Lesson Notes John 15:1-27 How to Have a Fruitful 2014 January 5, 2014 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.
How to Have a Fruitful 2014 Intro.: While many have made New Year s Resolutions, most of those promises will be broken by January 31. Rather than making resolutions, the Christian s objective should be more fruitfulness for the kingdom of Christ. Lesson scriptures: John 15:1-27 Jesus uses the analogy of a grape vine to emphasize the need for fruitfulness in the life of a believer. See illustration Grape Vines: Why Pruning is necessary (UK Agricultures Dept.) Pruning increases fruit size and quantity o The pruned plant send more carbs to the area hurt by pruning Pruning increases nitrogen per growing point an stimulates growth near the cut o Pruning reduces unnecessary nutrients going to extremities Pruning increases sugar content o It makes the fruit sweeter Pruning decreases disease problems o Shoots farther away from the vine are more susceptible to disease Pruning increases light distribution o Extra branch length causes shading and reduces fruit production **Grapevines usually only produce fruit on shoots that came from buds that were developed during the previous growing season. John 15:1- Jesus says I am the true vine True means in comparison to false teachers and false gods The Greek word is "alethinos which means genuine Vine As the vine Jesus provides: The graces need for fruitful living: o Peace, hope, direction, endurance, etc. Jesus is the source of all real strength He is our leader and teacher, and imparts to us strength to bear the fruits of holiness. John 15:2- Jesus says My father is the Vinedresser (Gardener). As the Vinedresser the Fathers is:
The Owner of the vineyard The Protector of the vineyard The Cultivator of the vineyard The Profiteer of the vineyard for His glory John 15:3- Non-fruit bearing branches the Father takes away What does it mean to bear fruit? See Galatians 5:23 By our daily lives By our conversation Matt 12:36 By our daily disciplines By our witness The Father takes away: By discipline Hebrews 12:6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." (NLT) o He allows spiritual weakness- 1 st Cor 11:30 o He allows sickness James 5:11-16 o He allows death dishonorable discharge - Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1 The Father prunes: Via trials and tribulations of life (See James 1:2-4) Via the Word of God For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 John 15:3- Jesus says You are already clean Clean is a reference to salvation and a right standing with Christ John 15:4-8- Jesus says unless you abide in me abide The Greek word is meno which means to remain, live, dwell or stay Remaining connected mentally, emotionally and spiritually It does not happen naturally it is an active word which requires a focused effort It is accomplished by means of daily disciplines of: o Prayer o Reading o Obedience o Church attendance and involvement It involves the idea of unbroken fellowship with Christ John 15:5- Jesus says without me you can do nothing
It means that nothing of any eternal value can be accomplish without Christ It clearly emphasizes our need of Christ s power for victorious living. John 15:7- Jesus says you will ask what you desire and it will be done for you The result of abiding is confidence and assurance in God thru prayer
Author Bio An energetic, talented, and Spirit-controlled teacher, Darryl J. Dawson, Sr. - a 2011 graduate of Luther Rice Seminary and former youth pastor - keeps it real. Honest, open and transparent, he makes it easy to open up and have a lively discussion by sharing his own struggles, shortcomings, and successes. Biblically-sound and true to God's Word, Darryl always positions us and challenges us to leave class and go apply God's principles to our lives. Darryl and his wife Shari have three sons, and make their home in Stockbridge, Georgia. They are members of First Baptist Atlanta. Darryl is active in youth sports, coaching championship teams in football, baseball, and basketball. You can listen to the audio that accompanies these notes at http://www.fbalifelines.org/lessons.html