Lessons from the Vine,
By Dr. Calvin Ray Evans
John 15:1-16
Introduction: The words spoken by the Savior to His disciples in this chapter teaches all of us more about the relationship we have with Him. They move from a place of recognition as servants to a position of friends. We need to be reminded occasionally that Christianity is more than a title. It is a personal relationship “in Christ.” Here are a few lessons the Master taught us about our standing in Him.
- We can not do what only He can do! He is the vine – we are the branch (vs.5). The source of all power and blessings is the vine, Christ. We are blessed branches because we are connected to a blessed vine. Our salvation, healing, hope, promises, deliverance and future is in the vine. We can’t save, heal, prosper or promote ourselves. The life we have comes from the vine.
- All we have to do is stay connected! Once we experience the blessed kingdom connection by the grafting process, all we need to focus on is the vine. He will provide everything we need if we are connected to Him (vs. 4).
- Don’t waste your time trying to fix what doesn’t work! “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away…” (vs. 2). We spend too much time trying to bless the things the Lord has cursed. If it is not fruitful, He will remove it from our life. We are not the “police of the world” and should not try to stand in like a substitute teacher for the Lord. He sees and knows that which is not spiritual prosperous. So let Him do His work and let us not attempt to do the things only God can do!
- You can be a good branch, connected to a good vine, produce good fruit and then lose it! What a powerful thought the even the blessed can be purged. He said, “…and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (vs. 2) We love it when the times of addition in our life but hate the blessed subtractions. We seldom pray, “ Lord make me better!” We would rather pray, “Lord make me bigger!”
- You may not look good when He purges us but remember He still has a plan for you. We have to trust the Lord when we can’t trace Him. We can not hold on to that which the Lord wants to take in order to make us better. So have faith in Him when you seem to be going backwards instead of forward. Quit trying so hard to keep something that God wants to cut out of your life. You won’t get anything else until you are willing to let the Lord have His way in your life!
- Greater power is given to survivors! Like it or not, the Word of God teaches us there more blessings bestowed on those that pass the test. Those individuals who have learned to shout through their tears, dance in their pain and endure hardships. After you go through the time of purging, you receive more fruit and fruit that remains. Those people who overcome their hurt feelings and go back to church anyway. Those loved ones that rise above their embarrassing family problems and still praise the Lord in time of agony. To these people that persevere the Lord says, “…that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (vs. 16).
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