Life in the Vine

I am the vine.  You are the branches.  And if a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit.  Apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15: 1-8

Four questions that our Lord might ask as it relates to his teachings on the vine.

1. Where is your strength-home?

In the good times as well as the weak times, where is your strength coming from?  Home is where we go for protection, for strength, for rest, for laughter, for nourishment, for love. 

The word that is used by Jesus, it is sometimes translated remain as it is in the text I have read.  Other times, abide.  But it is a word that means to take up residence.  It is a homey word.

If you will make me your first home, if you will abide in me, if you will remain in me, I can give you the strength to get through the good times,I can give you the strength to get through the weak times.

2.  Who or what do you expect to lift you up when you are down?

Vs 1-2 I am the true vine and my father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it may be more fruitful.

He cuts off.  There is not much mercy and grace there.  I do not think thats what Jesus meant. 

* In the language of the New Testament is the word airo. 
* It means, basically, to lift up or to take up.

3. Have you pruned anything out of your life lately?

Listen to this.  I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Trim off the suckers that take away Gods time.

What have you pruned out of your life lately.  Or is it so full that all you can see is the leaves and the fruit bearing does not take place?

4. What is it that is giving glory to God? 

Vs. 8 This is that it may be to the Fathers glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourself to be my disciples.

Are you bringing Glory to God by bearing Fruit?