Abiding Fruit

Founders Note: Today on the blog we have are monthly contributor Victoria, she is sharing her heart on this month's theme Abiding in Christ. You can find out more about Victoria and her blog on are about page. 

John 15 is basically the Christian life in a nutshell. In this short chapter, we learn that:

* God is the vinedresser (15:1)

* We are made clean by the word of Christ (15:3)

* Christ is the vine and we are the branches (15:5)

* We can only bear fruit by abiding in Christ (15: 4 – 7 and 16)

* Branches that do not bear fruit are taken away (15:2 and 6)

* Branches that bear fruit are pruned so that they will bear more fruit for the glory of God (15: 2, 8, and 16)

It is quite simple. For the Christian, abiding in Christ is not optional. We either do or we do not. If we abide in Christ we will bear fruit. God will prune us and we will bear more fruit.

The fruit we are to bear is obedience to Christ and can only be accomplished by abiding with Christ. In our own life, the fruit that we bear will result in more abiding with Christ, joy in Christ, more love for one another, proof of our discipleship, and God being glorified. As we go through life abiding in Christ, He will lead us to pray for those around us and lead them to God.

If you are wondering what abiding with Christ is, I’ll direct you towards a study of the life of Christ and specifically how He abided with the Father. Read the Gospels and begin to walk in the life that you have been saved to live.

Let’s close with the words of Jesus Christ from John 15:16-17,

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Like He did with the Great Commission, Christ again calls His people into a life of obedience and evangelism.

For the glory of God, the sake of your soul, the people around you, and your joy – abide in Christ!