That You May Believe - Week 19
RECAP
John 15:2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Since Jesus is speaking to those that are following Him in this text, namely His disciples, then how secure are you in your relationship with Him? Allow me to explain the question a little further. If the branches are us and Jesus is the vine (verse 1), then He takes away the branches that do not yield fruit. So, for a moment, let's address the insecurity that you may feel in this verse and the insecurity you have dealt with for years when it comes to Jesus.
Are you secure in your relationship with Him? Are you secure in your salvation? If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, then are you fearful that if you produce too many sour grapes, it will bankrupt your grace account (as if one exists). Can I lose my salvation?
First, can we address the last question, can I lose my salvation? Should we not be asking the question, what are the ways in which I can grow in Christ in light of His great mercy and grace for me. Are we looking for justification, or is this a mark indicting great insecurity in our relationship with Christ? Let’s be clear about one thing; the assurance that you seek is not based on your decision to follow Christ, nor is it based on your ability to sustain a relationship with Him. Your continued relationship with Christ is founded and sustained on His graciousness and faithfulness, not yours.
The statement on John 15:2 is much more about your rejection of Christ than Him ever rejecting you. Jesus never allows us to escape His love for us, even in the moments that we reject Him. He does prune us as we follow him, but what is He pruning. He is pruning away our insecurity, which is based on our leaning into ourselves and not leaning into Him. Our security and insecurity are founded on whom we are trusting in.
Are you trusting in your own ability and self-will? If so, then you are playing the part of the vine and not the branch. Our track record tells us that will never work, thus, insecurity? There is rest knowing that we are not the vine, but we are branches totally dependent on the vine for life.
Scripture
John 15:1-11
Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:6
Ephesians 1:13
Philippians 3:9
2 Corinthians 5:21
Romans 8:1
Let's Chat
Let's keep the conversation going. Use the following questions to discuss with your family, friends, or discussion group.
1. What does God what me to know?
My insecurity is founded on not seeing Him as He really is. He is the vine, and I am not.
2. What does God want me to do?
Abide in Him, which means that we engage Him through knowledge, prayer, generosity, and make Him known to others. Keep our eyes on Him!
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