Sermon: August 3, 2025
John 15:1-11

The continuous and unembarrassed interchange of love and thought between God and the soul of the redeemed man is the throbbing heart of New Testament religion. -TOZER

1. ABIDING MEANS TO EMBRACE BEING PRUNED (1-3): Jesus calls Himself the True Vine, a role that Israel failed to live up to. He steps in as the source of life and growth, and the Father is the Vinedresser, actively pruning the branches (us) so we bear more fruit. Pruning is assumed in the believers life. 

  1. Recall a time of pruning from your past. 
  2. Discuss how pruning might be taking place currently. 
  3. Why do you think Jesus tells the disciples, “You are already clean” at this moment?

2. ABIDING MEANS MAKING A BIG DEAL OF GOD WITH YOUR DAY-TO-DAY (4-8): Abiding isn't a task as much as a reality to live out of. Abiding is not about striving, but staying connected. Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, our lives reflect God’s heart, and our fruit proves who we belong to. The everyday is where God wants to show up in and through us.

  1. How do you handle dependency in general? Is it easy/ hard for you to ask for and receive help? 
  2. What’s one habit that helps you remain aware of Jesus during your day?
  3. What might your life look like when you AREN’T abiding? What are the warning lights for you? 
  4. Where do you see fruit in yourself (or others) currently? 

 

3.ABIDING MEANS REMEMBERING (9-11):The love between The Father and The Son is now directed toward us. We’re invited to remain in it, to operate from it, to obey because of it, not begrudgingly, but joyfully. Abiding keeps us grounded in our true identity: chosen, loved, and Spirit-filled.

  1. What’s your gut reaction to hearing that God loves you the same way He loves Jesus?
  2. How joyful of a person are you? Has this changed in different times of life? 
  3. What are your fall plans for time with God and time with God’s people?