1) The document discusses how true connection to Christ through communion is evidenced by the fruit a believer produces, such as love, joy, and obedience. 2) Regular fruit is a sign of healthy discipleship and growth in intimacy with God. 3) The conclusion examines whether one is a true, connected disciple based on the fruit in their life, encouraging growth and more fruit.

1. Bearing Much
More Fruit
John 15:9-17

2. Introduction
Communion celebrates the
relational union made possible by
the love of God in Christ Jesus.

3. Introduction

4. Introduction
• Fruit is only possible through a
true CONNECTION with Christ.
• Regular, lasting fruit is an
EVIDENCE of true discipleship. (v.8)

5. Sustained light is the desired result of
a connection to a powerful source!

6. Regular progress is the desired result
of a connection to a powerful tool!

7. Introduction
“As our communion with Him
becomes more intimate and
intense, … the more we realize how
the life in us is the life of One who
sits on the throne of heaven.”
Andrew Murray

8. More Fruit
• Healthy branches produce LOVE
fruit (vv.9-10, 12-13, 17)
– We have received much sacrificial
love from Jesus
– To whom much is given, much is
expected or required (Lk 12:48)
– We are to love one another, abiding
in love, just as the Father and Son

9. More Fruit
• Healthy branches produce JOY
fruit (v.11)
– The fullness of joy comes when we
do what we were made for
– There is an emotional response to a
cognitive choice to live in Christ
– It is a relational phrase in 2 Jn 12

10. “The Christian life is not some
shallow, insipid following of a
traditional pattern. It is a life
characterized by ‘unexhausted
(and inexhaustible) power
for fresh creation’.”
Leon Morris

11. More Fruit
• Healthy branches produce
OBEDIENCE fruit (vv.12, 14-15, 17)
– These directions are not optional or
conditional, they are imperatives
– There is a distinction between
“slavery” and “friendship” – motive
– We are called children of God, and
that is what we are, so behave
• Cf. 1 John 3:1-10

12. Conclusion
“Obedience in carrying out his
purpose would be a guarantee of
success, for Jesus never planned
failure for His disciples.”
Merrill C Tenney

13. More Fruit
• Healthy branches produce
COMMUNICATION fruit (v.16)
– We want to talk to the one that we
love; it brings us great joy; it gives
us insight into His desires for us
– God delights in answering with good
gifts for further growth

14. Conclusion
“Love is the evidence of grace
working in our souls.”
HA Ironside

15. Conclusion
Are you a true, connected
disciple of Jesus Christ?
Let us examine the
evidence…

16. Conclusion
• No fruit = no connection
• Little fruit = needs pruning
• Much fruit = healthy branch
• MORE fruit = growing!
• The evidence is in the fruit.

17. Conclusion
“An absolutely fruitless life is prima
facia evidence that one is not a
believer.”
“The proof of discipleship is
fruitbearing.”
Merrill C Tenney

18. Conclusion
“Discipleship is not static, but a
growing and developing way of life.
… The true disciple is becoming
more fully a disciple.”
Leon Morris

19. Self-Inspection
• S – SINS to confess, reject:
– Idolatry  connecting to wrong
vines
– Hypocrisy  pretending to be
connected
– Apathy  not even faking a
connection or caring about
disconnects

20. Self-Inspection
• P – PROMISES to hold on to:
– Obedience assures proper
connection and brings great joy.
– There is answered prayer for those
connected to God’s plans.

21. Self-Inspection
• E – EXAMPLE to follow:
– Jesus set the example in sacrificial
love
– Jesus set the example in determined
obedience

22. Self-Inspection
• C – COMMAND to obey:
– Love one another
– Keep these commands

23. Self-Inspection
• T – THANKS to share:
– I have a personal relationship with
God, through Christ, which produces
fruit
– I have, by grace, been chosen,
cleansed, equipped, and positioned
for growth
– I have a group of people around me
who want to go and grow together