John 15:1-17
What to say about this passage? It's pretty tough to interpret, that's for sure!
This was spoken to the disciples. In that way, I believe it is targeted towards professing believers.
From v4-v5: You must abide in Jesus, you will not be able to bear fruit unless in working through the power of Jesus.
We are branches, he is the vine. We are connected in that way. You cannot bear fruit if you are not connected to the vine (v.5). For those that bear a little fruit, He will prune you to bear more fruit. Those that bear much fruit remain in Him, and He in them. And for those that bear no fruit, they will be picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (I don't think this is particularly about losing salvation, rather it's saying that if you don't bear fruit, you are useless to Him.)
But what is this fruit we speak of? Is it the qualities of a good and moral life?
Is it bringing people to Christ? The fruit is for the Father's glory (v.8), and it is to be fruit that last (v.16). I see it as the external actions of an internal connection with God. The vine supports the branches. You don't see how the branches draw water and nourishment from the vine, but it does. The healthy relationship with the vine is marked by fruit produced on the branches. Similarly, a healthy relationship with Christ will bear external fruit.
I challenge you guys to abide in Christ. Let His will be the first thought in your mind each morning and the last prayer before you go to sleep.
-Richard Chong
1 comment:
Good passage. My take on v.6 is that it is addressed to believers, but in a way that's kinda like a warning. That if you don't remain in me (such as.. living a life that pretty much NOT Christian, etc), then you're just the same as a non-Christian. For if you were, you would live the life of a Christian. But because you're not, then are you really Christian then? I take v.6 as a warning.
But nonetheless, I like the passage and the emphasis on keeping God as the center of our lives and that Jesus once again is a personal Savior. And that it's our duty to love one another, the compassion of a Christian.
Brian Yee -> rbk (6,1)
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