Sermon 1 of 3 highlighting the Vine image of John 15, part of the I AM series, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Feb 3, 2013 AM Worship Service

1. Asking for
More Fruit
John 15:1-8

2. Six I AM’s
BREAD GOOD
of LIFE SHEPHERD
RESUR-
LIGHT RECTION
of WORLD and LIFE
DOOR WAY, TRUTH,
of FOLD and LIFE

3. My identity is RECIPROCAL TO His identity.
My life is in CONNECTION to Him.

5. 1. The PURPOSE of the
connection to the vine is fruit-
bearing. (vv.1-2)
a. There must be a connection to
the true vine.
b. The branch is evaluated by fruit
and corrections are made to the
branches.

7. 2. The PROTECTION of the
connection to the vine is for
fruit-bearing. (vv.2-3, 6)
a. The branch must be free from
distractions.
b. The Word is the implement of
pruning and cleansing.
c. The pruning is best done in
community.

8. 2. The PROTECTION of the
connection to the vine is for
fruit-bearing. (vv.2-3, 6)
d. Removing the branches is
painful and permanent.

10. 3. The POWER for fruit-bearing is
the connection to the vine.
(vv.4-5)
a. The connection is a settled,
confident, involved residence.
b. There is no possibility of fruit or
life while separated from the
vine.

12. 4. The PRAYERS in connection to
the vine are for fruit-bearing.
(v.7)
a. The communication is word
formed.
b. The communication is will
driven.

14. 5. The PROOF of the connection
to the vine is fruit-bearing. (v.8)
a. Fruit-bearing is the highest
delight of the gardener.
b. The honor goes to him.
c. The fruit harvest displays the
quality and skill of the
workmanship and the health of
the vine.

16. Conclusions
• We want more fruit!
• Greater fruit means stronger
connections to the vine.
• We must pray for produce and
welcome pruning.
• This fruitfulness is for His glory.
• So ask for more fruit!

18. • I am asking God for:
– Clear, honest evaluation of my life
– Remove sin that steals vitality
– Clip out distractions or idols
– A community of friends that love
me, challenge me, influence me +
– Life that finds delight only in Him
– MORE FRUIT!

19. “Look not upon a life of holiness
as a strain and an effort, but as
the natural outgrowth of the life
of Christ within you.”
Andrew Murray