2026 THEME: Still the ONE!
Title: SEVEN
Scripture: John 15:1-11
February 22, 2026
Invited to Abide
John MacArthur – “Just as a branch depends entirely on the vine for life, sustenance, growth and fruit,so
believers depend completely on the divine Lord [Jesus] as the source of their spiritual life and effect.
And just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it is connected to the vine,
so believers cannot bear fruit apart from their life-giving union with Christ.”
THREE SYMBOLS of Jesus’s Metaphor:
Jesus is the (VINE) [v.5 and v.1]
The Father is the (VINE DRESSER) [v.1-2]
Disciples of Jesus are the (BRANCHES) [v.4-11]
What is the responsibility of the branch? The command here is not to (produce fruit)!
The command here is (ABIDE).
What kind of fruit grows on the abiding branches?
1. The (fruit of the Spirit) [Galatians 5]
2. (Praise) offered to God [Hebrews 13:15 ESV]
3. (Sacrificial love) that meets the (needs of others) [Romans 15:28]
4. (Holy, righteous and God-honoring) living [Matt 3:8, Eph 5:9, Col 1:10]
5. New (converts) who come to Jesus [John 4:35-41]
All fruit-bearing comes from abiding. The vine is the source. NO Abide = NO Fruit.
