2009-11-15
The Parables of Jesus - The Vine and the Branches
Abide in Christ
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review

The Rest of the New Testament is needed to fully understand the parables
(Luke 24: 27,44)
Yet, to not understand the parables enough to respond is a spiritual problem.

B. Help and Preparation for Abiding in Christ

Many great saints of the past have used tools in the form of lists or reminders.
Identify fruit and abide.
Galatians 5: 22 - 25
Romans 8: 5
James 3: 13 - 18

MENO: To abide, live, continue, remain, endure, tarry, stand.

"The living union with Him, the experience of His daily and hourly presence and keeping... take each day to put yourself into contact with the living Jesus, to yield yourself distinctly and consciously to His blessed influence."

~Andrew Murray

C. The Vine and the Branches - the Living union with Christ (John 15: 1 - 8)
While this parable has stern warnings, it is not about losing your salvation.
There is an open secret here to living the abundant life that we are called to live.
Verses 1-2: Being with the branches does not make your alive and connected.
Verse 3: You are already clean. (daily repentance and feet washing.)
Verse 4: There is no other way you can do this.
Matthew 11: 28 - 30: Trying to convince Him to get into our yoke.
Philips - Cannot bear fruit unless it "shares the life of the Vine"
2 Peter 1: 3-4,10-11: "Participate in the divine Nature."
You will not waste your life, so make this your priority of every single day.
How do you know if you are in His yoke? You have the same goals and desires as Jesus.
Verse 5: The sign of not being connected to the Vine.
Sin stops abiding and whatever stops is sin.
Obedience is key to remaining in the Vine. (John 15: 9 - 10)
We could narrow it down to a delight in His will.
Verses 6-7: Intentional connection to the Vine to start the day.
Word, prayer, fellowship and being open to the teaching of the shepherds of the church.
Abiding sanctifies our desires and our passion in prayer.
Verse 8: Its joy is bringing refreshment and life and to bear fruit for the Gardener and...
When you remain in Christ, you come in contact with His infinite love.
John 14: 12: Abiding will result in ministry.