Living by the love of Christ makes fruitful Christian living possible and brings abundance of peace and security. Christian life will become productive and bear good fruits when there is a strong connection with Christ, the True Vine. John 15:5 - Jesus said, "I am the true vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" The followings are discussed: The vine Has Branches; Abide in the Vine, and Bring Forth Fruits.
The Vine Has Branches: Christ is the One through whom life flows - moral, spiritual and everlasting life. God is the vine dresser. He prunes the branches so that they can bear more fruits. This means we are being prepared by the word of God for a fruitful living. Christ's teaching purges believers of influences that disrupt good relationship with God ( John 15:1-3). The word of God cleanses and sustains believers to be fruitful (Galatians 5:22-26).
Fruitful christian living can't be based on human efforts alone, It has to do with connection with Jesus. He said, "without me ye can do nothing". The Vine (Christ) is the source of nutrients and the support for the branches (those abiding in him) to bear the fruit. The rule is abide in Christ and you shall bear fruit. Spiritual disciplines are required to remain in Christ. These are: prayer, fasting and daily meditation in God's word (John 15: 4-6). We must not ignore Christ's warning and think we can do it on our own. Such decision will result in disconnection from him and inability to produce fruit. A branch that cannot produce fruit is cut from the vine and burned, Matthew 7:16-20).
Abide in the Vine: When we abide in Christ his love will fill our hearts and his words dwell in us, then it will please God to answer our prayers (John 15: 11-15). With Christ's love flowing through and around us we will posses the mind that makes it convenient to do the will of God. We must not ignore the command to love others if we want Christ's joy to fill our hearts. Also, We must pursue Christ's modelled love, the sacrificial love by which he gave up his life for the world. Sacrificial love has to do with putting interests of others ahead of one's own. Jesus called his disciples his friends for closer relationship of sharing with them. He shares the mystery of God's kingdom with those who truly believe in him.
Bring Forth Fruit: Christ's followers are expected to bear fruit that will remain as a result of our obedience and connection with him. God chooses, cleanses, prunes and shapes believers to bear the fruit. When we bear the fruit and continue to do God's will we shall have the assurance that He will hear and answer our prayers( John 15:16-20). Christ promised to give us Holy Spirit that will help us bear the fruit and witness for him. People may hate us as we become more like Christ, we shouldn't be disturbed. Rather we should allow the real joy, peace and love of God to stir us up and prepare us for His eternal glory. Lesson texts: John 15:1-27
No comments:
Post a Comment