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
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
Editor's Notes
G CAMPBELLMORGANThe value of the union with Christ (vv. 7-8)The nature of the union with Christ (v. 10)The purpose of the union with Christ (v.11)The law of the union with Christ (v.12)
“It is no cheerless barren existence that Jesus plans for His people. … 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, 673-74