John 15: I am the True Vine

1. According to our text, will every true Christian bear (some) good fruit?
Scriptures to consider: James 2:14-26, Galatians 5:23, Romans 8:29, Phil. 1:6

2. Do you recognize areas in your life where you have drifted into self-reliance? What are some examples of what this looks like? What do we believe about God in those moments of self-reliance?

3. What does it mean to attach ourselves to “false vines”? Why do we attach ourselves to false vines? What do we think these false vines will give us? What are some things that fight for your affections, desires, thoughts, wants, etc, more than Christ?
Scriptures to consider: Jeremiah 2:11-13, James 1:14-15 and 4:1-3.

4. How do we recognize or identify these “things” that fight for our affections more than Christ, that hinder our relationship with Christ? We must be honest with ourselves and ask two questions; Am I willing to sin to get something I want? Am I willing to sin if I don’t get something I want?

Example: A young man wants to get married and have a family. This is a good desire. Hypothetically, if this man claims to be a Christian and begins a relationship with a non-Christian and is willing to marry her, he is willing to sin to get what he wants. In other words, his “good” desire to be a husband and father has turned into a “must”, “need”, or “have to” which results in him making a sinful decision. He’s willing to compromise his obedience to God in order to fulfill his wants.

5. All Christians should expect to be refined, why?
Scriptures to consider: James 1:2-4, Phil. 1:6, Rom. 8:28-29.