for 00:27:29.640 --> 00:27:30.500 us would lead 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:30.780 him. 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:31.800 He would be 00:27:31.800 --> 00:27:32.800 twisted and 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:34.020 gnarled on a 00:27:34.020 --> 00:27:34.600 cross and 00:27:34.600 --> 00:27:35.740 hang on a 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:36.420 rough piece of 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:37.760 dead wood and 00:27:37.760 --> 00:27:38.500 himself would 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:38.920 die. 00:27:39.100 --> 00:27:39.480 Why? 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:41.980 Why would the 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.940 true vine be 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.820 cut off like 00:27:43.820 --> 00:27:44.160 that? 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:44.279 God. 00:27:45.880 --> 00:27:46.519 Because he 00:27:46.519 --> 00:27:47.160 loves us. 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.580 Because he 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:48.960 wanted to 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:49.680 rescue us from 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:50.259 the death our 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:50.820 sins deserve. 00:27:51.080 --> 00:27:51.600 Because he 00:27:51.600 --> 00:27:52.259 died as a 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:52.960 substitute to 00:27:52.960 --> 00:27:53.900 deliver us from 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:54.660 sin and death. 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:57.600 So that we 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:58.180 could abide in 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:58.660 his love. 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:01.120 And so that we 00:28:01.120 --> 00:28:01.759 might say with 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:02.540 the apostle Paul, 00:28:02.660 --> 00:28:03.440 the life I now 00:28:03.440 --> 00:28:04.920 live, I live by 00:28:04.920 --> 00:28:05.460 faith in the 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.580 son of God who 00:28:06.580 --> 00:28:07.840 loved me and 00:28:07.840 --> 00:28:08.660 gave himself for 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:08.900 me. 00:28:12.300 --> 00:28:12.960 Now how do 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:13.360 you know you're 00:28:13.360 --> 00:28:13.940 abiding in the 00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:14.620 love of Christ? 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.200 How do you know 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:16.759 you're abiding 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.100 there? 00:28:17.920 --> 00:28:19.059 Well, again, 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.559 what does Jesus 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:19.900 say? 00:28:20.860 --> 00:28:21.539 If you keep my 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:22.820 commandments, you'll 00:28:22.820 --> 00:28:23.640 abide in my love. 00:28:24.400 --> 00:28:25.000 Just as I have 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:25.700 kept my father's 00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:26.220 commandments and 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.779 abide in his 00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:27.080 love. 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:28.820 Love and 00:28:28.820 --> 00:28:29.700 obedience go 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.960 hand in hand. 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:32.500 Jesus the 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:33.660 son abides in 00:28:33.660 --> 00:28:34.279 the love of the 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:35.080 father and so 00:28:35.080 --> 00:28:35.759 keeps the 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.480 father's commands 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.340 in the same way 00:28:37.340 --> 00:28:38.440 we abide in the 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:39.299 love of Jesus the 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:40.480 son and so we 00:28:40.480 --> 00:28:41.380 keep the son's 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:41.759 commands. 00:28:42.820 --> 00:28:43.440 Now let's be 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:43.799 honest. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:45.100 The commandments 00:28:45.100 --> 00:28:46.220 of Jesus are 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.019 not easy. 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:49.059 Love your 00:28:49.059 --> 00:28:49.519 enemies. 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:50.960 Pray for those 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:51.660 who persecute 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:51.900 you. 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:52.860 If your hand 00:28:52.860 --> 00:28:53.539 causes you to 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.400 sin, cut it 00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:54.720 off. 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:55.660 Take up your 00:28:55.660 --> 00:28:56.160 cross and 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:56.660 follow me. 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.480 Wash one 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.200 another's feet. 00:28:58.600 --> 00:28:59.019 Serve one 00:28:59.019 --> 00:28:59.279 another. 00:28:59.620 --> 00:29:00.180 Forgive one 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:00.400 another. 00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:01.140 Not just seven 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:02.120 times but 77 00:29:02.120 --> 00:29:02.920 times. 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.480 What on earth 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:06.019 could lead 00:29:06.019 --> 00:29:06.820 someone to want 00:29:06.820 --> 00:29:07.820 to do anything 00:29:07.820 --> 00:29:08.640 like that? 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:11.420 the love of 00:29:11.420 --> 00:29:11.980 Christ can. 00:29:13.300 --> 00:29:14.000 Because all 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:15.100 the fear and 00:29:15.100 --> 00:29:15.920 all the pride 00:29:15.920 --> 00:29:16.780 and all the 00:29:16.780 --> 00:29:17.880 anger and all 00:29:17.880 --> 00:29:18.700 the confusion 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:19.620 that we harbor 00:29:19.620 --> 00:29:20.660 the love of 00:29:20.660 --> 00:29:21.759 Christ meets us 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.900 there and 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:24.259 heals us and 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.380 forgives us and 00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:26.660 comforts us and 00:29:26.660 --> 00:29:27.900 gives us hope and 00:29:27.900 --> 00:29:29.400 gives us strength so 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.180 that we not only 00:29:30.180 --> 00:29:31.560 want to obey but 00:29:31.560 --> 00:29:32.860 that we actually can 00:29:32.860 --> 00:29:34.040 obey his commands. 00:29:35.040 --> 00:29:35.420 And when we're 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:36.300 abiding in the love 00:29:36.299 --> 00:29:36.980 of Christ suddenly 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.779 we can turn to 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:39.259 someone who's 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:39.879 wronged us and 00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:40.579 we can forgive 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:40.980 them. 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.000 Because we know 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:43.539 that the true 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.659 vine was twisted 00:29:44.659 --> 00:29:45.419 and gnarled for 00:29:45.419 --> 00:29:45.740 us. 00:29:46.139 --> 00:29:46.799 How could we not 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:47.099 forgive? 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:49.440 How could we not 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:50.159 pray for those who 00:29:50.159 --> 00:29:50.799 persecute us? 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:51.399 How could we not 00:29:51.399 --> 00:29:52.220 want to rid sin 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:52.899 from our lives? 00:29:52.960 --> 00:29:53.419 How could we not 00:29:53.419 --> 00:29:54.139 want to serve one 00:29:54.139 --> 00:29:54.819 another and love 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:55.279 one another? 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:58.279 So abiding in 00:29:58.279 --> 00:30:00.700 Christ's love leads 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:02.039 to obedience just 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.839 like abiding in 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:03.759 Christ's words leads 00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.259 to prayer. 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.159 But last we don't 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:07.000 just abide in his 00:30:07.000 --> 00:30:08.279 words or in his 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:09.920 love we also abide 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:10.920 in his joy. 00:30:11.980 --> 00:30:12.480 Verse 11 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:13.320 These things I've 00:30:13.320 --> 00:30:14.500 spoken to you that 00:30:14.500 --> 00:30:15.680 my joy may be in 00:30:15.680 --> 00:30:16.600 you and that your 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:17.720 joy may be full. 00:30:18.340 --> 00:30:19.100 When we make our 00:30:19.100 --> 00:30:20.360 home in the words 00:30:20.360 --> 00:30:21.460 of Christ and in 00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:22.279 the love of Christ 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:22.900 do you know what 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:23.300 follows? 00:30:24.120 --> 00:30:25.180 We suddenly find 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:25.940 ourselves at home in 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:26.920 the joy of Christ 00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:28.720 and we stay there 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.779 and we remain and 00:30:29.779 --> 00:30:30.480 we abide. 00:30:31.140 --> 00:30:32.200 Even in sorrow 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:33.100 even in pain 00:30:33.100 --> 00:30:34.060 even in loss 00:30:34.060 --> 00:30:35.340 and brothers and 00:30:35.340 --> 00:30:35.900 sisters you know 00:30:35.900 --> 00:30:36.700 as Christians we 00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:37.440 will face all 00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:37.960 those things in 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:39.519 this life but 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:40.880 even there there's 00:30:40.880 --> 00:30:41.960 a joy that nothing 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:42.960 can steal away. 00:30:44.280 --> 00:30:45.700 The kind of joy 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:47.140 that comes not 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:47.759 just from being 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:49.540 loved but also 00:30:49.540 --> 00:30:50.640 from having hope. 00:30:52.460 --> 00:30:52.840 You know the 00:30:52.840 --> 00:30:53.540 reason why a vine 00:30:53.540 --> 00:30:54.220 dresser can look 00:30:54.220 --> 00:30:55.680 out across a field 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:57.420 of old gnarled 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:58.820 vines and have a 00:30:58.820 --> 00:31:01.840 smile on his face 00:31:01.840 --> 00:31:03.940 is because he knows 00:31:03.940 --> 00:31:04.640 what's coming. 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:06.940 In a few short 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:08.240 months those vines 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:08.799 are going to push 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:10.140 out tendrils and 00:31:10.140 --> 00:31:10.840 those tendrils are 00:31:10.840 --> 00:31:11.360 going to push out 00:31:11.360 --> 00:31:12.759 leaves and those 00:31:12.759 --> 00:31:14.059 leaves and tendrils 00:31:14.059 --> 00:31:14.660 will grow into 00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:15.720 branches full of 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:16.980 color and full of 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:18.400 life and then there 00:31:18.400 --> 00:31:19.779 will be a flower and 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.340 then there will be 00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.660 fruit and then there 00:31:21.660 --> 00:31:23.080 will be a harvest and 00:31:23.080 --> 00:31:23.779 then there will be a 00:31:23.779 --> 00:31:24.299 celebration. 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:24.440 celebration. 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:28.579 Perhaps you look out 00:31:28.579 --> 00:31:29.180 over your life at 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:31.139 present and you just 00:31:31.139 --> 00:31:32.519 see a twisted bunch 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.200 of sticks. 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:37.180 But if only you 00:31:37.180 --> 00:31:38.599 could see what your 00:31:38.599 --> 00:31:39.779 father the vine 00:31:39.779 --> 00:31:40.579 dresser sees. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:42.559 If only you could 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:43.899 see what soon will 00:31:43.899 --> 00:31:44.680 be reality. 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:46.399 The leaf, the 00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:47.720 flower, the fruit, 00:31:48.059 --> 00:31:48.919 the harvest and 00:31:48.919 --> 00:31:50.139 yes soon brothers and 00:31:50.139 --> 00:31:50.899 sisters the 00:31:50.899 --> 00:31:51.500 celebration. 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:51.640 celebration. 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:54.799 Christ will make all 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:56.319 things new and in 00:31:56.319 --> 00:31:58.559 him you will join the 00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:59.839 celebration and the 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:00.779 fruit that you have 00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:01.759 born in this life 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.920 though it was made in 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:04.180 the midst of much 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:05.980 pruning your fruit will 00:32:05.980 --> 00:32:07.539 be caught up in the 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:08.319 celebration of 00:32:08.319 --> 00:32:08.779 eternity. 00:32:11.920 --> 00:32:12.980 After all why did 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.900 Jesus do what he do? 00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:15.019 Did it do what he 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:15.240 did? 00:32:15.960 --> 00:32:17.200 Why was he willing to 00:32:17.200 --> 00:32:18.279 hang fruitless and 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:19.339 alone on a cross? 00:32:19.339 --> 00:32:21.419 The book of Hebrews 00:32:21.419 --> 00:32:23.220 says for the joy set 00:32:23.220 --> 00:32:25.359 before him and you 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:27.119 are part of that joy 00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:29.539 so abide in him. 00:32:31.619 --> 00:32:32.500 And what will be the 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:33.639 sign that you're 00:32:33.639 --> 00:32:34.919 abiding in his joy? 00:32:35.419 --> 00:32:36.279 If the sign of 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:37.199 abiding in his word is 00:32:37.199 --> 00:32:38.119 prayer and the sign of 00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:39.319 abiding in his love is 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:40.139 obedience what's the 00:32:40.139 --> 00:32:40.939 sign you're abiding in 00:32:40.939 --> 00:32:41.379 his joy? 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:43.299 Well what does Jesus 00:32:43.299 --> 00:32:43.679 say? 00:32:44.299 --> 00:32:44.939 These things I've 00:32:44.939 --> 00:32:45.899 spoken to you that my 00:32:45.899 --> 00:32:47.339 joy may be in you and 00:32:47.339 --> 00:32:48.319 that your joy may be 00:32:48.319 --> 00:32:48.639 full. 00:32:49.339 --> 00:32:51.939 Friends the end of joy 00:32:51.939 --> 00:32:55.839 is well it's joy. 00:32:58.159 --> 00:33:00.139 Unstoppable unshakable 00:33:00.139 --> 00:33:00.799 joy. 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:03.119 And that's why God 00:33:03.119 --> 00:33:03.939 made us in the first 00:33:03.939 --> 00:33:06.579 place to glorify him 00:33:06.579 --> 00:33:08.919 and enjoy him forever 00:33:08.919 --> 00:33:10.159 as the old catechism 00:33:10.159 --> 00:33:10.559 says. 00:33:11.279 --> 00:33:15.279 Joy in Christ is the 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:15.740 end. 00:33:15.740 --> 00:33:19.460 His joy leads to our 00:33:19.460 --> 00:33:21.099 joy and that's the 00:33:21.099 --> 00:33:21.779 fruit of it all. 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:24.279 Humanity redeemed from 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:25.240 our confusion and 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:27.099 death to know eternal 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:28.380 joy in God once again. 00:33:29.819 --> 00:33:31.099 And you know this joy is 00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:31.980 starting to take root 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:34.000 when the old things that 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:34.859 used to give you joy 00:33:34.859 --> 00:33:36.220 don't seem to have the 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:37.140 same power anymore. 00:33:37.940 --> 00:33:39.779 When the old lusts and 00:33:39.779 --> 00:33:41.059 the old addictions and 00:33:41.059 --> 00:33:42.279 the old needs and the 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:43.420 old fears and the old 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:45.180 longings when they've 00:33:45.180 --> 00:33:46.060 just started to lose 00:33:46.060 --> 00:33:47.700 their taste and now 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:49.480 joy in God is what 00:33:49.480 --> 00:33:50.920 really counts and what 00:33:50.920 --> 00:33:52.259 really satisfies you. 00:33:52.880 --> 00:33:54.180 It will be imperfect and 00:33:54.180 --> 00:33:55.160 it will be ongoing in 00:33:55.160 --> 00:33:56.220 this life to be sure but 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:57.400 it will be real. 00:33:58.160 --> 00:34:00.039 And your joy will start 00:34:00.039 --> 00:34:01.140 to be full. 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:05.000 So friends if we want to 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:06.420 be fruitful if we want 00:34:06.420 --> 00:34:08.240 to be productive we 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.960 must abide in Jesus in 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:11.460 his words in his love 00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:12.340 and his joy. 00:34:12.980 --> 00:34:14.000 At the end of the day 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:15.640 there aren't seven 00:34:15.640 --> 00:34:16.680 habits of highly 00:34:16.680 --> 00:34:17.579 effective people as 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:18.360 helpful as that book 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.900 is there's only one 00:34:19.900 --> 00:34:20.900 that really counts. 00:34:22.300 --> 00:34:23.700 I'm the true vine Jesus 00:34:23.700 --> 00:34:25.320 says abide in me. 00:34:26.059 --> 00:34:26.860 Let's pray. 00:34:26.860 --> 00:34:32.760 Our Father send your 00:34:32.760 --> 00:34:34.320 spirit that we might 00:34:34.320 --> 00:34:35.800 abide in you and 00:34:35.800 --> 00:34:36.579 abide in your son. 00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:39.160 And Lord cause us to 00:34:39.160 --> 00:34:39.980 be a people in this 00:34:39.980 --> 00:34:41.160 day in our time in our 00:34:41.160 --> 00:34:43.620 city that bear much 00:34:43.620 --> 00:34:45.900 fruit for the glory of 00:34:45.900 --> 00:34:46.660 your good and holy 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:47.000 name. 00:34:48.579 --> 00:34:49.640 Lord help us to slow 00:34:49.640 --> 00:34:50.500 down that we might 00:34:50.500 --> 00:34:51.099 abide in you. 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:52.880 Help us to remember 00:34:52.880 --> 00:34:53.900 your love and your joy 00:34:53.900 --> 00:34:54.620 would it flow through 00:34:54.620 --> 00:34:55.680 us we pray in Christ's 00:34:55.680 --> 00:34:55.880 name. 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:56.640 Amen. 00:34:56.860 --> 00:34:57.860 Amen.