Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on April 25, 2021
Passage: John 15:1-10
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike concluded our “Jesus” series by showing us what it means to abide in Jesus, the True Vine. In the message, Mike explained how Jesus instructed His disciples to maintain close, nourishing fellowship with Him. We fellowship closely with Jesus when we are Resting in His Grace, Trusting in His Pruning, Obeying His Word, Praying in His Will, and Loving Other People.
Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, or challenged you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Have you ever picked and eaten fresh strawberries or other fruit straight from the vine? How does the taste differ from what you sometimes experience from store bought fruit? Why is it different? What lessons can you draw from this as it relates to spiritual fruit that comes out of your life?
LET’S GO DEEPER
Let’s taking a deeper look at each of the habits that will keep us closer in fellowship with Jesus so that we continually draw from His nourishing power.
1. In John 15:3, Jesus told His disciples this reassuring and calming truth: “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” Jesus told them that they were already clean/pruned/perfected in Christ because they had believed the message about Himself Jesus wanted them to rest in that truth and not be worried about their acceptance into His kingdom. They were already accepted!
How does this truth affect how you live daily?
In Galatians 5:13, what warning does Paul issue about the forgiveness and freedom we have in Christ?
2. In John 15:2, Jesus told His disciples that the spiritual growth process would be painful at times: “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Think about some of the painful experiences in your life (whether brought on by your own poor choices or not). How have those experiences resulted in more spiritual fruit in your life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).
In James 1:2-4, what does James say about the difficult experiences in our lives and how God uses them?
3. In John 15:10, Jesus told His followers that keeping His commands would keep them close in fellowship with Him. Think about it this way. What do children instinctively do when they disobey their parents? Do they want to hang out more with their parents or do they want to hide from their parents and keep their behavior a secret?
How does this relate to our relationship with God?
4. In John 15:7, Jesus told His disciples to pray for whatever they wanted as long as His words were resting in their hearts and minds. Do you think this verse tells us that God is like a giant genie in the sky who grants every wish we command? In what way does His truth inform your prayers?
In Luke 22:41-43, how does Jesus demonstrate the manner in which we should pray?
Why does Jesus tell us to ask for anything if God won’t give us everything we ask for?
5. In John 15:11-13, Jesus tells His disciples that they will have maximum joy when they are showing love for others. How has giving and serving others brought more joy into your life than selfish thinking and acting? One way to keep our priorities in check is the acronym JOY which stands for Jesus, Others, then You – in that order. How well are you keeping these priorities in order in your own life? What adjustments might you need to make this week in order to experience the joy of abiding in Jesus?
TAKE IT HOME
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
