The Abiding Life - Part #3

The Abiding Life - Fruitfulness Part 3

John 15:1-17

"Abiding" is resting in our dependency in Christ & yielding to His complete control.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:13

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God ...

Philippians 2:14-15

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ

2 Corinthians 9:13

His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence

2 Peter 1:3

Now... applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and ... perseverance, and ... godliness, and ... brotherly kindness, and ... love.

2 Peter 1:5-7

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Matthew 16:24

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Matthew 16:25

I. A couple of truths about the "abiding" life:

1. I was created to know God, treasure Him and bear much fruit. Vs. 7-11

2. I was designed to enjoy this abundant life with others. Vs. 5

II. Degrees of spiritual evidence & influence:

1. No Fruit (Vs. 2)

2. Fruit (Vs. 2)

3. More Fruit (Vs. 3)

4. Much Fruit (Vs, 5, 8)

When they reached the Valley of Eshcol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs. Numbers 13:23

1 John 2:13-14 Page #1218

III. Results of Abiding in Christ & bearing abundant fruit:

1. Answered prayer. Vs. 7

John 14: 8-14, 16:17-24

2. God's name will continually be honored. Vs. 7-8, 18-21, 26-27

3. Love will increase. Vs. 9-17

4. Joy will be abundant. Vs. 11