John 15:4, 5 - Abiding in Jesus Produces Fruit.
John 15:4, 5 (ESV) Abide in me, and I in
you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself,
unless it abides in the vine, neither can you,
unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the
branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is
that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can
do nothing.
John 15:4, 5 (MSG) Live in me. Make your
home in me just as I do in you. In the same way
that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but
only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear
fruit unless you are joined with me. I am the
Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined
with me and I with you, the relation intimate and
organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.
Separated, you can't produce a thing.
COMMENTARY PEARL
A friend who worked overseas in the
Middle East recently returned home. When he visited
our family, he gave us a box of dates - those
sweet brown, fleshy fruits of the palm tree. They
were delicious.
Fruit has always been a refreshing and
desirable staple in the Middle East. But in Jesuss
day, a tree full of fruit was a blessing and a
sign of prosperity. The purpose of the tree was
to provide its owner with sustenance, wealth,
and the ability to plant more trees. When Jesus
was hungry and saw a fig tree by the side of the
road, He was more than frustrated when He
couldnt find any fruit. The fig tree was not
fulfilling its purpose. It was a disappointment. What
use is a tree without any fruit? Not much. It is
the same when it comes to us bearing spiritual
fruit.
Jesuss purpose for me is to bear
spiritual fruit - to become an outpouring of His love
to those around me. When I remain in Jesus,
when I depend on Him daily and rely on His grace,
Im able to serve people using the spiritual
gifts, talents, and abilities that Hes given me.
I can be Jesuss instrument of healing to
those who are hurting. I can refresh others who
are in need. Instead of being a fruitless
disappointment, I can encourage others. As I allow Jesus to
work in and through me, I should bear fruit
naturally. I want to abide in Jesus, the vine, so I can
be fruitful and useful, bringing life to all
those around me. by Marlene Legaspi-Munar
Faith Step: List your talents, skills,
and expertise. Identify ways you can use them to
help your community or serve in your church. When
you see an opportunity, offer to help. [Mornings
With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
John 15:4, 5 - The Crucial and Vital
Relationship With Christ:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170915-0913.html
James 2:17 - Faith and Works:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20161216-2029.html
James 1:22 - Living the Word:
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200421-0954.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio (currently live):
https://bible.awr.org/the-warning/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug
Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657