Abiding in Christ

Abiding in Christ
Christ Proclamation Church
John 15:1-17
Sunday, September 6, 2015

Sermon Theme: True believers abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, for apart from Him they can bear no eternal fruit; and this union, which originates with Christ, is sealed by His death on their behalf, and is completed by the believers’ response of love, obedience, and abundant joy.

I.      Abide in the True Vine – (John 15:1-8)

          A.     Introduction to Vine Analogy – (John 15:1)

          B.     Function of the Vinedresser – (John 15:2, 6)
                    1.    Authority to Remove Branches – (John 15:2a, 6)
                    2.    Authority to Prune Branches – (John 15:2b)

          C.     Description of Abiding in Christ – (John 15:3-5)

          D.     Connection to the Word and Prayer – (John 15:7-8)

II.    Abide in Christ's Love – (John 15:9-10, 12-17)

          A.     Flows from God's Love for Us – (John 15:9)

          B.     Results in Keeping God's Commands – (John 15:10, 12-15)
                    1.    Condition of Obedience – (John 15:10)
                    2.    Summarized by Love – (John 15:12-15)

          C.     Connection to Prayer – (John 15:16-17)

III.   Fullness of Joy Found in Christ – (John 15:11)