Connect
Notes
Transcript
BMCU BSU Connect Retreat
John 15:1-8.
ETS: Jesus urged the disciples to remain connected to Him that they might produce fruit consistent of Him.
ESS: We need to remain connected to Jesus in order to produce fruit of Him.
OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to commit to remain connected to Jesus even amidst busyness of life.}
PQ: What is the sequential parts of this passage?
UW: Parts
Intro.: [AGS]: Recently, I was listening to a podcast, and I was impacted by this agricultural truth about vines and branches: “Branches need only one thing to survive: connection to a vine.” However, the podcast further explained this, “All branches need to survive is connection to a vine. However, unless they have a trellis, a wooden stick holding them up, the branches will carry weight they weren’t meant to carry, and they will spend their whole lives fighting an uphill battle they were never meant to fight.” The podcast speaker went on to add that there is obviously zero life in the trellis- its purpose is only to provide support and structure. The life is in the vine. [1] {TS}: Jesus urged the disciples to remain connected to Him so they might produce fruit consistent of His disciples. [RS]: As believers today, there is so much tugging at our time, attention, and devotion. We need to be careful that we are prioritizing connection with the Father through Jesus, the Vine. This is the only way we are going to produce any lasting impact or effect for the Kingdom while on the earth.
TS: Let us examine now the sequential parts of this passage:
The first part of the Passage is Jesus setting the stage. [vv. 1-3]
God is the source- gardener
Jesus is the true vine. One of His more bold “I AM” statements.
The second part of the Passage is Jesus giving instruction. [vv. 4-5a]
The instruction given is simply this: REMAIN in me!
The third part of the Passage is Jesus communicating the goal of the instruction. [vv. 5b-8]
The goal of the instruction to remain in Jesus is this: that we might produce much fruit. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing of worth for the Kingdom of God.
The evidence of our connection is the fruit produced in our lives. Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that God’s purpose for our salvation is that we have fellowship with Him and that live out the purpose He has set for our lives. Ephesians 2:8-10 “8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.”
CONCLUSION:
As we transition for a time of discussion together- think about the trellis imagery- what structure do you have that promotes healthy connection with the True Vine, Jesus?
Do you have scheduled, intentional, prioritized times to commune with God?
Do you protect this time from distractions, tasks, and other stuff that may hinder the connection?
Consulted Sources:
Hosanna Wong, “I have a New Name” on The Grove Podcast recorded March 1, 2023. (Atlanta, GA: Passion City Church, 2023).