Week of April 10, 2016
Session 6: Our Need for Purpose
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The Point:
Jesus is the vine who empowers us to live productive lives for God The Passages: John 15: 1 - 8 |
Summary:
This passage discusses another of Jesus’ “I am” statements. Jesus says, “I am the vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” “By calling Himself the true vine, Jesus established Himself as the Source of all that flows from Him through His followers.” (72) And we, his followers, are the branches. We are individuals. We are connected. But we are a part of something larger. Thank you, Lord. And as Jesus outlines our relationship with Him and His Father, he also provides us with purpose - that we are to bear fruit. But it is not that simple.
We must be productive. Jesus states that every branch that does not bear fruit will be taken away. When we do not bear fruit, when we are not visible expressions of the God’s love - we are “remove(d) from their pseudo-relationship with Jesus.” (72) Wow. It is clearly stated that our relationship with Jesus can be dramatically changed when we choose NOT to live God-fearing lives.
But there is also interesting information for the believer - for those who are fruit-bearing branches. For every branch that beareth fruit shall be purged - so that it may bring forth more fruit. When I consider purging/pruning - I imagine a cutting. But i also imagine shaping. “...God is unrelenting in shaping His people to be more and more like Jesus by continual pruning.” “ ...Change that brings us closer to Christ is always good.” (73) Even though the pruning may be painful, it will ultimately draw us closer to Christ. Unwaveringly, Jesus has stated that our relationship with God is about change. Our continual change to be more and more like Jesus - to be productive in God’s kingdom, to make a difference.
Jesus continues to give us instruction. He says “Abide in me, and I in you.” “Abide means to remain or dwell within something; it carries the idea of personal, intimate residence.” (75) Jesus tells us that we cannot bear fruit on our own, that when we abide in him we bring forth much fruit. When we abide in Jesus, we are productive and have purpose. Jesus invites us to be in a mutual and intimate relationship that results in much more. And when we abide in Him and He abides with us, “ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Wow and Amen.
He also reminds us (again) that when we do not abide in him, we can be cast aside as a branch; that we could wither away to worthlessness. This passage of scripture presents very clear options. Jesus tells us that he is the Source and that we are all connected to him. But when we fail, when we choose not to put God first in our lives and abide in Him, that we are doomed to destruction.
This passage ends by reminding us of our purpose when we abide with God. “Herein (by this) God is glorified, that we bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” We glorify God when our productive lives draw others to God - when our lives allow others to see the love, grace, and salvation that comes when we abide in Christ.
This bible study lesson is a reminder of our purpose - to love Christ, to rest and abide in His love and grace AND to purposefully live lives that allow others to see and draw closer to God.
My, Lord, thank you for the reminder that we do not live for ourselves. Our lives should glorify you. We are productive and bear fruit when we draw closer to you. Thank you, Lord. Amen
This passage discusses another of Jesus’ “I am” statements. Jesus says, “I am the vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” “By calling Himself the true vine, Jesus established Himself as the Source of all that flows from Him through His followers.” (72) And we, his followers, are the branches. We are individuals. We are connected. But we are a part of something larger. Thank you, Lord. And as Jesus outlines our relationship with Him and His Father, he also provides us with purpose - that we are to bear fruit. But it is not that simple.
We must be productive. Jesus states that every branch that does not bear fruit will be taken away. When we do not bear fruit, when we are not visible expressions of the God’s love - we are “remove(d) from their pseudo-relationship with Jesus.” (72) Wow. It is clearly stated that our relationship with Jesus can be dramatically changed when we choose NOT to live God-fearing lives.
But there is also interesting information for the believer - for those who are fruit-bearing branches. For every branch that beareth fruit shall be purged - so that it may bring forth more fruit. When I consider purging/pruning - I imagine a cutting. But i also imagine shaping. “...God is unrelenting in shaping His people to be more and more like Jesus by continual pruning.” “ ...Change that brings us closer to Christ is always good.” (73) Even though the pruning may be painful, it will ultimately draw us closer to Christ. Unwaveringly, Jesus has stated that our relationship with God is about change. Our continual change to be more and more like Jesus - to be productive in God’s kingdom, to make a difference.
Jesus continues to give us instruction. He says “Abide in me, and I in you.” “Abide means to remain or dwell within something; it carries the idea of personal, intimate residence.” (75) Jesus tells us that we cannot bear fruit on our own, that when we abide in him we bring forth much fruit. When we abide in Jesus, we are productive and have purpose. Jesus invites us to be in a mutual and intimate relationship that results in much more. And when we abide in Him and He abides with us, “ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Wow and Amen.
He also reminds us (again) that when we do not abide in him, we can be cast aside as a branch; that we could wither away to worthlessness. This passage of scripture presents very clear options. Jesus tells us that he is the Source and that we are all connected to him. But when we fail, when we choose not to put God first in our lives and abide in Him, that we are doomed to destruction.
This passage ends by reminding us of our purpose when we abide with God. “Herein (by this) God is glorified, that we bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” We glorify God when our productive lives draw others to God - when our lives allow others to see the love, grace, and salvation that comes when we abide in Christ.
This bible study lesson is a reminder of our purpose - to love Christ, to rest and abide in His love and grace AND to purposefully live lives that allow others to see and draw closer to God.
My, Lord, thank you for the reminder that we do not live for ourselves. Our lives should glorify you. We are productive and bear fruit when we draw closer to you. Thank you, Lord. Amen
Week of April 3, 2016
Session 5: Our Need for Hope
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The Point:
Jesus is the way to the Father; therefore, we can live in peace. The Passages: John 14: 1 - 7 |
Summary:
Jesus begins this passage with a very few simple, yet powerful words - “Let not your heart be troubled….” Amazing how calming those words are. Most times i don’t even remember the rest of the scripture. I just rest in Jesus said….
But there is so much more….Jesus urges us to believe / trust in him. Many believed in the Old Testament and knew of the Sovereign God; therefore, if there was already belief in God, there must also be belief in Jesus. At this point, the text is clear, that this belief is not in a presence but in a person. Jesus says “God” and “me.” Wonderful, I am believing in a person; someone i can trust; someone i can rely on. There is peace in this promise.
Jesus goes on to say that he goes to prepare a place for us. I am always struck by the word “prepare.” The care of Jesus for me is not random; he has deliberately set forth provisions for me in God’s presence. AND, he says He will come back to receive me. My Jesus is going to usher me into the presence of God. There is peace in this promise. He will come back for me. I will not be alone.
I like this next part, also. Many wonder about Thomas and his doubt. But Thomas was real, and asked all the questions that we have in our head, but choose not to ask out of fear. When Jesus said that he was preparing a place for us and the disciples knew where he was going, Thomas said (and i paraphrase), ‘No, we don’t know where you are going or how to get there.’
And Jesus provides the clarity we all need. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, …. “ Bless Jesus. In this passage, Jesus has told us 1) not to worry; 2) trust me; 3) i am preparing the way for you; and 4) follow me. My Lord. Then He says, If you’ve known me, you already know my Father - and now you know him and have seen him.
Jesus puts us at peace by answering all of our questions. Why not worry? - Because we should trust Him. We should remember that Jesus has prepared a place for us - his care for us is not random. We are not to be alone, because He has said that he will come back for us. We should remember that He is the way - the path to wonderful - if we trust, believe, and follow.
Truly, I am at peace at the very beginning of verse 1 of this passage. But if there were any doubt; the remaining scriptures are clear - trust, believe, follow. When we place our trust in God and follow His plan of salvation - there is no reason to fear - there will be peace. Amen.
NOTE: If you are reading the remaining scripture in this chapter, as many of us do, you are seeing that the discussion and lack of understanding does not stop at verse 7. But as you read, you will see that Jesus continues to teach and comfort the disciples, urging them to believe and have faith. He says that to us, too.
Jesus begins this passage with a very few simple, yet powerful words - “Let not your heart be troubled….” Amazing how calming those words are. Most times i don’t even remember the rest of the scripture. I just rest in Jesus said….
But there is so much more….Jesus urges us to believe / trust in him. Many believed in the Old Testament and knew of the Sovereign God; therefore, if there was already belief in God, there must also be belief in Jesus. At this point, the text is clear, that this belief is not in a presence but in a person. Jesus says “God” and “me.” Wonderful, I am believing in a person; someone i can trust; someone i can rely on. There is peace in this promise.
Jesus goes on to say that he goes to prepare a place for us. I am always struck by the word “prepare.” The care of Jesus for me is not random; he has deliberately set forth provisions for me in God’s presence. AND, he says He will come back to receive me. My Jesus is going to usher me into the presence of God. There is peace in this promise. He will come back for me. I will not be alone.
I like this next part, also. Many wonder about Thomas and his doubt. But Thomas was real, and asked all the questions that we have in our head, but choose not to ask out of fear. When Jesus said that he was preparing a place for us and the disciples knew where he was going, Thomas said (and i paraphrase), ‘No, we don’t know where you are going or how to get there.’
And Jesus provides the clarity we all need. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, …. “ Bless Jesus. In this passage, Jesus has told us 1) not to worry; 2) trust me; 3) i am preparing the way for you; and 4) follow me. My Lord. Then He says, If you’ve known me, you already know my Father - and now you know him and have seen him.
Jesus puts us at peace by answering all of our questions. Why not worry? - Because we should trust Him. We should remember that Jesus has prepared a place for us - his care for us is not random. We are not to be alone, because He has said that he will come back for us. We should remember that He is the way - the path to wonderful - if we trust, believe, and follow.
Truly, I am at peace at the very beginning of verse 1 of this passage. But if there were any doubt; the remaining scriptures are clear - trust, believe, follow. When we place our trust in God and follow His plan of salvation - there is no reason to fear - there will be peace. Amen.
NOTE: If you are reading the remaining scripture in this chapter, as many of us do, you are seeing that the discussion and lack of understanding does not stop at verse 7. But as you read, you will see that Jesus continues to teach and comfort the disciples, urging them to believe and have faith. He says that to us, too.
Resource:
Bible Studies for Life - Spring 2016 (Vol. 3, No.3)
KJV Adults Personal Study Guide
(c) 2015, Lifeway Christian Resources
Bible Studies for Life - Spring 2016 (Vol. 3, No.3)
KJV Adults Personal Study Guide
(c) 2015, Lifeway Christian Resources