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Growing-Deeper-John-_-The-Explicit-Gospe-57.pdf

Sermon study guide for next-level growth.

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Sermon Overview

This Sunday, we explored John 15:9-17, where Jesus teaches His disciples about remaining connected to Him as the true vine. This passage, spoken just hours before His crucifixion, reveals that believers who abide in Christ rest in His love and will bear lasting fruit. The concept of "abiding" (meno in Greek) is less about frantic action and more about position—staying, dwelling, and resting in constant communion with Jesus. We discovered that Christianity isn't about pedaling harder in our own strength, but about remaining connected to the vine and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us what we could never accomplish on our own.

Sermon Series: 
John: The Explicit Gospel
Abiding in Christ
Key Passage:  John 15:9-17

Key Takeaways

  1. Believers who abide in Christ rest in His love and will bear lasting fruit.
  2. Understanding "Abide" - The Greek word "meno" means to dwell, stay, or remain. Abiding is less about action and more about position—staying connected to Jesus like branches to a vine.
  3. Two Essential Components: Abiding involves both:
    1. Resting in Christ's love
    2. Obeying His commands (these work in tandem)
  4. Five Fruits of Abiding:
    1. Obedience
    2. Joy (especially through trials)
    3. Sacrificial love for others
    4. Friendship with Christ
    5. Provision from God

Discussion Questions

  1. Pastor Nick emphasized that "abiding is less about action and more about position." What does this mean? How does this challenge or encourage you?
  2. Jesus says, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (v. 5). How does this truth humble us? How does it actually free us?
  3. Pastor Nick mentioned that we often remember we're "justified by grace" and will be "glorified by grace," but forget we're also "sanctified by grace." Why do you think we struggle to rest in God's grace for our daily Christian life?
  4. Look at verses 9-10. How are love and obedience connected? Why can't we have one without the other?
  5. Jesus says His joy may be in us and our joy may be "full" or "complete" (v. 11). How is Christian joy different from happiness? Can you share a time when you experienced joy even in difficult circumstances?
  6. Verse 13 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." How does understanding Christ's sacrificial love for us change how we love others?
  7. Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (v. 16). How does knowing you were chosen by God affect your sense of identity and purpose?
  8. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your current "abiding" in Christ? What evidence of fruit do you see (or not see) in your life right now?
  9. The sermon mentioned that "it takes a lot of work to rest." What distracts you from abiding in Christ? What practical steps could you take to create space for remaining in Him?

Further Study

  1. Read 1 John 3:16-24 and 1 John 4:19-21 for additional insight from the same author
  2. Consider reading: Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray
  3. Reflect on the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians 1:6 about God completing His work in you