1. Disciples Bear Fruit Jn. 15:1-11

2. Israel Was God’s Vine “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; For righteousness, but behold weeping” (Is. 5:7). “For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; For righteousness, but behold weeping” (Is. 5:7). “Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality. How then have you turned before Me into the degenerate plant of an alien vine?” (Jer. 2:21). “Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality. How then have you turned before Me into the degenerate plant of an alien vine?” (Jer. 2:21).

3. God Blessed Israel “What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?” (Is. 5:4). “What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes?” (Is. 5:4). Instead of justice – oppression; instead of righteousness – unrighteousness. Instead of justice – oppression; instead of righteousness – unrighteousness. Rejected the Owner’s Son, Mt. 21:33-45. Rejected the Owner’s Son, Mt. 21:33-45.

4. The Present Vine – Christ, Jn. 15 He is the True Vine (v. 1) – the original, not a substitute, or imitation.He is the True Vine (v. 1) – the original, not a substitute, or imitation. Compare other figures: Compare other figures: Head and body – Eph. 1:22,23 Head and body – Eph. 1:22,23 Bride and bridegroom – Eph. 5:25-33 Bride and bridegroom – Eph. 5:25-33 Shepherd and sheep – Jn. 10:11,12 Shepherd and sheep – Jn. 10:11,12 (Responsibilities of union in each) (Responsibilities of union in each)

5. The Branches Are not: denominations, nor churches of Christ – but individual believers (vs. 5,6). Are not: denominations, nor churches of Christ – but individual believers (vs. 5,6). A branch alone is weak; draws its life and strength from the vine. A branch alone is weak; draws its life and strength from the vine. Key word – abide (ten times) – keep in fellowship with Him to produce fruit! Key word – abide (ten times) – keep in fellowship with Him to produce fruit!

6. The Fruit Not: becoming a Christian (Jn. 12:23,24 the dying process, Rom. 6:3-8); just attending and studying (that’s feed time, nor fruit-bearing), nor just living a good life. Not: becoming a Christian (Jn. 12:23,24 the dying process, Rom. 6:3-8); just attending and studying (that’s feed time, nor fruit-bearing), nor just living a good life. It takes a living organism to produce fruit (a machine can produce results – not fruit) It takes a living organism to produce fruit (a machine can produce results – not fruit) Branches do not eat the fruit – others do. Branches do not eat the fruit – others do. “The lips of the righteous feed many…” (Prov. 10:21) “The lips of the righteous feed many…” (Prov. 10:21)

7. How We Bear Fruit Holiness in life, Rom. 6:22 Holiness in life, Rom. 6:22 Benevolent help, Rom. 15:26-28 Benevolent help, Rom. 15:26-28 Christian character, Gal. 5:22-25 Christian character, Gal. 5:22-25 Worship to God, Heb. 13:15 Worship to God, Heb. 13:15 Leading others to Christ, Rom. 1:13-15 Leading others to Christ, Rom. 1:13-15 Not every branch produces a bumper crop – but where there is life, there is fruit! Not every branch produces a bumper crop – but where there is life, there is fruit!

8. Branches Are Pruned Owners invest time in training pruners where to cut, how much to cut and even what angle to cut. Owners invest time in training pruners where to cut, how much to cut and even what angle to cut. If branches could talk – they would say the process hurts! We may not enjoy it, but we need it. If branches could talk – they would say the process hurts! We may not enjoy it, but we need it. Heb. 12:5-11; 2 Cor. 12:8-10 Heb. 12:5-11; 2 Cor. 12:8-10

9. Conclusion As branches in the vine – we have the privilege of fellowship with Christ and the responsibility of bearing fruit. As branches in the vine – we have the privilege of fellowship with Christ and the responsibility of bearing fruit. If we do not – we will be cut off and thrown into the fire (Jn. 15:6). If we do not – we will be cut off and thrown into the fire (Jn. 15:6). 1 Jn. 2:24 – “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” 1 Jn. 2:24 – “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”