Scripture:
John 15:1-17
Fri, 14 April 2023

Applying the Truth

Observation:

How does a Christian disciple grow in dependence on God and fruit bearing
(e.g. love, joy, etc.)? What will that growth process entail?

Deeper Reflection
Verse 1 is the final “I am” saying of Jesus, where He declared that He was the true vine. In the Old Testament, the vine and vineyard metaphors were often used to represent Israel, which was chosen as a covenant people, planted and tended by God to bear fruit, but failed to do so (e.g. Psa 80:8-19; Isa 5:1-7). In stark contrast, Jesus is the true vine in that He fulfilled God’s purpose for ancient Israel and produces genuine fruit. An important point of Jesus’ teaching is that believers are to live in union with Christ (“Abide in Me, and I in you”, v.4). Otherwise, we will be like unfruitful branches, rendered useless and discarded.There are three interlocking exhortations by our Lord in this text: (1) Abide in Christ (vv.4-7); (2) Abide in Christ’s words19 (v.7); and (3) Abide in Christ’s love (vv.9-10). Common to abiding in Christ and abiding in His love is obedience to Christ’s words (vv.7, 10). The results of obedience to our Lord’s commandments is the assurance of answered prayers, much fruitfulness, glory to the Father and proof that we are authentic disciples (vv.7-8). Tremendously precious too are the promises that we will dwell in the love of the Son (v.10), possess the fullness of joy (v.11) and be called a friend of our Lord (v.14).Let us be a church family that seeks to follow Christ and become more like Him. Can you imagine what our lives will be like if we faithfully apply the truths that we have gleaned from the Bible? Let us press in for greater fruitfulness in the days ahead!
19 And the corollary will be true: Christ’s words abide in us.
Application:

In what areas of my life do I need to grow in obedience to God and love for
Him and His people? What will I do to grow in these areas?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for SGI leaders: To mature in Christ-like character and develop greater capacity to care for their CG members and lead them to grow spiritually
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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