I. The Word: John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23

John 15:1-8

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Galatians 5:22-23

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

II. Reflection Questions

1. What are some fears or insecurities that hinder you from abiding in Christ?

2. Have you noticed a regular expression of the fruit of the Spirit being produced in your life lately?

3. Do you engage in consistent dialogue with Christ throughout your day?

It is easier for me to accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, and then go on and just “live life”. However, as we read in today’s text, He has greater plans for us than just to save us. He wants to purify us, and bring forth new life in us, and through us, by the Holy Spirit.

When I came to know the Lord in college, the ministry I belonged to frequently stated, “What God does in you, He wants to do through you” (ref. 2 Tim 2:2). Where I was in my faith back in those days, I would hear the Word, but would seldom do the Word. There would be minimal, if any, elements of the fruit of the Spirit stemming from my life. This was due in part to both temperamental, and spiritual immaturity. The end result was me not having a very effective Christ-centered witness. One day, I encountered the Lord during a worship set, in an intimate way. I believe that I was marked by Jesus himself, and from that moment on (today included), an emerging appetite for the presence of God began to grow on the inside of me. The desire for His presence, fueled me to abide in Christ.

In regards to abiding in Christ, as my faith has grown, I’ve come to ask myself, “What does it mean to abide in Christ”? Does it mean that when I said a prayer one day; that I’m abiding in Christ today? Does it mean that when I get myself together morally, I will abide in Christ then? The Biblical answer to this question can be summed up in 3 steps: our first step is respond to Jesus’ invitation to be a part of His Kingdom, by COMING to Him. Secondly, we have to realize that we are brought into a relationship, and the foundation to every good relationship is, communication. We must develop an intentional and consistent prayer life. Finally, we must respond to the receiving of God’s grace, mercy, and love, through the expression of Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, love-based obedience to His Word.

One of the roles the Holy Spirit serves, is to “lead us into all truth” (ref. John 16:13). Ultimately He leads us to THE Truth, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can rest assured that when we COME to, and ABIDE in, Christ; God is “pruning” us from the inside out, to bear the eternally virtuous fruit of the Spirit, which “against such things there is no law” (ref. Gal 5:23).

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to see my tremendous need for you as my source of life. I desire to abide daily with you. Give me strong impulses, by The Holy Spirit, to develop a strong prayer life. Lord I surrender to You, and confess and believe that you are the only One that will produce the everlasting and virtuous, fruit of the Spirit in my life. Work in me, and through me, to shine the light of Your Kingdom in every sphere of my influence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.