March 23, 2025
Fruit Doesn’t Come from Force
We live in a world that tells us to hustle. So what do we do with a Savior who tells us to abide?
John 15:1-11
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” –John 15:5
What does it mean to abide?
Abiding sounds peaceful until you realize it means pruning, pressure, and staying when it’s hard.
Common misunderstandings of abiding
1. Abiding is something I have to work really hard at.
2. Abiding is just about personal devotion time.
3. If I don’t feel close to God, I must not be abiding.
4. Abiding means my life will always be peaceful and easy.
5. Abiding is a solo thing — just “me and Jesus.”
6. If I’m abiding, I’ll always see fruit right away.
7. Abiding means I can just “let go and let God.”
8. Abiding is just about my spiritual life, not my whole life.
Abiding isn’t about trying. It’s about trusting.
Stay connected
Stay surrendered
Stay faithful
The Vine and the Branches
Jesus is the true vine who gives us life, not just an example.
He’s not a tool to help you grow. He is the source of growth.
In the Old Testament, Israel was often called a vine (Psalm 80:8-9; Isaiah 27:2-6; Hosea 10:1; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 15:1-8; Isaiah 5:1-7). But now Jesus says, “I am the true vine.”
The Vine and the Branches
He’s not replacing Israel; He’s fulfilling what Israel never could.
He’s not just the vine instead of you; He’s the vine for you.
Trust in Jesus, not your own strength, for salvation, sanctification, healing, and working for the Kingdom.
Pruning
God removes what doesn’t bear fruit.
If you allow pruning, it produces something better.
Sometimes it’s behavior, sometimes it’s attitude, every time it’s pride. (Hebrews 12:5–6; Hebrews 12:10–11; Proverbs 3:11-12)
Fruit
Not the result of force, but of connection.
You don’t grow by trying harder.
Fruit doesn’t come from force; it comes from faith.
“When the Helper comes … he will bear witness about me.” –John 15:26
The Helper
The Holy Spirit empowers us to abide in Christ.
We don’t do it alone; we do it by His presence within us.
Jesus is the true vine: our mediator, our source of righteousness, our life and our love.
To abide in Him is to remain connected to the One who already holds you.
Want to be a fruitful disciple?
Stop forcing it.
Start trusting Him.
Abiding isn’t about trying. It’s about trusting.
Trust the Lord. Listen to the Helper. Do what Jesus did.
Fruit doesn’t come from force. It comes from faith.
